Attention Assistive Technology Trainers!

Do you provide assistive technology training to blind or
visually-impaired individuals? Are you looking for an opportunity to
learn new training strategies? Would you like to have access to new
training materials? How about making contacts with other trainers to
share tips and resources? Project ASSIST's Train the Trainer workshop
may be the opportunity you have been waiting for. Best of all, you won't
have to leave home or spend money to take advantage of it.
About the Train the Trainer Workshop
Goals
The Train the Trainer workshop has three goals: share strategies,
improve computer skills, and teach distance learning training
techniques.

Share Strategies. We anticipate that workshop participants will have
experience providing computer and technology training to blind and
visually impaired individuals. Most will have had to develop strategies
on their own. The workshop will provide a forum for trainers to share
their successful training strategies.

Improve Computer and Technology Training Skills. Participants will learn
new tips for using mainstream software, assistive technology software
and hardware, and trouble-shooting strategies. While the emphasis will
be on computer skills, we hope to address other technology such as
notetakers, Braille displays, scanners, etc.

Teach Distance Learning Strategies. ASSIST staff have been offering
online computer training courses for three years. We will educate
participants on successful distance learning strategies, effective
methods for assessing a client's work, and important issues to consider
when developing a distance learning program.

Format
The workshop runs approximately 12 weeks. It will use a
facilitator-participant approach rather than an instructor-student
approach. Participants are expected to offer discussion issues and
constructive criticism.

The workshop will be conducted via distance learning. Participants will
obtain weekly reading and activity assignments via the project's web
site. In addition, a 2-hour teleconference class will be conducted
weekly. Participants will use e-mail or a discussion board to share
ideas or post questions.

Content

The workshop is divided into two parts. In part one, participants will
be introduced to distance learning. Participants will read materials and
discuss issues related to distance learning, such as the effectiveness
of distance learning, delivery options, technology available, and
accessibility issues. Specific topics addressed during this portion will
include low-cost approaches to distance learning and how distance
learning is being used in business and education.

In part two of the workshop, participants will put the skills learned
during part one into action. They will prepare several distance learning
training modules (plans, materials, and methods) for various assistive
technologies. At the end of the workshop, all participants will have
materials they can use to provide training to their clients. They will
also have the skills to deliver that training using a distance learning
approach.

Costs
The workshop and training materials are free. Participants are expected
to have a computer (preferably running Windows XP Professional)
configured for e-mail and Internet access, and a telephone with long
distance. Participants will be provided with a phone card for workshop
use. 

When? 

The next workshop is scheduled to begin in June 2005.  Applications are
due by May 2, 2005. You will be notified about your participation by May
16, 2005.

How to Apply
Interested persons must complete and submit an application. The workshop
is open to anyone who is currently employed as an assistive technology
trainer in the United States. 
  
You can download an application for ASSIST Online's Train the Trainer
Workshop from our web site at: www.blind.state.ia.us/assist.
Instructions for submitting the application are provided with the
application materials.

If you have a question or are unable to download and complete the
application, contact us using the information listed below.

Project ASSIST Contact Information
Project ASSIST With Windows is based at the Iowa Department for the
Blind. The project is funded by grants from the National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). You can learn more about
Project ASSIST with Windows' by visiting our web site at
www.blind.state.ia.us/assist 

Iowa Department for the Blind
Project ASSIST With Windows
524 Fourth Street
Des Moines, IA  50309
(515) 281-1317
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