Braillist (7)

The job partners with the teacher to facilitate learning and provide clear communication for a student with severe visual impairment. The job provides instructional support and uses judgment in selecting educational materials and methods of delivery to meet the specific needs of the student as outlined in the Individual Program Plan (IPP). Under the direction of the teacher, the job transcribes and produces Alberta Education diploma exams, achievement tests, and curriculum resources in braille format.

The incumbent independently instructs the students to expand their knowledge of braille and increase their reading and writing skill levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist teacher with planning, preparing, adapting, and implementing programs to meet individual student’s needs
• Work with the teacher to gain an understanding of the curriculum and to adapt instructional materials to align with the student’s ability
• Implement communication strategies to support student's needs
• Reinforce braille reading and writing skills as taught by the Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVI)
• Reinforce orientation and mobility skills as directed by an Occupational Therapist
• Review what the student has learned and identify areas for future development
• Assist students in completing classroom work and activities
• Convert teacher-generated material, handouts, and worksheets to braille
• Transcribe classroom curriculum to Braille
• Transcribe and interline educational materials to braille, e-text, sound recordings, or enlarged print
• Create transcriber’s notes to describe graphics and formats
• Read Braille and check for accuracy in accordance with Braille Code manuals
• Check braille against print for completeness, accuracy, and clarity
• Use appropriate methods to reproduce diagrams in a tactile form and simplify diagram content to clarify intent and presentation
• Create keys and legends to accompany diagrams, and check tactile diagrams for completeness, accuracy, and clarity
• Act as a resource to teachers, students, and staff with regards to braille and the Visually Impaired Culture
• Assist the student in developing and building social skills, peer interactions, self-esteem, independence, confidence, and self- avocation

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school, CNIB Grade 2 Level Braille certification, plus two years of directly related experience
• Knowledge of the general implications of blindness, visual impairments, and awareness of physical hazards
• Knowledge of Unified English Braille Code, CNIB Grade 1 Level, Nemeth Mathematics Braille, and Literary Braille
• Knowledge of “Braille 2000” software computer program and assistive technology required for student’s needs.
• Fluent in the English language and able to transcribe and interline educational materials into Braille and interpret Braille into spoken English
• Considerable knowledge of classroom routines, equipment, and computers
• Knowledge of intervention strategies, de-escalation and behavior management, first aid and CPR
• Understanding of the Alberta Education curriculum and educational techniques and principles.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills are required to develop rapport with Blind and Visually Impaired students and their teachers, specialists, and parents 
• Good verbal and written communication skills, in the English language, with the ability to develop and maintain rapport with students, teachers, and specialists 
• Ability to advocate for the student, and promote awareness and acceptance of the Blind and/or Visually Impaired 
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to meet the educational, physical, emotional, and behavioural needs of the student.