[Trainer-Talk] Becoming an assistive technology trainer

[Enrique Mejia]

I do not believe that there is any actual training that is neither necessary nor useful when it comes to training. I have a BA in history, and have learned most of what I know from others in the field. 
I am an instructor in Iowa and have been in the field for over 10 years. For the most part you just need to teach technology with the understanding that teaching tech to blind people is not much different than teaching sighted people. 
In my experience those who have advanced degrees don't necessarily become good teachers. In fact I have met many who are great at using technology, problem solving and are able to learn things quickly but often are not good at teaching. IN my opinion what you need is passion for teaching, and the ability to teach individuals from all walks of life.  
I would often rather have someone who can build themselves to be able to teach the students in an agency and  address a student's individual needs rather than having some generic way of teaching. 

I do think that there a lot of people in this email list who have been in the field much longer than me and can teach you more than any degree can. . Just be willing to reach out and ask questions. 
Hope this helps 

Enrique. 
 


-----Original Message-----
From: Trainer-Talk <trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Kelsey Nicolay via Trainer-Talk
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2021 7:13
To: trainer-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Kelsey Nicolay <piano.girl0299 at gmail.com>
Subject: [Trainer-Talk] Becoming an assistive technology trainer

Hello,
I teach iOS to beginners on a volunteer basis (it’s fun because I also learn new tricks). Because of this, I am considering going back to school to become an assistive technology trainer To work with blind or visually impaired children and adults. I was wondering what type of schooling would be involved since my undergraduate degree is not in education. Do I have to go back to get a teaching degree or is there a certification course I must pass in order to become certified? Are there any good programs in the US that offer the needed courses and exams? 

Sent from Kelsey Nicolay’s iPhone 
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