BVI (Blind Visually Impaired) Assistant (8 hours per day)
Elk River, MN
Full Time
Mid Level
Job Overview: ISD 728 is seeking a dedicated and compassionate BVI Paraprofessional to join our elementary teams for the 2026-2027 school year. In this role, you will work closely with Special Education Teachers to support the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth of students with diverse learning needs. The ideal candidate is patient, adaptable, and passionate about helping every student reach their full potential in a safe and inclusive environment.
Empower Access | Create Inclusive Learning | Enable Student Independence
Are you a skilled accessibility specialist or dedicated educational assistant passionate about removing visual barriers to learning? As our BVI Accessibility Teaching Assistant, you will work under the direction and supervision of the Teacher for the Visually Impaired to transcribe materials, adapt learning environments, and provide direct support to students who are blind or low vision.
In this vital role, your craftsmanship in creating Braille, tactile graphics, and accessible digital media directly empowers students to fully participate in their education alongside their peers.
Why You'll Love This Role
What You'll Do
1. Tactile & Accessible Material Production
What You Bring
Education & Experience
Work Environment & Logistics
Empower Access | Create Inclusive Learning | Enable Student Independence
Are you a skilled accessibility specialist or dedicated educational assistant passionate about removing visual barriers to learning? As our BVI Accessibility Teaching Assistant, you will work under the direction and supervision of the Teacher for the Visually Impaired to transcribe materials, adapt learning environments, and provide direct support to students who are blind or low vision.
In this vital role, your craftsmanship in creating Braille, tactile graphics, and accessible digital media directly empowers students to fully participate in their education alongside their peers.
Why You'll Love This Role
- Competitive Compensation: Starting pay of $23.04 per hour (with additional pay and benefit details defined in the master agreement).
- Schedule: 10 month calendar
- Creative & Technical Impact: Transform standard classroom curricula into rich tactile, Braille, and auditory formats using cutting-edge assistive technology.
- Supported Professional Growth: Expand your expertise with built-in opportunities to advance your Braille certifications and assistive technology skills.
What You'll Do
1. Tactile & Accessible Material Production
- Transcribe classroom materials—including textbooks, workbooks, testing items, worksheets, and charts—into accessible tactile, auditory, large print, and Braille formats (using UEB guidelines).
- Design and create tactile graphics, maps, and diagrams using specialized transcription techniques and tools.
- Manage production schedules to ensure all adapted materials are prepared and delivered to classroom teachers prior to instructional time.
- Work with individual students or small groups in accordance with instructional plans developed by the TVI and IEP/IFSP teams.
- Assist classroom teachers in implementing environmental accommodations, physical seating modifications, and supplemental services.
- Keep TVIs, Orientation & Mobility (O&M) specialists, and general education teachers informed of student progress, emerging needs, or daily challenges.
- Manage, order, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized equipment, devices, and software used by visually impaired students and staff.
- Provide basic technical assistance and orientation to classroom teachers, support staff, and substitute teachers on student devices and accommodations.
- Maintain accurate inventory records of district BVI equipment, adapted books, and transcription files.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of student records in compliance with FERPA and district policy.
- Participate in BVI department meetings, district trainings, and ongoing professional development related to Braille and accessibility tools.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned by program leadership.
What You Bring
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or GED required (Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred).
- 3 to 5 years of experience working with Braille, Orientation & Mobility (O&M), or supporting students with visual impairments.
- Completion of or current enrollment in a recognized BVI program.
- Completed or currently enrolled in UEB Online: Literacy Module 1.
- Completed or currently enrolled in the National Library Service (NLS) UEB Braille Certification Program.
- Active commitment to participating in ongoing professional development to refine tactile graphic and Braille transcription skills.
- Strong technical fluency with computers, digital media, and specialized assistive technologies.
- Outstanding organizational abilities and time management to meet strict material production deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to follow complex directions with high precision while also exercising sound independent judgment when needed.
Work Environment & Logistics
- Itinerant Mobility: Must have reliable transportation and a willingness to travel between school buildings throughout the district as assigned.
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