[Blindtlk] Job Assistive Technology Specialist Alabama

[David Andrews]

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)

Job Vacancy Announcement



Position Title:  Rehabilitation Technology Specialist (Blind Services)

Position Type:  Professional/Salaried

Position Base:  Montgomery, AL

Salary: $43,339.20 – 65,690.40

Supervisor of Position: W. Ashley Townsend, 
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

Special Note:  This is a full-time contract 
position through Troy University managed by the 
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services



Job Summary

1. Provide ongoing training and continuing 
education to local IT staff on the various 
assistive technologies that can be used by staff 
that are blind or have low vision.

2. Evaluate, identify, and recommend appropriate 
blind or low vision assistive technology for ADRS 
staff that are blind or have low vision.

3. Provide training and ongoing support to ADRS 
staff that are blind or have low vision in the 
use of their prescriptive blind or low vision assistive technology.

4. Collaborate with local area IT staff to ensure 
that all blind and low vision software/assistive 
technology are installed properly and up to date.

5. Provide testing for ADRS as well as other 
partner organizations on computer programs and 
applications to ensure that they are accessible 
for blind and low vision assistive technology users.

6. Collaborate with the ADRS’s computer services 
division to develop accessible programs for staff 
that are blind or have low vision.

7. Develop curriculums, training programs 
(individual and group), and training manuals for 
ADRS staff that serve individuals who are blind 
or have low vision so that a comprehensive 
understanding of blind and low vision assistive technology is gained.

8. Provide technical assistance and/or training 
related to blind and low vision assistive technology to partner agencies.

9. Provide consultation to VR Field Supervisors, 
VR Counselors, Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, 
Orientation & Mobility Specialist, and other 
Rehabilitation Technology Specialists in relation 
to blind and low vision assistive technology.

10. Perform other duties as assigned.



Minimum Qualifications

1. Must possess a Bachelor Degree in Computer 
Science, Education, Rehabilitation, Vision 
Rehabilitation Therapy, or closely related field

2. Strong writing, speaking, and public relations skills required.

3. Must have the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

4. Knowledge of assistive technology, including 
experience in the use of video magnifiers 
(CCTV’s), screen magnification software, screen 
reader software, braille translation software, 
OCR software, braille displays, etc.

5. Knowledge of screen reader software must 
include JAWS, Window-Eyes, Voiceover, and NVDA.

6. Demonstrated experience successfully operating 
and troubleshooting braille embossers/printers.

7. Ability to develop and maintain cooperative 
working relationships with all levels of 
Vocational Rehabilitation Staff, Computer 
Services Staff, Consumer Groups, and Partner Agencies.

8. Ability to deliver technical information so 
that it is understood by a variety of audiences 
to include all types of staff and end users.

9. Working knowledge of current computer 
technology applications and operating systems and 
ability to learn new applications and operating systems.



Preferred Qualifications

1. Two years of successful paid work experience 
in a related role requiring collaboration, 
organization, troubleshooting, problem solving, 
and working independently to successfully support 
individuals who are blind or low vision with their assistive technology needs.

2. Knowledge of commands that screen reader users 
can use to successfully navigate a variety of systems.

3. Knowledge of how to set screen reader options 
and preferences so that the end user is most effective.

4. Ability to adapt a screen reader to multiple 
situations such as a desktop, laptop, and specific applications for software.

5. Knowledge of various ways to accomplish 
assignments using a screen reader and ability to 
tailor instruction based on the users learning style and skill level.

6. Experience providing instruction in the area 
of learning screen reader commands to navigate 
applications such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, 
Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.

7. Working knowledge of grade 2 braille

8. Experience successfully using Duxbury and 
ability to train all levels of staff on how to 
use this software to effectively print documents in braille.

9. Experience testing software for accessibility with various screen readers.

10. Experience developing training materials 
related to how to use various blind and low 
vision assistive technologies to navigate 
different computer software applications.



Medical Insurance (Available)

Paid Holidays

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

RSA Retirement

Interested applicants should complete an online 
application and upload a resume at: 
<https://www.troyuniversityjobs.com/postings/8651>https://www.troyuniversityjobs.com/postings/8651 


For more information about this position please 
contact W. Ashley Townsend at 334-293-7096 or 
<mailto:ashley.townsend at rehab.alabama.gov>ashley.townsend at rehab.alabama.gov.




         David Andrews and long white cane Harry.
E-Mail:  dandrews at visi.com or david.andrews at nfbnet.org