Adaptive Technology Senior Instructor

Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Senior Adaptive Technology Instructor based out of our training building in Sands Point, NY.  The Senior Adaptive Technology Instructor is responsible for providing evaluation and training in adaptive technology for individuals who are DeafBlind. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Ensures services provided to consumers are person-centered and meet the consumers’ needs:
  • Assess, through dialogue with consumer and team, the consumer’s training priorities
  • b. Actively collaborate with team (including consumer) to design trans-disciplinary     training activities, implement individualized program and evaluate progress through debriefing and dialogue to identify further learning opportunities.    
  • Communicates to all team members the consumer’s training priorities/ short and long 
  • term goals. 
  • Ensures the consumer’s involvement in decision making process with team throughout 
  • evaluation and training
  • Evaluates the consumer’s ability to participate in virtual evaluation and training when requested.
• Actively participates in Community of Practice (COP) to support the learning of peers and contribute articles, experiences, and challenges. 
• Evaluate consumer’s abilities and provide training in-person or virtually on a broad range of adaptive equipment including screen enlargement software, braille displays, screen reading software, note-takers, and other devices designed for individuals who are DeafBlind.
• Recommends, plans, and provides training on an individual basis in the use of adaptive technology.
• Records progress and submits individualized reports in a timely manner.
• Recommends appropriate equipment for consumers.
• Keeps abreast and research new trends in technology and in the field of adaptive technology for DeafBlind individuals and exchanges feedback/suggestions for improvements with designated manufacturers.
• Disseminates information regarding adaptive technology for individuals who are DeafBlind.  This includes presentations at conferences, HKNC publications, professional journals, and the HKNC website.

 Provides in-service training to consumers, teachers, in-house staff, and at various workshop/conferences outside HKNC at the request of the Technology Center Supervisor.

• Provides off-campus consultation, evaluation and/or training to individuals at their work site or home at the request of the Technology Center Supervisor.
• Accompanies, serves as guide, and supports communication access for consumers and staff, when necessary, in a variety of situations and settings. Examples of settings include but are not limited to team meetings, airport, shopping, bank errands, phone calls, VP calls, Town Hall Committee meetings, cafeteria, information peer learning groups such as the Emergency Preparedness, Healthy Heart and Work Solutions groups, recreation activities (i.e. Holiday party). Communication support, which includes providing environmental information, may consist of voice over, sign language (visual/tactual), text/typing, or facilitating the use of augmentative systems (communication cards, devices). To accomplish this the individual may be required to use a personal vehicle on occasion. HKNC will provide interpreting support for formal meetings such as Employment Planning Meetings, Team Meetings, Full Staff Meetings, and seminars.
• Provides assessment and training for the ICanConnect program when scheduled by Technology Center Supervisor
• Has responsibility for equipment and general appearance of the area that includes troubleshooting and updating/upgrading firmware/software/hardware.
• Performs related duties, when necessary, at the discretion of the Technology Center Supervisor or the Administration.

 Responsible for other duties as may be assigned or requested by his/her immediate supervisor and/or the Director of the Department.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Deaf Education, Special Education, Education of the Blind/Visually impaired, Rehabilitation of the Blind/Visually impaired, computer science or related degree.
• Knowledge of adaptive technology for blind and DeafBlind individuals
• Computer proficiency
• Three years teaching or rehabilitation experience with individuals who are Deaf, blind or DeafBlind.

PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS certification) and knowledge of braille and American Sign Language preferred. 

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees.  We offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

• Fully Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits*
• 4 week's Paid Vacation time annually 
• 2 Paid Personal Days annually 
• 12 paid sick days annually
• 12 Paid Holidays 
• Short Term Disability/ 
• Life Insurance
• 403b Program with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance 
• Voluntary Ancillary Benefits
• Career Advancement Opportunities 
• Tuition Assistance Program 

*Candidate has the option to accept the position No-Frills.  No-frills positions receive an additional 10% premium on the hourly rate of pay, but do not participate in the Union Health Insurance Plan. Individuals seeking a No-frills position must show they have alternative insurance to be eligible.

HKS is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodation to individuals with illness, injury, or disability to complete the essential functions of their job.