KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned). • Knowledge of medical and psychological/social aspects of rehabilitation of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. • Knowledge of kinesiology, Audition, and other senses. • Knowledge of concept and sensory development. • Knowledge of visual system including structure and function of the eyes and pathologies. • Knowledge of additional disabilities including cognitive developmental delays or autism. • Knowledge of blind/low vision individuals’ functional needs, accessibility principles, and accommodations in mobility, education, employment, and daily living. • Knowledge of child and adult learning theory and special education principles for children who are blind and/or visually impaired. • Knowledge of the principles, theories, and techniques of O&M and AT training services, blind rehabilitation, and low vision therapy. • Knowledge of technical resources and assistive technology skills such as screen reader proficiency, screen magnification, refreshable braille, accessibility software, OCR/Scanning tools, and mobile accessibility. • Knowledge of the field of low vision therapy, services, and aids. • Knowledge of ADA, IDEA, vocational rehabilitation and other related principles or mandates involving disabilities. • Ability to teach and apply O&M training theory, techniques, and practices • Ability to break down complex tasks into accessible steps while adapting teaching methods for different learning styles, vision levels, or cognitive needs. • Ability to understand technical, medical, and psychological information and examine and evaluate data concerning individuals’ skills in safe and independent travel and mobility. • Ability to solve difficult circumstances and determine feasibility of training and/or identify alternative solutions. • Ability to communicate in both verbal and written forms clearly and effectively • Ability to motivate and encourage individuals at different emotional stages of vision loss. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships • Ability to collaborate with other blind and low vision specialists/disciplines and stakeholders such as O&M, AT, vision rehab specialists, VR counselors, teachers, employers, and transportation officials. • Ability to document accurately, maintain records, and prepare reports. • Ability to administer and interpret clinical or standardized tests for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. • Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate an individual’s plan for training, while exercising continued oversight, progress evaluation, and decision making. • Ability to serve as a technical resource to individuals in determining a plan for O&M training and/or Assistive Technology training. Assistive Technology Specialist Page 3 of 3 • Ability to examine and evaluate individuals’ needs for low vision services with reference to the principles and methods of maximizing vision. • Ability to troubleshoot and adapt to changes in assignments, new technologies, systems, and equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience). Advanced education, training, and/or experience in blind or low vision rehabilitation services spanning disciplines such as orientation & mobility, assistive technology and occupational therapy, or other related fields concerning accessibility and disability with demonstrated competency in disability assessment, technological solutions, instructional methods, problem solving, and communication.