Training and certifying access technology trainers

The ATI Trainer Certification Program teaches students concept-driven computer access using Windows, Edge, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, JAWS, and NVDA. Access Technology is a subset of Assistive Technology with focus on software and peripherals for blind and visually impaired students.

The eleven-month curriculum includes pedagogical and lesson design discussions. The Constructivist Teaching framework is emphasized along with its strategies and techniques.

There are a myriad of resources that show students what to teach. At ATI, we fill in the blanks. The ATI Trainer Certification Program shows students:

• How to access Windows using concepts and controls. Keystrokes are taught in context.
• How to employ pedagogical strategies in the classroom.
• How to design lessons that follow a natural progression.
• How to increase student retention.
• How to present informative and engaging lessons.

ATI Certified Trainers are working throughout the tech industry. From Microsoft, the VA, and federal agencies, to community centers that offer in-person and remote training, our graduates are improving blind and low vision students' lives.

This course focuses on computer access, screen reader proficiency, and lesson preparation. These skills translate into a variety of career opportunities.

Each lesson includes:

• Written documentation in multiple formats. Some lessons include sample web pages or documents.
• A live Zoom classroom session for lesson review and discussion.
• Unlimited email support.

ATI accepts private, corporate, and Department of Rehabilitation (vocational rehabilitation) students.

Why ATI

Every course is concept-driven. We fill in the training gaps and show students Windows' universality. A Start Menu control is the same control in File Explorer and Office.

Each lesson illustrates a teaching strategy. Students experience the strategies they will employ in their classrooms. Lessons are thoroughly explored and every question is answered. The course is challenging, demanding, and rewarding.

Upon graduation, students receive lifetime continuing education and access to all ATI textbooks and training courses. Graduates also receive full access to the ATI Trainer Portal, a business management and community website designed specifically for Access Technology Trainers.

Meet CathyAnne

CathyAnne Murtha is a product of the State of California Department of Rehabilitation. She was encouraged to explore her interests and naturally gravitated to computers, English composition, and speech courses.

With the dawn of the Internet, CathyAnne became an Access Technology Trainer. In 2001, she founded Access Technology Institute. She taught Windows, Word, and JAWS to students who wanted to learn the basics.

In 2003, with the encouragement of her friend and mentor, George Buys, she enrolled her first ATI Trainer Certification students. To date, over 300 students have graduated this elite course.