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Content provided by Jeffrey Thompson and Blind Abilities Team. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jeffrey Thompson and Blind Abilities Team or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
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From Screen Readers to Self-Reliance: Cheryl’s Journey to Becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist

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Manage episode 513136301 series 1247580
Content provided by Jeffrey Thompson and Blind Abilities Team. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jeffrey Thompson and Blind Abilities Team or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this Blind Abilities conversation, Cheryl McIntosh shares her journey toward becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, or CATIS, and how she empowers others to build independence through technology. Cheryl teaches screen reader users—primarily JAWS and VoiceOver—through personalized virtual training. She explains that success starts with fundamentals like keyboard familiarity, navigating Windows, and understanding screen reader terminology. Cheryl emphasizes that each learner has unique goals, so she tailors lessons based on personal needs—whether that means mastering email for work, browsing the web, or simply staying connected with family. She also highlights the power of community and mentorship, crediting World Services for the Blind for launching her career path and praising the growing network of accessible training resources. Cheryl finds fulfillment in seeing progress firsthand: students who once doubted themselves now secure jobs and promotions thanks to new tech skills. Her story is a powerful reminder that technology can reopen doors—and rebuild confidence—after vision loss.

Suggested Links:

World Services for the Blind

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Cheryl's Contact

Full Transcript

Thanks for listening!

  continue reading

520 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 513136301 series 1247580
Content provided by Jeffrey Thompson and Blind Abilities Team. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jeffrey Thompson and Blind Abilities Team or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this Blind Abilities conversation, Cheryl McIntosh shares her journey toward becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, or CATIS, and how she empowers others to build independence through technology. Cheryl teaches screen reader users—primarily JAWS and VoiceOver—through personalized virtual training. She explains that success starts with fundamentals like keyboard familiarity, navigating Windows, and understanding screen reader terminology. Cheryl emphasizes that each learner has unique goals, so she tailors lessons based on personal needs—whether that means mastering email for work, browsing the web, or simply staying connected with family. She also highlights the power of community and mentorship, crediting World Services for the Blind for launching her career path and praising the growing network of accessible training resources. Cheryl finds fulfillment in seeing progress firsthand: students who once doubted themselves now secure jobs and promotions thanks to new tech skills. Her story is a powerful reminder that technology can reopen doors—and rebuild confidence—after vision loss.

Suggested Links:

World Services for the Blind

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Cheryl's Contact

Full Transcript

Thanks for listening!

  continue reading

520 episodes

All episodes

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