[Trainer-Talk] Training with using LinkedIn and Jaws

[Showe Trela]

Here are my notes though.
How to Create a Professional LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is your digital resume plus your professional story. A strong
profile helps people understand:
Who you are professionally
What problems you solve
Who you help
What makes you credible

Think of it as answering one big question:
“Why should someone connect with or hire me?”

1. Profile Photo; What it is and why it matters:
Your main headshot that appears in search results and messages.
Profiles with photos get significantly more views and connection requests.

What to use
Clear head-and-shoulders photo
Neutral or lightly blurred background
Natural lighting
Professional but approachable expression

What to avoid
Group photos
Sunglasses or hats
Heavy filters
Cropped party photos

Tip for blind or low-vision users: ask a trusted person/AIRA (Job Seeker's
Promo)  to confirm the photo looks professional and centered.

2. Banner Image (Cover Photo)

What it is

The wide image at the top of your profile behind your photo.

Why it matters

This reinforces your professional identity visually.

What to include
Your field (Assistive Technology, Education, Leadership, etc.)
Keywords or short phrases (e.g., “Assistive Technology | Accessibility |
Training”)
Optional: logo, city/state, or values

This can be simple and clean—no text overload required.

3. Name and Pronouns

What it is

Your name as it appears in search results.

Best practice
Use your real professional name
Add pronouns if you wish (optional)

Avoid adding titles here (e.g., “Showe Trela, AT Specialist” should not go
in the name field).

4. Headline (Very Important)

What it is

The bold line under your name (220 characters).

Why it matters

This is searchable and one of the most important sections on LinkedIn.

What it should answer
What do you do?
Who do you help?
What are you known for?

Good headline structure

Role + Specialty + Impact

Example

“Assistive Technology Specialist and Trainer | Empowering Blind and Low
Vision Individuals Through Accessible Tech”

Avoid:
“Looking for opportunities”
Just a job title with no context

5. Location and Open to Work

What it is

Your geographic area and work preferences.

Why it matters

Recruiters search by location.

Tips
Use metro area (e.g., “Twin Cities, MN”)
Turn on “Open to work” privately if job searching

6. About Section (Your Professional Story)

What it is

A summary written in first person.

Why it matters

This is where people get to know you, not just your resume.

How to structure it

Use short paragraphs or bullet points for screen reader ease.

Recommended structure
1. Who you are professionally
2. Who you serve
3. Your strengths and approach
4. What you’re looking for or open to

Example

“I am an Assistive Technology Specialist and Trainer with experience
supporting blind and low vision individuals in employment, education, and
daily life.

I specialize in:
Screen readers and magnification tools
iOS, Windows, and Android accessibility
Curriculum development and individualized training

My work focuses on practical, confidence-building technology skills that
support independence and long-term success.

I enjoy collaborating with rehabilitation professionals, educators, and
service providers and am open to roles involving training, consultation,
and leadership.”

Avoid:
Long blocks of text
Buzzwords without meaning
Writing in third person

7. Experience Section

What it is

Your work history.

Why it matters

This is where LinkedIn builds credibility and search relevance.

What to include for each role
Job title
Organization
Dates
Short bullet points describing impact

How to write bullet points

Start with action verbs and focus on results.

Example
Delivered individualized assistive technology training for blind and low
vision clients
Developed accessible curricula for K–12 and adult learners
Collaborated with vocational rehabilitation counselors to support
employment goals

Avoid copying your resume word-for-word—this should be readable and
conversational.

8. Education

What it is

Formal education and certifications.

What to include
Degree or program
School or organization
Certifications (completed or in progress)

You can also include:
Continuing education, Professional development programs, (CATIS)

9. Skills

What it is

A list of skills that others can endorse.

Why it matters

Skills help your profile show up in searches.

Best practices
Add 10–20 relevant skills
Prioritize technical and professional skills
Pin your top 3 skills

Examples:
• Assistive Technology Training
• Accessibility
• Screen Readers
• Curriculum Development
• Vocational Rehabilitation

10. Recommendations

What it is

Written testimonials from colleagues, supervisors, or partners.

Why it matters

These are social proof and very powerful.

How to get them

Ask specific people and suggest what they could highlight:
Training ability
Collaboration
Leadership
Reliability

Even 2–3 strong recommendations make a big difference.

11. Activity and Engagement

What it is

Posts, comments, and shares.

Why it matters

LinkedIn rewards active users.

What to post
Professional reflections
Resources
Short wins or lessons learned
Articles related to your field

You don’t need to post often—once or twice a month is fine.

Final Tips for a Strong Profile
Keep language clear and human
Use keywords related to your field
Make it scannable
Update regularly
Be authentic, not flashy
Links that may help:
https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1431878

Note: Linked-in does have built-in shortcuts like:
Open cheatsheet: Shift+?
Search: /
Go to Home: g h
Go to My Network: g w
Go to Jobs: g j
Go to Messaging: g m
Go to Notifications: g n
Start a post: n
Next update: j
Previous update: k
React to update: l
Comment on update: c
Repost update: r
Share update: s
Hope you find this helpful.

Showe

On Mon, Jan 19, 2026 at 9:24 PM Raul Gallegos - RGA <raul.gallegos at rgats.com>
wrote:

> Hello Showe. Do you have a recording of this?
> Thanks.
>
> --
> Raul Gallegos / Access Technology Trainer
> RGA Tech Solutions
> Voice/Text: (832) 639.4477
> Team Email: training at rgats.com
> Direct Email: Raul.Gallegos at rgats.com
> “Learning is experience. Everything else is just information.” Albert
> Einstein
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Showe Trela <myshowe86 at gmail.com>
> Sent: Monday, January 19, 2026 9:11 PM
> To: training at rgats.com; trainer-talk at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Raul Gallegos RGA <raul.gallegos at rgats.com>; trainer-talk at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [Trainer-Talk] Training with using LinkedIn and Jaws
>
> Hi. I ran a training with BPN on this a couple of weeks back. I teach
> Linked-in the way I teach other social media/website navigation. Let me
> know if you have any questions or would like some tips/whatever. Happy to
> help.
>
> Showe
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Jan 19, 2026, at 7:41 PM, Raul Gallegos - RGA via Trainer-Talk <
> trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> > Hello fellow trainers. I'm curious as to whether there are some
> > materials regarding using LinkedIn and Jaws. Whether these materials
> > are simple tutorials or quick tips, I'm looking for any resources.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> > Raul Gallegos / Access Technology Trainer
> >
> > RGA Tech Solutions
> >
> > Voice/Text: (832) 639.4477
> >
> > Team Email:  <mailto:training at rgats.com> training at rgats.com
> >
> > Direct Email:  <mailto:Raul.Gallegos at rgats.com>
> > Raul.Gallegos at rgats.com
> >
> > "Learning is experience. Everything else is just information." Albert
> > Einstein
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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>