Assistive Technology Specialist

MaineGuide; Lewiston, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Labor in Lewiston, ME seeks a professional to instruct individuals who are blind or visually impaired in orientation, safe travel, and assistive technology solutions. Responsibilities include assessing impairment levels, advising on services, and teaching independent mobility with AT in diverse settings.

The role focuses on evaluating needs, planning training, and documenting progress, with supervision provided and a strong emphasis on ADA/IDEA compliance.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of rehabilitation of blind/visually impaired individuals.
• Familiarity with AT devices and software for mobility and education.
• Understanding ADA, IDEA and related disability mandates.

Responsibilities

• Assess functional needs using standardized methods to determine accommodations.
• Teach blind/low vision individuals to travel safely using AT and other senses.
• Instruct in use of AT devices in multiple settings (home, school, workplace).
• Evaluate services and set achievable training goals with clients.
• Conduct usability testing of AT tools to inform recommendations.
• Develop training schedules and explain training objectives clearly.
• Write evaluation reports and progress notes documenting needs and progress.
• Create individual training plans based on evaluation of medical information.
• Counsel individuals and families on adjustment to vision loss and support services.
• Coordinate site evaluations to ensure ADA/IDEA compliance.

Skills

Blind/low vision rehab

Assistive technology

ADA/IDEA knowledge

O&M training

Special education concepts

Person-centered counseling

Tools

Screen reader proficiency

Screen magnification

Refreshable braille

Accessibility software

OCR/Scanning tools

Mobile accessibility

Job description

Department of Labor

Job Class Code:0723

Grade:25 (Professional/Technical)

Salary: $56,867.20 - $79,747.20/Annually

Location of Position: Lewiston

Opening Date: September 23, 2026

Closing Date: October 7, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

DESCRIPTION:

This is professional services work in instructing individuals who are blind or visually impaired in the methods and practices of effective orientation, safe travel, and/or assistive technology (AT) solutions. Responsibilities include assessing degree of impairment, providing consultation on available services, and teaching persons who are blind/low vision, including those with other disabilities, to travel safely and independently -and/or- how to utilize assistive technology to enhance independence, improve communication, and promote successful outcomes for educational pursuits, independent living, avocational interests, and gainful employment. Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

• Assesses individuals’ functional needs using standardized evaluation methods; analyzes vision/medical reports to determine appropriate accommodations, recommendations and instruction strategies.
• Teaches individuals who are blind or low vision to understand concept development and spatial awareness, improve orientation, and interpret environmental surroundings to travel safely and independently using other senses to improve mobility.
• Provides instruction in the use of AT devices and software in multiple settings (home, school, workplace, etc.).
• Evaluates available services and expected results to determine feasibility of training to set reasonable goals for individuals.
• Conducts usability and user-testing sessions with AT tools to evaluate effectiveness and inform recommendations.
• Plans and develops training schedules; explains objectives of training program to trainees and other individuals to ensure understanding.
• Writes evaluation reports, progress notes, training summaries, master lists of cases, and related statistical data to document needs, progress, and work activity.
• Develops individual plan for training through discussion with individuals and evaluation of medical information to ensure individuals’ needs are met.
• Instructs in use of low vision aids and/or AT devices and software, for mobility and other purposes through knowledge of devices and degree/type of impairment to explain, teach usage, and enhance safe mobility.
• Counsels individuals and family members on adjustment to vision loss to assist individuals and their families experiencing the adjustment process.
• Conducts site evaluations at schools and other public facilities to assist in complying with ADA, IDEA, and other related mandates involving disabilities.
• Confers with social services providers and other professionals to provide and coordinate services.
• Develops community awareness of Blind Rehabilitation services to enhance community awareness and assist in accommodating individuals.
• Researches, explores, and stays current with emerging AT tools and accessibility trends, including beta testing, reviewing new hardware/software, and building resource networks.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of medical and psychological/social aspects of rehabilitation of individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Knowledge of kinesiology, Audition, and other senses.
• Knowledge of concept and sensory development.
• Knowledge of visual system including structure and function of the eyes and pathologies.
• Knowledge of additional disabilities including cognitive developmental delays or autism.
• Knowledge of blind/low vision individuals’ functional needs, accessibility principles, and accommodations in mobility, education, employment, and daily living.
• Knowledge of child and adult learning theory and special education principles for children who are blind and/or visually impaired.
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and techniques of O&M and AT training services, blind rehabilitation, and low vision therapy.
• Knowledge of technical resources and assistive technology skills such as screen reader proficiency, screen magnification, refreshable braille, accessibility software, OCR/Scanning tools, and mobile accessibility.
• Knowledge of the field of low vision therapy, services, and aids.
• Knowledge of ADA, IDEA, vocational rehabilitation and other related principles or mandates involving disabilities.