Assistive Technology Trainer - CATT

Candidates who are Blind or Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as federal laws permit.  Information related to disability is not required and, if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.
 

Position:                  CATT Trainer

Department:          CATT, Special Projects

Location:                 Decatur, Alabama

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.

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 a CATT Specialist, you will deliver training and instruction to educators, students, and parents on the implementation and utilization of assistive technology for individuals who are Blind or have Low Vision. You will keep current on advances in assistive technology, coordinate and facilitate specialized training events, and provide direct support to students in the Part-B educational setting. Operating under the direction of the Program Director, you will collaborate extensively with the CATT team, Outreach Coordinators, Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), and other statewide, regional, and national partners.

ABOUT YOU

You are a highly professional, self-motivated educator who excels at working independently and demonstrates a high level of productivity and organizational agility. You are comfortable presenting to large audiences at conferences, managing complex training logistics, and maintaining comprehensive reporting data. You bring a collaborative spirit, excellent communication skills, and the physical capability to transport and set up assistive technology equipment across various educational settings.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Qualifications

• Education & Certifications: Must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in Visual Impairment OR a Bachelor's degree or higher in Special Education with a formal certification/endorsement in Visual Impairment.
• Licensure: Must hold a valid Alabama Teaching Certificate, or hold a valid teaching certification in another state and obtain Alabama reciprocity within six (6) months of your hire date.
• Direct Service Experience: Proven professional experience providing direct services and instructional support to students with vision loss/blindness in a PK-12 setting.
• Assistive Technology Experience: Demonstrated professional experience in the utilization of assistive technology for individuals with vision loss/blindness, with specific expertise serving students in a Part-B educational setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public Speaking & Training: Experience delivering professional development, presenting at regional/national conferences, or coordinating large-scale technology training events.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Instruction & Training

• Assistive Technology Training: Provide direct training and instruction to educators, students, and parents surrounding the implementation and practical utilization of assistive technology for the Blind/Low Vision.
• Training Event Coordination: Coordinate and facilitate structured training events focused on the use of assistive technology equipment and software accessible to students who are Blind/Low Vision.
• Best Practices: Maintain an expert, working knowledge of evidence-based best practices in teaching students who are blind or visually impaired in the school setting.
• Instructional Recommendations: Keep current on technological advances and make appropriate recommendations for new assistive devices/software that will benefit CATT programs and consumers.

Administration & Observation

• Professionalism: Consistently demonstrate a high level of professionalism across all settings in which the CATT program is represented, including training sessions, conferences, and public-school systems.
• Filing & Data Systems: Maintain an organized filing and data collection system for state/federal reporting, materials requests, and training inquiries.
• Reporting & Compliance: Prepare and submit accurate records and reports pertaining to rendered services to the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), AIDB, the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), and the US Department of Education (DOE).
• Scheduling: Demonstrate efficient scheduling and calendar practices, both individually and in a collaborative team setting.
• Meetings: Attend and actively participate in all scheduled meetings for CATT and any other meetings requested by the Program Director.
• Code of Ethics: Observe and strictly uphold the Code of Ethics of the teaching profession.

Outreach & Development

• Partner Collaboration: Effectively collaborate with the CATT team, Outreach Coordinators, Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, APH project partners, and CATT partner locations.
• Public Relations & Presenting: Represent the program and present at conferences, workshops, and other educational activities that include large audiences.
• Communication: Maintain highly effective, clear, and timely communication via email, phone, and other professional modes as needed.

Professional Development and Certifications

• Ongoing Staff Development: Attend workshops, conferences, and other professional staff development activities to maintain competency.
• Schedule & Travel Flexibility: Must be able to travel locally, regionally, and nationally on a regular basis (at the discretion of the Program Director) and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Fleet Eligibility: May be required to have a current Alabama Driver's License and be able to be covered by the AIDB insurance carrier.
• Physical Demands: Must be able to lift, carry, deliver, and set up/break down assistive technology equipment and other related devices for training and demonstration purposes.

Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Salary:                                                Scale: GI-IB (Bachelors)

                                                            Scale: GI-IA (MA-Class A)

                                                            Scale: GI-II (AA Certification)                               

230 days

This is an exempt position and is not subject to overtime and/or compensatory time provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Benefits: 

• Health, dental, and vision insurance available
• Teachers Retirement System (TRS)
• Deferred compensation options available

• Paid time off