Disability Awareness Curriculum
WIA One-Stop Centers and RSA

Training provided by ACBVI

(ACBVI: Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired)

General Disability Awareness

Learn about removing barriers to resources and services in One-Stop Centers, the law, hidden and apparent disabilities, etiquette for successful interaction and communication, and how to provide and create accessible materials for the use of clients who are job-seekers. Become familiar with the accessible computer workstations and AT (assistive technology) in your One-Stop Center. Introduction to hands-on AT (“assistive technology”) in Your One-Stop site including: JAWS, ZoomText, high contrast settings for computer monitors, screen magnification, CCTV, ergonomic desks and chairs, assistive technology for AAC, and telephone services. Learn about many other resources you and your clients can use to accomplish important vocational tasks.

Special Disability Training, B/VI:
Serving Persons who are Blind or Vision Impaired

Learn about functional limitations of specific vision conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, RP; learn basic etiquette including sighted guide; alternative format resources for printed, audio-visual and online materials; community resources; and introduction to hands-on vision AT (“assistive technology”) in your One-Stop Center including: JAWS, ZoomText, high contrast settings for computer monitors, screen magnification, large print materials and CCTV.

Special Disability Training, D/HoH:
Serving persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Learn about functional limitations of specific hearing conditions (high frequency loss, low frequency loss, deaf culture, late-deafened, hard of hearing); learn basic etiquette; tips for buying sign language interpreter services; differences in deaf culture and public communication, community resources and introduction to hands-on AT (“assistive technology”) in your One-Stop Center including: calling and receiving calls using a TTY, amplified phone, Arizona Relay Service and use of FM systems.

Special Disability Training, ERGO:
ERGO and Physical Considerations  
Serving persons with limited physical accessibility

Learn about functional limitations of specific physical motor conditions including spinal cord injuries, MS, MD and CP; learn about medical conditions that have physical access considerations; learn basic etiquette; community resources; basic ergonomic issues and an introduction to hands-on AT (“assistive technology”) in your One-Stop Center including: overall environmental access, desk and chair settings, keyboard and mouse accessibility, Sticky Keys, Mouse Keys and Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard. Other AT that may help: DragonNaturally Speaking and accommodations to help people with a variety of physical considerations.

Special Disability Training, COG:
Serving Persons with Learning Disabilities or Cognitive Challenges

Learn about functional limitations of a variety of learning disabilities, differences in learning styles, Attention Deficit Disorder and memory concerns. Common behavioral issues, psychological and emotional conditions and mood disorders as well as medical conditions that affect learning, such as TBI (traumatic brain injury) and stroke recovery. Learn basic etiquette and rapport-building strategies; community resources; basic accessibility considerations and an introduction to hands-on AT (“assistive technology”) in your One-Stop Center including: overall environmental access, signage, materials in alternative format, use of software and accommodations for those who have needs that can be addressed with assistive technology.

Computer Skills for Professionals

An intensive short course of training to strengthen basic skills in computer skills and online strategies important in business communication. These are the critical functional skills needed by staff and clients to successfully complete job-related tasks. Before staff can appreciate fully the necessary assistive technology and accommodations made for clients with disabilities, the IT before the AT is the focus for training of staff at all levels of skill. Emphasis on effective shortcuts and word-processing skills.

Other Training Available through the AT Staff Training Program

Following a staff session for the B/VI and the D/HoH trainings, each site is allowed to have a shorter, hands-on training scheduled for those staff who will directly work with the AT.  Let program staff with ATAZ know of your interest and particular questions for your facility.

Notes about ATAZ Staff Training Program

Full presentations of training modules are provided in One-Stop Centers. The main sessions of training (General, BVI, DHoH, ERGO, COG, Computer) are three hours each and cannot be shortened in length. There is a maximum number of attendees for these full sessions, set at 30. They usually run at one of these times:

8:30 to 11:30 am
10:30 am to 2:30 pm (one hour for lunch)
1:00 to 4:00 pm

The short training sessions (Hands-On training) are presented at RSA/VR offices. These are one to three hours for your needs. They may be set for any time you wish. This training is usually attended only by employees who directly work with clients using assistive technology available in the facility, such as in a Resource Room. Hands-on sessions may be for as few staff as one or two at a time. They will give staff a chance to practice with assistive technology devices and programs of their choosing.

State, county and local agencies that request training may decide to make the trainings mandatory and/or available for credit. CRC credit may be given for three hour sessions to eligible staff.

Please contact Training Coordinator BJ Bolender to schedule training sessions. Comprehensive One-Stop locations that have received training are listed in the ATAZ website.