Primary Purpose:
Enhance the effectiveness of learning for students with visual impairments, especially those who are blind and who use Braille. Assist visually impaired students who are in special education or general education classes by collaborating with other service providers on adaptations needed in order for the students to be successful in the classroom.

Qualifications
Education/Certification:
• High school diploma or GED equivalent recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency
• Meet federal law requirements: complete at least 48 hours of college-level coursework; or, obtain an Associate’s degree or higher; or, demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics, or readiness skills (TABE test or NCLB Certificate).

Special Knowledge/Skills:
• Mastery of English, in written and oral form
• Basic knowledge of vision loss and its implications for learning
• Knowledge of Braille Code
• Ability to use behavior management strategies in working with visually impaired students
• Ability to work on a computer
• Ability to type 35 wpm or more
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to adjust and be flexible in a multitude of situations in the school environment

Experience:
• Work experience with children who have significant vision loss; or, two years of experience as an instructional assistant with some knowledge of child development; or demonstration of proficiency in a specialized skill area, or experience related to working with students, such as work in church-related schools, day camps, private schools, or licensed day centers; or similar experience.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

General
1. Assist the teachers of the visually impaired by preparing adapted materials for students with vision loss
2. Deliver Braille, low vision materials and equipment to students on campuses, district-wide
3. Use Braille transcribing programs to format materials including textbooks, workbooks, teacher-made materials, novels and reading assignments, math and science notations, tactile graphic, music notation and foreign languages into proper Braille code
4. Travel to campuses to provide instructional reinforcement of Braille and adaptive visual skills with individual students under the supervision of the Visually Impaired teachers
5. Establish and maintain good working relationships with department staff, school personnel, students and parents
6. Participate in problem-solving to ensure Braille and tactile materials are prepared in such a way as to meet the individual needs of students
7. Assist in maintaining an inventory of materials and equipment
8. Support the mission of school district by serving as a positive role model for students
9. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities

Qualities of an Effective Braillist in Special Education
1. Work effectively with other staff members.
2. Use interpersonal skills to establish positive working relationships with students and their families.
3. Display behavior that demonstrates respect for the students and other staff members; model appropriate adult-student interactions.
4. Main high standards of confidentiality at all times.
5. Participate in staff development activities that improve job-related skills.
6. Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for district staff, including daily attendance and punctuality.
7. Comply with the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervision of students on occasion

Equipment:
Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, instructional and adaptive materials and equipment, copier, fax and other equipment applicable to position

Working Conditions

Mental and Physical Demands:
Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions and deadlines. Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing. Frequent lifting and carrying 10-45 pounds, more than 45 pounds infrequently with assistance. Pushing/pulling 10-35 pounds sporadically. Frequent driving within the district.