[nfbwatlk] Part-Time Travel Instructor Vancouver Island, Canada

[Elizabeth Lalonde]

The Pacific Training Centre for the Blind is seeking a Structured-Discovery 
Blindness Skills and Travel Instructor



Job Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, Victoria, BC / 
Nanaimo, BC.
Start Date: ASAP

Job Type: Part-time, independent contract position.

Contract Length: The contract is three months in duration with the potential of 
renewal until November 30, 2014.



Note, the job's time structure is flexible. The position can be structured to 
fit the individual. For example, the person could stay for the duration of the 
program and work 20 to 24 hours a week, or the person could travel to Vancouver 
Island periodically and work for larger chunks of time. The arrangement will 
depend on the person's current situation.



        We are looking for someone who is passionate about teaching, excited by 
new challenges, and interested in working as part of a small, energetic, 
grassroots organization.



The Pacific Training Centre for the Blind is a Canadian grassroots nonprofit 
service organization founded and run by blind people. Started in 2011, the 
centre provides services and programs based on a positive and empowering 
no-limits philosophy of blindness.



Project leaders instill a belief in blind people's own capabilities and in the 
limitless possibilities open to them and adopt a non-custodial approach (i.e. it 
is not about sighted people doing things for the blind; it is about blind people 
doing things for themselves, and it is about blind teachers working with blind 
students to increase skills and confidence).



Blind People In Charge Program: Introduction to Independence

This community-based program provides weekly group classes to blind people in a 
local area. Classes include learning the basics in Braille, travel skills, 
computer technology, employment readiness, cooking and most importantly a 
positive perspective on blindness. The Blind People In Charge Program is a 
building-block program as the centre works to develop a full-fledged intensive 
structured discovery centre, which will be the first of its kind in Canada.



Job Duties and Responsibilities
1. Work and travel regularly between two Vancouver Island communities - 
Victoria, BC and Nanaimo, BC, and make some trips to Vancouver BC.

2. Provide individualized and group instruction to blind  adults in all areas of 
the alternative techniques of blindness using the structured discovery approach, 
with an emphasis on cane travel instruction.

3. Work directly with rehabilitation professionals, individuals, families, 
groups and communities, to enhance individual and collective positive blindness 
philosophy.

4. Provide support to individuals and groups. Offer support and guidance to 
students throughout their program.

5. Provide instruction to several adult students in a small group format.

6. Work with students on achieving goals of independence such as job placements, 
self employment plans, community work and recreational and social activities.

7. Develop curriculum to meet the needs of students. Provide skills teaching and 
testing in measurable formats.

8. Write comprehensive monthly reports on each student describing progress
made and goals to be completed.

9. Participate and assist in all program activities such as fitness,, skiing, 
and camping, including on some evenings and weekends.

10. Function as part of a team and maintain close communication with the
director and other Facilitators, and actively participate in staff and other
meetings.

11. Promote the organization's progressive philosophy of blindness and
positive attitudes to students, co-workers and others, and provide support
and guidance to students throughout their program. Actively represent
the Pacific Training Centre for the Blind in public meetings and presentations.

12. Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

1. Applicants must possess a National Orientation and Mobility Certification 
(NOMC), or possess an acceptable equivalent combination of education and work 
experience in teaching travel and other alternative techniques of blindness 
using the structured discovery method.

2. Have a strong belief in and understanding of the structured discovery model 
of blindness skills training taught at Federation centres.

3. Demonstrate a belief in a positive philosophy of blindness and the unlimited 
potential of blind people.

4. Have a working knowledge of Braille, adaptive speech and Braille technology 
and other aspects of blindness skills training.

5. Have experience working with people who have various disabilities in 
conjunction with blindness such as learning disabilities, brain injuries, etc.

6. Be detail orientated with strong organizational skills.

7. Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

8. Have experience in developing and organizing lesson plans.
9. Possess the ability to work with a variety of people in a diverse range of 
situations.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Elizabeth Lalonde, Executive
Director, at Elizabeth at pacifictrainingcentre.ca

For more information about the Pacific Training Centre for the Blind, please 
visit our Website at www.pacifictrainingcentre.ca or contact us 
info at pacifictrainingcentre.ca 250-590-9048