Shop for Visual Impairment Instructional Resources and Gifts

ECC Instructional Resources

Braille Necklaces

VI Themed Shirts

Braille Greeting Cards

Drinkware

Keychains

Bags & Totes

Recorded Presentations

Job Posting Service

Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS)

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
March 11, 2018

A Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairments, ("CATIS"), is a new area of certification in the field of visual impairments. A CATIS is defined by the Academy of Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) as "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 engage in a "comprehensive approach to vision rehabilitation addressing visual, physical, cognitive, and psycho-social aspects related to training and integration of existing and emerging technologies. Methods and strategies include the use of visual techniques, non-visual techniques (auditory and tactual), strategies and problem-solving skills through the use of various Assistive Technology ("AT") devices and solutions."

Because the assistive technology in the field of visual impairments is rapidly changing, this area of certification requires more frequent re-certification than other areas. A CATIS must recertify every two years.​ You can learn more about CATIS and the requirements for certification at the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP). 
History of vi
Visual Impairments
Vi organizations & Agencies
VI book resources
VI Professionals
Professionalism
Instructional Planning
Professional Publications
Educational Programming
Individual Learning Differences
referrals
Medical vision exams
fvlma
additional evaluations
service planning
writing goals
compensatory skills
Guiding Principles
​Functional Skills
Community Based Experiences  ​
​​Concepts to Teach ​
Organization & Study Skills ​​
Time Management  ​​
​​​​Virtual Instruction
​Movies & Assemblies
Lectures & Instruction
Board Work (Chalk, White, etc.)
​​Daily Schedule 
Morning Meeting 
Weather Check 
Dramatic Play 
Blocks 
Numbers & Counting
Cranmer Abacus Instruction
Algebra
Geometry & Spatial Sense
Measurement & Data ​
Early Literacy Experiences  ​
​Create Tactual Books
Reading Instruction
​Reading Efficiency ​​
Science Adaptations 
Social Studies Adaptations
​Accessible Educational Materials
​​Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
Adjust Lighting  
Large Print
Optical Devices for Near 
Optical Devices for Distance 
Optical Device Use ​​
​Photocopying
Font Legibility
Increase Contrast
Pictures & Worksheets 
Keyboarding ​Instruction
Word Processing and Shortcuts
​Navigate Computer w/o a Mouse
Braille Code
Braille Instruction 
​Braille Instruction Materials
Writing Braille  
​Summer Reading (braille)
Signature & Handwriting ​​
Nemeth Braille Code
​Tactile Graphics Guidelines
Creating Tactile Graphics
​Tactile Graphics Instruction
​Teacher Made Materials 
​Labeling System
assistive technology
sensory efficiency
independent living
orientation & Mobility
career education
social skills
recreation & Leisure
self determination