[Trainer-Talk] (no subject)

[Kevin Athey]

On 2/11/19, Jason Alamillo via Trainer-Talk <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hello to you both, I have a huge interest in this conversation. First, for
> you Humberto, it seems to me like you have a good certification with Jaws,
> and some degrees under your belt, and you've had some sort of work
> experience. It is great, so I would think that maybe if you went to a
> school
> district in your area, with your degree in education, and see if they could
> take you in since you do know those things. I think that in terms of
> employment, it is a little bit difficult, but if you and Kevin wanted to,
> maybe going to state governments like vocational services and seeing if
> they
> could hire you would probably work. Just some suggestions as I am going
> through college right now and it is dearly needed for more people like you
> to come into the field. Thanks.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Trainer-Talk <trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Humberto
> Avila via Trainer-Talk
> Sent: Thursday, February 7, 2019 1:04 PM
> To: Kevin Athey via Trainer-Talk <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Humberto Avila <humberto_avila.it104 at outlook.com>
> Subject: Re: [Trainer-Talk] (no subject)
>
> Dear Kevin:
>
> My name is Humberto and I, like you, would like to jump start into this
> field of access technology. I currently hold a B.A. degree from Central
> Washington University which I am sure will help me tremendously. I just
> graduated from college last fall. My degree is in education, with two
> minors
> in Accessibility Studies and Computer / Information Technology.
>
> Also, like you, I completed my JAWS certification in December and am JAWS
> certified for 2019.
>
> I, like you perhaps, am seeking to be in this field because I see quite an
> interesting but sad trend in our school districts and in our agencies
> working with blind people or students with disabilities. There is a lot of
> assistive devices, and just technology in general, that everybody is
> getting, and they just get it in their hands and say, "Good luck! Learn
> it!"
> And, no one has the right person / resource to help them learn the
> technology, or, no one has the patience to read the manuals, and just start
> being frustrated about. I saw this personally when I was going through my
> student teaching / internship program at my college. So this is why I have
> chosen to teach / train students and others in the accessible technology.
>
> I am still looking for employment myself. I can assure you tat with just
> your JAWS certificate you can get ahead in this business, but you may have
> to do some additional learning or going to college may also help.
> If you already have a degree, as I do, then great, that should work.
> Just keep persisting and insisting, and the more learning opportunities and
> training yourself, as well as getting experience under your belt, the
> better
> you opportunities.
>
> I am glad we are in the same boat and I can't wait to hear from you again.
>
> Best,
>
> Humberto
>
> On 2/6/19 5:08 PM, Kevin Athey via Trainer-Talk wrote:
>> Good eveing folks.
>> I've been on this list for about a month now, and have decided to
>> introduce myself, and let the intensions of why I have joined the list
>> be known.  I am Kevin Athey, and live in Kansas City, Missouri.  I
>> currently am employeed at a call center, working as a resource
>> planner.  Though I love the job, and enjoy the challenge of preparing
>> our team for new projects, using different websites, and the like, I
>> have grown tired of the environment of this job after five years.
>> After having a conversation with my friend, I decided to study, and
>> prepare for the Jaws Certification Exam.  As of January 17, 2019, I am
>> Jaws Certified in Jaws 2019.  My plans are to teach blind, or visual
>> impaired individuals, assistive technology.  I know that just having
>> Jaws Certification doesn't give me all the tools I will need to be a
>> trainer, but it does give me some ground to stand upon.  I have been
>> in the blindness skill training field previously, so know the
>> importance of quality trainers.  Group I would ask a favor of any of
>> you, that you share anything, whether it be advice, or any resources,
>> that would assist me in becoming a quality new assistive technology
>> instructor.
>> Your new colleague,
>> Kevin Athey
>>
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-- 
Kevin Athey
Assistive Technology Trainer and Consultant

Phone:318-497-2733
Email: kevinathey1982 at gmail.com

Humberto, and Jason,
I appreciate both of your comments.  Humberto, I do not have as much
of experience as you seem to have, so please any suggestions, are
greatly welcome.  Jason, I am actually getting ready to do that exact
same thing; meaning going to the state rehabilitation services in my
area.  I was planning to crate a flyer, to advertise some of what I
have to offer.  If I sent a copy, would you tell me what you think?
What would be a good hourly rate?  Not that I'm money hungry, but I
really don't want to get taken advantage of either.  What other things
could I do to prepare myself to teach others like ourselves that may
have some basic training, but needs to focus some skill set or
another?