Assistive Technology Instructor - Alabama School for the Blind

Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential.

Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Assistive Technology Specialist / Instructor, you will deliver comprehensive assistive technology services to students and consumers who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, and/or deafblind. This critical role involves performing technical assessments, completing onsite evaluations, managing installations, providing technical support, and offering individualized training. You will design, adapt, and implement instructional modules across key assistive software platforms. Operating in a collaborative model, you will partner closely with the Alabama School for the Blind (ASB) Braille Instructor and other educational stakeholders to ensure seamless accessibility and workforce/academic readiness.
 

ABOUT YOU

You are a highly communicative and tech-savvy specialist with a strong passion for leveling the playing field for individuals with sensory loss. You are deeply committed to professional growth, possessing the capability to earn specialized certifications in assistive technology and Braille transcription. This will be accomplished as you display excellent interpersonal skills, exercise individual initiative, and demonstrate the organizational agility to travel and work flexible hours to meet the unique needs of our students.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. 

• Platform Certifications: Must hold certifications—or be able to obtain them within eighteen (18) months of hire—on the following essential software platforms: JAWS, ZoomText, and NVDA.

• Specialized Credentials: Must hold or be able to obtain a recognized certification in the area of Assistive Technology within twenty-four (24) months of hire.

• Must meet suitability/background requirements for employment 

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Instruction & Training

• Assistive Technology Services: Perform comprehensive assistive technology services, including individual student assessments, onsite technical evaluations, technology training, and system installations.

• Adaptive Braille Instruction: Actively learn Braille, demonstrating instructional literacy to assist students with unified communications and digital tactile outputs.

• Collaborative Support: Work collaboratively with the ASB Braille instructor to align tactile literacy and assistive software objectives.

• Communication: Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively through interpersonal, verbal, and written channels.

Administration & Observation

• Technical Support: Troubleshoot hardware and software systems, providing prompt, effective technical support and adjustments for student and consumer devices.

• Reporting & Tracking: Document student assessments, evaluate progress, and manage individual learning outcomes to support IEP/program goals.

Outreach & Development

• Onsite Visits: Conduct travel for scheduled onsite visits to evaluate hardware setups, verify technical installation safety, and deliver training in diverse settings.

• Professional Collaboration: Partner with multidisciplinary staff, families, and community stakeholders to promote assistive technology awareness and digital independence.

Professional Development and Certifications

• Braille Transcription: Must learn Braille, including successfully becoming a National Library of Congress certified Braille Transcriptionist within the first thirty-six (36) months of employment.

• O&M Training: Successfully complete Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training within twelve (12) months of hire.

• Schedule Flexibility: Maintain the willingness and capability to work a variety of hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate student and consumer needs.

• Travel and Transport: Must be willing and able to travel to appointments, maintaining a valid driver's license and staying eligible for coverage under AIDB's fleet policy.