access technology specialist Archives - LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

POSITION: Access Technology Specialist

REPORTS TO: Director of Access Technology

STATUS: Exempt

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Specialist I or II

WORK ARRANGEMENT: Hybrid

SALARY RANGE: $65,000 – $75,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filed

JOB PURPOSE:

The Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually impaired is seeking an Access Technology Specialist in our Access Technology department. The AT department trains more than 300 students each year in the use of screen readers, magnification software, specialized devices, mobile phones and smart home technology. The AT department also partners with dozens of companies to ensure apps, websites, and products are accessible to blind and visually impaired users.

The Access Technology Specialist is responsible for providing high quality technology assessments and training to blind and visually impaired students both one on one and in group workshops. Assessments and class sessions may be held virtually or in person. Specialists work with each student to define learning goals, present material in a clear and comprehensive manner, and document instruction in the Lighthouse database. Specialists stay current on the latest access technology, and the accessibility of mainstream apps, to serve as a technology resource for Lighthouse students and community members.

Specialists work on Lighthouse consulting projects in the areas of accessible design, corporate training and user research.

This position may be for you if:

You keep pace with the latest in mainstream and access technology.
You’re interested in the interactions between people and the technologies they use.
You enjoy spending significant parts of your workday interacting with students
You enjoy explaining technical concepts to others.
You would like to be part of a team of Access Technology professionals that offer innovative solutions such as dynamic group classes, tech support and remote training.
You would like to help organizations reach their maximum potential, by collaborating on user research and accessible design.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in education, Rehabilitation Teaching, Computer Science, or comparable degree/experience.
In depth knowledge of the following operating systems:
- Windows
- Mac OS
- iOS
- Android
Advanced user of screen reading and magnification software for desktop and mobile operating systems.
In depth knowledge of non-visual techniques for information access including:
- Efficiently navigating websites.
- Using apps and software to access printed material.
- Using GPS and wayfinding apps for navigation.
In depth knowledge of at least 1 of the following productivity suites:
- Microsoft 365: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive and Teams.
- Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Calendar, Drive and Meet.
Basic understanding of smart speakers and smart home technology.
Demonstrated ability to create lesson plans.
Demonstrated ability to work with different meeting platforms.
Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive technology assessments.
High level of emotional intelligence to relate to students at all levels of adjustment to blindness.
Demonstrated ability to convey technical knowledge in a clear and approachable manner.
ability to learn new technologies from documentation and tutorials.
Knowledge of web accessibility standards.
Proficiency in the UEB Braille code.
Knowledge of at least 1 of the following types of specialized devices:
- Video Magnifiers (CCTV’s).
- Braille Notetakers.
- Braille displays.
- Braille embossers.
- Handheld media players / recording devices.
Fluency in a second language in addition to English.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to: Carry or transport 20lbs; sit at a desk and perform computer-intensive work for long periods of time; operate standard office equipment; travel independently.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Conduct comprehensive assistive technology assessments.
Work with students defining individual service plans, which include schedules, goals and objectives for their technology training.
Deliver individual or group training to blind and visually impaired students on a variety of technologies.
Provide services at the Lighthouse headquarters, satellite offices, at students’ homes, at work sites or remotely.
Design and deliver group workshops on current technology topics.
Develop class curriculum and lesson plans.
Keep accurate and timely records of student progress in the Lighthouse database.
Provide accessibility feedback on products and websites as part of Lighthouse access technology consulting projects.
Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

LightHouse is an equal opportunity employer. LightHouse policy and the law prohibit discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s race, ancestry, religion or religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, age (40 and over), sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin (including language use restrictions), marital status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions, denial of Family and Medical Care leave, height and weight, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Our policy and the law prohibit co-workers, third parties, supervisors, and managers from engaging in such conduct.

LightHouse personnel are employed on an at-will basis. Employment at-will means that the employment relationship may be terminated, with or without cause and with or without advance notice at any time by the employee or the Agency.

We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace. Employees are expected to behave in accordance with these objectives.

All employees at LightHouse are hired for an indefinite and unspecified duration and consequently, no employee is guaranteed employment for a specified length of time. Employment is at the mutual consent of the employee and LightHouse. Accordingly, either the employee or LightHouse can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause (“employment at will”).

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and resume as Word attachments (no. PDFs please), to HR@lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles. Due to time constraints, we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest, thanks for your understanding.

LightHouse offers a variety of resources, trainings, and programs for individuals who are blind or have low vision taught by expert instructors and educators, most of whom are also blind or have low vision. Our dedicated staff work with their students to form and enhance blindness skills to improve their sense of autonomy and self-confidence. The greatest aspect of being part of such a close-knit community of blind leaders and learners is being able to share successes and accomplishments, or “mission moments,” with the LightHouse community.

Access Technology Instructor Kacie Cappello’s favorite part of the job is watching a student’s hard work pay off.

“Many come into training intimidated by technology and full of self-doubt. The skills they learn allow for greater independence and better social connection. When a student realizes they can do something like buy their own groceries online or send email to a friend, I get to watch their confidence grow as they find their empowerment. That means the world to me.”

Kacie’s role is to provide information, guidance, and structure, but the student is the one taking on the challenge of learning a new skill. That requires commitment and practice. One of her ambitions for her students is for them to have autonomy over their digital information.

“To me, maintaining anonymity means having the ability to effectively manage your information, privacy, and digital presence. Access technology skills help students keep track of things like account details and participate in online life on their own terms.”

LightHouse student Eva G. struggled with independently accessing her computer and other devices at home and sought out access technology training with LightHouse. She began working with Kacie one-on-one for virtual training sessions.

“I lost my vision at a quite advanced stage at the age of 84. I am 91 now. I did not think I would be able to learn anything because of my age. When I had sight growing up in school, I was never taught computers or typing or anything like that. Honestly, the first time I had a lesson with Kacie I thought to myself, ‘I will never get this,’ but Kacie was so patient and persistent. It was amazing to me how after a while I started to get used to it.

“To me, it is really important to be as independent as I can be. It means a lot to be because I’ve always been in touch with a lot of different people throughout my life. But when I suddenly had to ask someone to write my emails and read them back to me it just wasn’t the same. The first time I was able to have an email read to me by the computer and then answer it myself was such a gift. It felt like the best thing that has happened to me.

“In retrospect I do still think it was kind of magic. I feel so grateful for the LightHouse and for Kacie and what she has taught me.”

These are the moments that strengthen the blind community. One individual’s success becomes a shared accomplishment for all of LightHouse and our community. To inquire about programs offered by LightHouse, you can visit our website.

For information about Access Technology, send your emails AT@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-431-1481.