Professional Development Programs

We believe that when you combine eager learners with marketable skills, you find magic. Our approach is simple: Empower blind and visually impaired individuals to be efficient and proficient in the most widely used business software systems in the world while creating an inclusive environment, lasting professional relationships, and confidence to ensure continued success.

Assistive Technology Training

 

Assistive Technology Training empowers individuals of any technology skill level to fully engage in our technological world. This flexible course offers training on each user’s choice of assistive technologies and office applications. ATT courses are customized to a student’s starting skill level, learning style, and goals. Commonly covered topics include:

JAWS

NVDA

ZoomText

Narrator

Magnifier

Talkback

Voiceover

Zoom

Bluetooth Devices

Braille Devices

Braille Displays

Keyboard Mastery

Microsoft Office Beginner-to-Intermediate

 

MOBI equips beginner-level computer users with intermediate technology skills. During this fast-paced, two-week, synchronous learning course, students master intermediate navigational skills, features, and commands in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Chrome, and ZoomText, Magnifier, NVDA, or JAWS.

MOBI is the perfect starting place for beginners interested in the ProMOTEcourse.

 

2025 Calendar

 

January 13-24

February 3-14

July 14-25

August 11-22

FAQ – Assistive Technology Instructor Program

 

Are there eligibility requirements?

Yes. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent,  basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, type approximately 30+ wpm, possess strong problem solving skills, and pass the ATIP assessment.

What is the application and assessment process? 

Applications are accepted here.  Applicants will be contacted for both a written and functional assessment conducted via Zoom.

If I’m accepted, can I pick the date of the course?

Yes. If there is open availability in the posted classes, accepted participants may choose which class they attend. 

What is the cost?

$3,500 per participant.  Blind or visually impaired Individuals who are on a state vocational rehabilitation caseload are encouraged to discuss this course with their counselor. We do work with some state agencies and wish to expand. NIB affiliated agencies may be eligible for funding through a grant and can contact bparker@NSITE.org.

What can participants expect to gain from the course?

Participants will gain an excellent knowledge of JAWS and Zoomtext, with techniques for teaching those who are blind or visually impaired. All will be able to confidently configure Assistive Technology to meet a wide range of goals, and use  a variety of help resources to maintain their skill level. They will learn how to create custom checklists for teaching students with varying goals, and gain organization tools for planning, implementing, and reporting their students’ training. After the course, all participants are able to teach both speech and magnification users.

Who do I contact for questions?

Contact Megan Aragon at 888.565.3852 or maragon@tylerlighthouse.org. 

ProMote

 

ProMOTE takes users with intermediate technology skills to the next level and prepares them for competitive, upwardly mobile, computer-based careers. ProMOTE is an intensive, four-week, synchronous learning course allowing students to master expert-level navigational skills, features, and commands in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Chrome, and either JAWS or ZoomText.

 

ProMOTE simulates a modern remote-work environment with a full-time schedule, hands-on and timed assignments, and continuous, simultaneous use of multiple office applications and web conferencing programs.

 

Please contact us at info@etxlighthouse.org for more information or if you’re interested in taking the course!

AT Instructor Boot Camps

 

We’re excited to introduce AT Instructor Boot Camps beginning this summer for professionals teaching, working with, or supporting users who are blind and use JAWS and/or Zoomtext.

 

These fun, fast-paced, synchronous learning courses are four days long, and also include mock teaching opportunities. Utilizing Zoom we’re able to maximize the convenience for participants, allowing them to take the courses from anywhere!

 

2025 Calendar

 

JAWS 

 

March 3-6

June 30 – July 3

 

ZoomText

 

June 24-27

 

For more information, please contact us at info@etxlighthouse.org.

FAQ – ProMote

 

Is this course for various types of Assistive Technology users?

 

Yes. Speech/JAWS users, magnification users, and even non-AT users are all welcomed to apply so long as they are legally blind or legally visually impaired, and are intermediate level users.

 

What is the complete application process?

 

Applications are accepted here. Applicants will be asked to complete a two step assessment process including a written self assessment and a live functional evaluation via Zoom.

 

What is the cost?

 

$3,500 per participant.  Blind or visually impaired Individuals who are on a state vocational rehabilitation caseload are encouraged to discuss this course with their counselor. We do work with some state agencies and wish to expand. NIB affiliated agencies may be eligible for funding through a grant and can contact bparker@NSITE.org.

 

Are there any forms of financial aid to help cover the cost of training?

 

Yes. If you are an employee of a National Industries for the Blind affiliated agency, you may qualify for a grant.  If you are on a state VR case load and would like to request this course, please contact us so that we may connect with your counselor.

 

Can participants choose which Microsoft Office Suites they wish to learn?

 

No, all participants follow the curriculum as is and will receive training in Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

 

Will participants be MOS certified upon completion?

 

Successful completion of ProMote earns an NSITE certificate but not an MOS certification.

 

Who do I contact with questions?

 

Please contact  us at 888-565-3852 or email  Jan Lynch at jlynch@tylerlighthouse.org or Megan Aragon at  maragon@tylerlighthouse.org.

Online Workshops

 

For professionals and teams with specific interest areas and full schedules, our two-hour online workshops are ideal. These interactive and hands-on learning experiences provide practitioners and professionals who use Assistive Technology with the tools, resources, and know-how they need to be successful.

 

2024 Calendar

Feb 9 –The Keys to Internet Navigation

April 19 – Google Vs Microsoft

Aug 9 – Braille Displays Vs Notetakers

Choose a button below to receive information and announcements about upcoming workshops or to register for a scheduled workshop!