Assistive technology jobs include assessment specialists, instructors, and alt text production. These jobs require knowledge of devices and software, and often a master’s degree in special education. The goal is to match individuals with the best technology for their needs, and instructors teach effective use. Technicians may convert textbooks to audio recordings.
The different types of assistive technology jobs include those of assessment specialists and assistive technology instructors. Some college disability services departments may also have some basic jobs in alt text production. Assistive technology jobs often require a working knowledge of various devices and software, and most instructors hold advanced degrees and technology certifications in this particular area. Disability specialists usually have a master’s degree in special education or a related field, as well as good experience working with assistive technology.
Individuals using assistive technology first need to be paired with the devices and software programs that best fit their individual abilities, needs, and goals. This measure is particularly important in school settings, where students with disabilities need to be matched with technology that will help them learn the academic skills needed to be competitive in the job market. Assessment specialist positions are among the most common types of assistive technology jobs available in schools, and their main purpose is to create individual plans for each referred student that include the use of software programs designed to compensate for certain limitations.
Assistive technology jobs as instructors can be found in schools and at nonprofit technology community centers. An instructor typically has a high level of software knowledge and may sometimes have a background in computer science. The primary role of these jobs is to teach people the effective use of their assistive technology devices and software, from beginner to advanced levels. Instructions can be in group settings or by individual appointments. This type of assistive technology career also requires a good working knowledge of various disabilities and how to effectively communicate lessons to individuals with limitations.
College students with documented learning difficulties or visual impairments often need their textbooks converted to audio recordings. Particularly large institutions with a high demand for this service may employ technicians in these types of assistive technology jobs. Responsibilities often involve obtaining appropriate usage permissions from book publishers, downloading electronic text files, and creating audio files on pages written with specialized software. Typically, a college degree is not required but can be helpful for this position, and new hires often take some relevant assistive technology training courses to ensure working proficiency with related text-to-speech software. Typically, a technician does not teach or advise students, although this assistive technology job can be a good entry into this professional field.
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