Blind/Low Vision Assistive Technology Coordinator - 27-058 - 260 days - At Will

TITLE OF VACANCY:                 Blind/Low Vision Assistive Technology Coordinator - 260 days

POSITION TYPE:                         Professional – WVDE pay level (at will)

ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT:        TheWest Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB)

LOCATION:                                   Romney, West Virginia

The Blind/Low Vision Assistive Technology Coordinator provides statewide leadership, technical assistance, consultation, and professional development to improve educational outcomes for students who are blind or have low vision. This position develops, coordinates, and supports statewide implementation of vision-specific assistive technology, Accessible Educational Materials (AEM), and accessibility practices that increase literacy, independence, communication, participation, and equitable access to the general education curriculum for students served by Local Education Agencies (LEAs). The Coordinator serves as the statewide resource for vision-specific assistive technology, collaborating with LEAs, Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), families, the WVDE, the Instructional Resource Center (IRC), and community partners to evaluate, implement, teach, and support assistive technology and accessible educational practices..

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides statewide leadership, consultation, training, and technical assistance regarding vision-specific assistive technology, accessibility, and Accessible Educational Materials (AEM).

• Serves as the statewide subject matter resource in assistive technology for students who are blind or have low vision, promoting equitable access through evidence-based practices and innovative technology solutions.

• Conducts comprehensive assistive technology evaluations and develops recommendations that support literacy, independence, communication, and educational access.

• Provides direct and consultative instruction in no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech assistive technology, including screen readers (JAWS), refreshable braille displays, braille technology, low vision devices, OCR, screen magnification, and other vision related technologies.

• Collaborates with the WVDE AEM Coordinator and WVSDB AEM Specialists to ensure timely access to high-quality accessible instructional materials.

• Provides technical assistance regarding accessible Microsoft Word documents, PDF remediation, web accessibility, WCAG principles, and digital accessibility best practices.

• Supports LEAs in selecting, implementing, and troubleshooting accessible instructional technologies and digital resources.

• Provides consultation regarding environmental modifications, adapted materials, communication supports, and instructional strategies for students with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and Deafblindness.

• Collaborates with TVIs, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, related service providers, families, higher education, rehabilitation agencies, and community partners to strengthen statewide services.

• Plans, develops, and delivers statewide professional development, coaching, webinars, and technical assistance resources related to assistive technology and accessibility.

• Develops, maintains, and updates statewide guidance documents, web content, instructional resources, and technical assistance materials.

• Provides child-specific consultation and problem solving to educational teams to improve implementation of assistive technology and accessibility supports.

• Maintains expertise regarding current research, accessibility standards, emerging technologies, and evidence-based practices.

• Assists with the evaluation, management, demonstration, and lending of assistive technology and specialized equipment through the Instructional Resource Center.

• Troubleshoots assistive technology hardware, software, and accessibility issues to ensure continued student access.

• Performs other assignments as deemed appropriate and necessary.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Master's degree in Special Education/Visual Impairments required.
• Valid West Virginia teaching certificate with endorsement as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (PK–A