[Rehab] Introducing the National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind

Tue Jun 27 12:44:16 UTC 2023

This was interesting reading. Sounds like they make it pretty difficult to switch from an a ER certification to a structured discovery one. there’s a lot of hoops to jump through to get both.

Victor.

> On Jun 27, 2023, at 8:16 AM, NBPCB Admin via Rehab <rehab at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> National Blindness Professional Certification Board
> 
> 
> National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> For complete information on the National Certification in Access Technology
> for the Blind, go to NCATB Certification Process <https://nbpcb.org/ncatb/> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> The NCATB is a three-year renewable credential and is the only certification
> which can attest to an individual having met rigorous standards in the area
> of access technology teaching for the blind using Structured Discovery (SD)
> methods and principles. Individuals who are interested in applying for NCATB
> certification are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with all of
> the information included here.
> 
> 
> 
> The Structured Discovery paradigm is grounded in the Consumer-Based Model of
> Rehabilitation and has had unsurpassed outcomes for more than seven decades.
> One of the key tenets of this approach to access technology teaching is that
> successful professionals must master the nonvisual skills for competently
> using technology that they are expected to teach. Strong problem-solving
> strategies and techniques are developed to effectively utilize both
> mainstream and access technology. It is also crucial to understand how an
> individual's internalized attitudes--as well as public attitudes--about
> blindness have on personal expectations and aspirations.
> 
> 
> 
> The preparation process for individuals teaching under the Structured
> Discovery model is heavily focused on the development of personal experience
> in learning and using the skills that blind persons depend on for safe and
> effective living. Beyond theoretical and academic exposition, Structured
> Discovery is based on hands-on learning, trust in the effectiveness and
> appropriateness of nonvisual skills, and an unwavering conviction in the
> normalcy and capacity of individuals who are blind to maintain their own
> independence and make decisions about how they live their lives.
> 
> 
> 
> Proper preparation to become certified as an Access Technology for the Blind
> instructor is dependent upon successful completion of either a
> University-based program or apprenticeship that is sanctioned by the
> National Blindness Professional Certification Board. This includes a minimum
> of 480 hours of immersion at an NBPCB-approved center  followed by
> proficiency demonstrated through a successful internship or apprenticeship
> completed at an NBPCB-approved center. Demonstration of this ability is
> documented through the verification of teaching competency form that is
> signed off by  the NBPCB-Approved training representative who oversees the
> immersion and/or teaching program. Individuals who wish to seek NCATB
> certification but who have not completed one of these formal programs will
> need to write a letter to the NBPCB board of directors that details their
> preparation experience, knowledge, skills, and disposition to teach
> Structured Discovery Access Technology as part of their application. 
> 
> 
> 
> Successful applicants who earn the designation of NCATB maintain this status
> for a period of three years and are entitled to all rights and
> responsibilities therein as long as active certification status is
> maintained and the NBPCB Code of Conduct is upheld. 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Application Process
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Individuals seeking NCATB certification must submit the following: 
> 
> 
> 
> *    Completed application form
> *    Personal essay explaining interest in becoming an Access Technology
> SD certified instructor
> *    Resume
> *    Two letters of support from persons who can attest to the
> applicant's character, motivation, teaching ability, and fitness and
> suitability for the profession
> *      Verification of Immersion form *
> *    Payment of all applicable fees 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Examination Process
> 
> 
> Once an application has been approved, the individual seeking certification
> is then eligible to proceed with the following examination process.  
> 
> 
> 
> *     Submit Verification of Teaching Competency form (provided directly
> by the supervisor or applicable person.)*
> *    Participate in an interview conducted by the NCATB evaluation panel.
> *    Take the NCATB written examination
> 
> 
> 
> *Individuals who have not completed a formal program of preparation
> recognized by the NBPCB must seek guidance from the NBPCB office on how to
> properly complete the Verification of Immersion and Verification of Teaching
> Competency forms. Individuals will also need to submit a letter to the NBPCB
> board outlining their own personal AT training and preparation to be an AT
> instructor. 
> 
> 
> 
> Note: Applications will not be processed nor will individuals be allowed to
> sit for the written examination without all supporting documentation and
> payment of application fees. 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> All required documents must be sent directly in separate attachments to the
> NBPCB Office at admin at nbpcb.org <mailto:admin at nbpcb.org> . 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Questions or request for application materials may be directed to:
> 
> 
> NBPCB Office
> 
> PO Box 2373
> 
> Ruston LA 71273
> 
> 318 299-7340
> 
> admin at nbpcb.org <mailto:admin at nbpcb.org> q
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> NBPCB Office
> 
> PO Box 2373
> 
> Ruston LA 71273
> 
> 318 299-7340
> 
> <mailto:admin at nbpcb.org> admin at nbpcb.org 
> 
> <http://www.nbpcb.org> www.nbpcb.org
> 
> <https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> Click here to verify the status of
> NBPCB certified professionals
> 
> 
> 
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