Assistive Technology Instructor- Summer Transition Programs

Description

The Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) is seeking an Assistive Technology Instructor to support our Teen-to-Work and College Prep residential programs, which serve high school students (ages 14-21) with visual impairments. These 5-week long programs, located on a college campus, are designed to prepare students for employment, higher education, and greater independence while being away from home. The two programs run at the same time with different objectives and goals, and there will be 1 AT Instructor hired for Teen To Work, and 1 AT Instructor hired for College Prep. As an instructor, you will teach essential assistive technology skills in one-on-one or small group settings to one of the programs throughout the summer, while also supporting students with career readiness, college preparation, and daily-living skills. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on students' futures and help them navigate the world of work and academics with assistive technology tools. You will have the chance to work alongside other instructors in the areas of Activities of Daily Living, Orientation & Mobility, Career Readiness, Orientation & Adjustment to Disability, and College Readiness helping students become independent, confident, and prepared for their futures.

In the Teen to Work program, students gain real-world experience by preparing resumes, participating in job interviews, and potentially interning or job shadowing in fields of interest. This program offers students their first opportunity to live independently, handling tasks like meal preparation, laundry, budgeting, and transportation. The College Prep program similarly focuses on helping students prepare for independence including understanding college life, navigating administrative tasks like FAFSA, academic advising, and time management, with a focus on self-advocacy.

Both programs also include a variety of social and recreational activities, such as bowling, ropes courses, indoor skydiving, escape rooms, ice skating, movie theaters, swimming, fitness classes, and more, providing students with opportunities to engage, have fun, and build confidence. This position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on students' futures, guiding them as they transition into the workforce and post-secondary education with the support of assistive technology.

Additional Information:

• Living Arrangements: Housing is provided on campus at no cost, with most meals included. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with students in a residential setting and create lasting educational experiences.
• Travel Reimbursement: Travel reimbursement is available to those traveling from outside of the Phoenix area. 
• Work Schedule: The program runs from June 3rd, 2025 – July 12th, 2025. The schedule will include 30-40 hours per week, with some evening and weekend activities as needed to support student engagement. Training will be provided on June 4th, 2025 as well as virtually prior to the program start date. Individual staff working schedules will be provided by May 1, 2025, but please keep flexibility in mind week by week for scheduling changes the week prior.

Duties include: 

• Assistive Technology Instruction: Teach students how to use assistive technology tools to prepare for higher education and the workforce. Focus on platforms and tools such as JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion, iPhone, Brailliant, Microsoft Office programs, Internet navigation, email proficiency, and Canvas.
• Curriculum Development: Develop and deliver lesson plans that align with program goals, ensuring students develop essential skills in time management, accessibility, document reading, emailing, and internet research.
• Student Progress Tracking: Maintain detailed daily notes on student lessons and provide monthly reports to ensure student progress is documented accurately. Participate in a weekly progress meeting for all students to assess and adjust instructional methods.
• Collaborative Teaching: Work with other instructors in other instructional areas such as: Orientation & Mobility (O&M), Education Support Services (ESS), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Orientation and Adjustment to Disability (OAD). Foster a collaborative environment with instructors to ensure consistency in instruction, reinforce key skills, and ensure students meet their learning objectives across various subjects. to enhance students' learning experiences.
• Support Field Trips & Outings: Participate in supporting week day field trips and some weekend activities to provide students with real-world experiences, further reinforcing their learning.

Qualifications

• Experience: Prior experience working with students with visual impairments is preferred. Strong proficiency in assistive technology tools, software, and programs specifically designed for individuals with vision impairments.
• Educational Background: Have one of the following:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree as a Certified Teacher of Students with Vision Impairments
  • Assistive Technology Certificate from ACVREP or similar organization
  • 1 year documented work experience in teaching Assistive Technology to persons with blindness or vision impairment
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for working with students, families, and colleagues in a respectful way.
• Skills: Strong ability to manage time, develop lesson plans, collaborate effectively with others, and track student progress.
• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to a changing schedule, including participation in field trips, weekend activities, and additional program support as needed.

Salary : $30 - $40