Access Technology Institute

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Access Technology Trainer Certification Course

Teaching Access Technology to blind and visually-impaired individuals can be a rewarding profession. All too often, access technology specialists are forced to rely on manuals for specific applications and keyboard reference cards for the specific screen reader being taught. This can be frustrating for both student and instructor.

Access Technology Institute is pleased to be able to offer training for individuals who wish to improve their skills to better serve their clients.

Through a series of demanding and intensive immersions into Microsoft Windows 98/Millennium/XP, Jaws for Windows, Window-Eyes, ZoomText, Microsoft Outlook, the Internet, and assistance in marketing skills and creating a "presence" in the world of access technology training, instructors will understand the difference between the operating system and the screen readers, be able to communicate concepts to students who have never heard the words -- menu, combo box, etc, and more.

Learn the language of the screen reader, the differences between the various flavors of Windows as well as the capabilities of the screen readers in a variety of applications.

These immersions are designed to take those with a desire to teach and give them the skills necessary to provide premier training in the use of access technology.

These demanding components will require 1.5 hours of live, voice-chat, classroom time per week. This time will consist of 1.5 hours per week training in the various programs, understanding the lessons from the perspective of the student as well as discussions of student relations, special needs of blind and visually impaired students, assessing the needs of students, dealing with rehab counselors, and more.

Private tutoring is available to help students who may have difficulty with aspects of the course.  There is no additional fee for this tutoring.

Students must complete the 10 components listed below to qualify for full certification from ATI. 

those wishing to acquire certification in the use of one or more applications, may sign up for a single component or as many components as desired (Windows is a mandatory component in order to participate in other components in the course).  Please contact ATI to sign up for individual component participation. 

  • Windows Vista (required for all students)
  • Advanced Window-eyes
  • Advanced Jaws for Windows
  • Internet Explorer  with Window-Eyes
  • Firefox with Jaws for Windows
  • ZoomText
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Creating Outlines, Class Materials and Effective Communication
  • Public Speaking Workshop

Software and System Requirements

Students will need to supply the computer and software necessary to participate in the training components.  The following software, hardware, and textbooks are required.

Class Schedules and Included Materials

Sessions begin the first Tuesday of every month.  Classes are held on the first four Tuesdays of each month. from 4:00-5:00 PM Pacific.

  • Access to the class material in WMV and MP3 format
  • 1.5 hours per week of live, voice-chat, training
  • Weekly Comprehensive Tests
  • Students may record each session for personal use within the TC Conference client
  • Access to ATI Forums for students participating in the training course.

Course Enrollment and Tuition

Please Submit the Registration Form to register for the Trainer Certification Course.

The cost of each component is $1000.00.  To receive certification, students must participate in 10 components.  The total cost of certification is $10,000.00.  Payments are accepted via credit card, on-line shopping cart, check, or money order. Corporate and Department of Rehabilitation authorizations or vouchers are also accepted.

All textbooks are included.

Authorizations and Purchase Orders may be Faxed to: (800) 986-6198. To pay via credit card or online shopping cart, please contact ATI for details

Participation Requirements and Refund Policy

Success, participation, and a positive attitude toward the training are requirements for continued enrollment in this class. Enrollment in the training component is not a guarantee of graduation.  Students will be expected to know the course material and be able to communicate the skills effectively.  Students will be expected to comply with the ATI Student Guidelines.

Only those truly interested in succeeding as an Access Technology Trainer should consider enrolling in this course. The coursework is demanding and the time commitment on the part of the student will be significant.

Students who receive an 80% or better on all tests and who attend class regularly will receive a certificate of graduate from Access Technology Institute.

Students maintain the right to withdraw from the training course at any time.  ATI maintains the right to refuse training to anyone.

ATI does not refund tuition fees