​What Does a CATIS Do?

According to ACVREP, a CATIS is:
“A highly trained expert who specializes in working with individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or who have functional visual limitations, and empowers them to achieve their life goals for education, employment, avocation, and independence through the use of assistive technology.”
CATIS professionals apply a comprehensive, person-centered approach to vision rehabilitation, which includes:
  • Assessment of the individual's visual, physical, cognitive, and psycho-social needs.
  • Instruction in existing and emerging assistive technologies.
  • Visual, auditory, and tactual techniques tailored to the individual’s abilities.
  • Problem-solving strategies that enhance access, independence, and success in daily activities, school, and work.

​Areas of Instruction

CATIS specialists teach individuals to effectively use a variety of Assistive Technology (AT) tools, such as:
  • Screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)
  • Screen magnifiers (e.g., ZoomText, Fusion)
  • Refreshable braille displays
  • Accessible note-taking tools
  • Optical character recognition (OCR) software
  • Portable and desktop video magnifiers
  • Mobile accessibility apps
  • Computer and smartphone accessibility features
  • Alternative input devices, including adaptive keyboards and switches

​Certification and Re-Certification

Because the field of assistive technology is constantly evolving, CATIS professionals must stay current with cutting-edge tools and practices. Unlike other certifications in vision rehabilitation, CATIS must be renewed every two years, ensuring professionals remain current with:
  • New assistive technology solutions
  • Best practices in instruction
  • Accessibility standards and innovations

Learn More

To learn more about the CATIS certification and requirements, or to find a certified CATIS professional, visit: https://www.acvrep.org

Resource Access

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Full Article List

Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
Printables
Free Resources​ Premium Resource Library 
Teaching Strategy Printables 
​Premium Program Printables
​Premium FVLMA Printables
​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall UnitsWinter Units ​​Winter Units ​​Spring UnitsAnytime Units
Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​