National Blindness Professional Certification Board
National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind
For complete information on the National Certification in Access Technology
for the Blind, go to NCATB Certification Process https://nbpcb.org/ncatb/
The NCATB is a three-year renewable credential and is the only certification
which can attest to an individual having met rigorous standards in the area
of access technology teaching for the blind using Structured Discovery (SD)
methods and principles. Individuals who are interested in applying for NCATB
certification are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with all of
the information included here.
The Structured Discovery paradigm is grounded in the Consumer-Based Model of
Rehabilitation and has had unsurpassed outcomes for more than seven decades.
One of the key tenets of this approach to access technology teaching is that
successful professionals must master the nonvisual skills for competently
using technology that they are expected to teach. Strong problem-solving
strategies and techniques are developed to effectively utilize both
mainstream and access technology. It is also crucial to understand how an
individual's internalized attitudes--as well as public attitudes--about
blindness have on personal expectations and aspirations.
The preparation process for individuals teaching under the Structured
Discovery model is heavily focused on the development of personal experience
in learning and using the skills that blind persons depend on for safe and
effective living. Beyond theoretical and academic exposition, Structured
Discovery is based on hands-on learning, trust in the effectiveness and
appropriateness of nonvisual skills, and an unwavering conviction in the
normalcy and capacity of individuals who are blind to maintain their own
independence and make decisions about how they live their lives.
Proper preparation to become certified as an Access Technology for the Blind
instructor is dependent upon successful completion of either a
University-based program or apprenticeship that is sanctioned by the
National Blindness Professional Certification Board. This includes a minimum
of 480 hours of immersion at an NBPCB-approved center followed by
proficiency demonstrated through a successful internship or apprenticeship
completed at an NBPCB-approved center. Demonstration of this ability is
documented through the verification of teaching competency form that is
signed off by the NBPCB-Approved training representative who oversees the
immersion and/or teaching program. Individuals who wish to seek NCATB
certification but who have not completed one of these formal programs will
need to write a letter to the NBPCB board of directors that details their
preparation experience, knowledge, skills, and disposition to teach
Structured Discovery Access Technology as part of their application.
Successful applicants who earn the designation of NCATB maintain this status
for a period of three years and are entitled to all rights and
responsibilities therein as long as active certification status is
maintained and the NBPCB Code of Conduct is upheld.
Application Process
Individuals seeking NCATB certification must submit the following:
* Completed application form
* Personal essay explaining interest in becoming an Access Technology
SD certified instructor
* Resume
* Two letters of support from persons who can attest to the
applicant's character, motivation, teaching ability, and fitness and
suitability for the profession
* Verification of Immersion form *
* Payment of all applicable fees
Examination Process
Once an application has been approved, the individual seeking certification
is then eligible to proceed with the following examination process.
* Submit Verification of Teaching Competency form (provided directly
by the supervisor or applicable person.)*
* Participate in an interview conducted by the NCATB evaluation panel.
* Take the NCATB written examination
*Individuals who have not completed a formal program of preparation
recognized by the NBPCB must seek guidance from the NBPCB office on how to
properly complete the Verification of Immersion and Verification of Teaching
Competency forms. Individuals will also need to submit a letter to the NBPCB
board outlining their own personal AT training and preparation to be an AT
instructor.
Note: Applications will not be processed nor will individuals be allowed to
sit for the written examination without all supporting documentation and
payment of application fees.
All required documents must be sent directly in separate attachments to the
NBPCB Office at admin at nbpcb.org