Assistive Technology
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Our Assistive Technology department is dedicated to training you on the latest adaptive tools and computer equipment tailored to your needs. We are passionate about helping you explore the incredible possibilities that technology can bring to your life.
Assistive Technology
Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate adaptive devices, software, smartphones, and applications that can enhance your life and increase your independence. We customize your training to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Our knowledgeable and supportive staff will guide you through this journey, which includes an assessment, an introduction to various adaptive technologies, and skill-building with specific programs and applications. This ensures that you can effectively integrate these tools into your home and work lives.
We offer a variety of options, including but not limited to:
- Computer Software Programs: JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion
- Apps: Be My Eyes and Seeing AI
- AI Devices: Ray-Ban Meta Glasses and others
If you or someone you care about is interested in advancing your technology skills, we offer programs like BOSS and ProMOTE to help maximize potential at home and in the workplace.
BOSS (Basic Office Skills for Success)
This two-week introductory program helps clients become familiar with the basics of computers and assistive technology. Participants will learn about keystrokes commands, mouse usage, software functions, ZoomText, and JAWS (Job Access With Speech). Whether you want to feel more confident using your home computer or you are preparing to meet competitive job requirements, we are here to help you make the most of assistive technology.
Program Cost: $1,750
ProMOTE
With a solid foundation of skills through BOSS, our team introduces clients to skills needed to compete in a professional setting with advanced technology and computer skills. The National Industries for the Blind’s Professional Mastery of Office Technology for Employment (ProMOTE) training program provides advanced training to assistive technology users who are blind or vision impaired.
Our experienced instructors combine formal instruction with time-sensitive projects that simulates the demand and collaboration of the workplace. By the end of the four-week program, our ProMOTE graduates have mastered Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, as well as internet research and creating accessible documents.
ProMOTE is designed for students who have intermediate knowledge of the assistive technology they use, may need supplementary instruction, or need additional training to be competitive in today’s job market.
Requirements
- Completed application
- Pass a computer assessment with a satisfactory score that will demonstrate knowledge of assistive technology, office, and window commands
- Be able to type at least 25 words per minute
Program Dates
- June 2-June 27, 2025. Applications are due Monday, May 12, 2025.
- October 6-October 31, 2025. Applications are due Monday, September 15, 2025.
- All classes will be held virtually. Space is limited, please apply now.
Program Cost
Program Cost: $3,500 per participant. Scholarship opportunities are available. Please contact Dora Petrosyan at dpetrosyan@visability.org or 412.368.4400 to learn more or request your application today.
Affiliated agencies of NIB are encouraged to apply for the Training and Compliance Grant which may cover up to 80 percent of the cost. Contact Marianne Haegeli at Mhaegeli@nsite.org for grant information.
Contact Information
If you have additional questions or need further information, please contact Dora Petrosyan at dpetrosyan@visability.org or 412.368.4400.
