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Technology & Employment Training
Learning and knowledge are power, and our focus is providing people who are blind or low vision with access to the right technology and trainings that best fit your needs and goals. Our staff are trained to evaluate you on a variety of assistive technology devices, software, and programs, as well as provide the necessary training to enhance your technology skills. We also provide employment training programs and classes that focus on preparing people for the workforce and enhancing job skills to increase employability. Whether you are a new job seeker or looking to build new or enhance employment skills, we aim to provide you with the training necessary to enable you to achieve your employment goals.
Technology Evaluation and Training Steps
Step 1: Set up an evaluation appointment to determine what assistive technology devices, software and programs best fit your needs.
Step 2: Set up training appointment to learn how to use the assistive technology device, software, app or program that best fits your needs.
Step 3: Set up additional training if needed to enhance your technology skills.
Employment Training Steps
Step 1: Sign up for one of our job readiness skills training classes that best fit your needs and goals.
Job readiness training classes will help you develop the following skills:
- Soft Skills: Build confidence and refine communication, time management, and teamwork abilities.
- Communication: Master clear and concise communication, both written and verbal, for effective interaction in any workplace setting.
- Customer Service: Learn best practices for providing exceptional service and building positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Resume Writing and Interview Techniques: Craft compelling resumes and ace interviews with expert guidance and role-playing exercises.
- Job Search Strategies: Navigate the job market with ease, learn effective networking strategies, and utilize online job search tools with confidence.
- Financial Literacy: Develop budgeting and finance skills to manage income effectively and make informed financial decisions.
- Career Goal Setting: Define professional aspirations, chart a clear path, and identify actionable steps tp achieve career goals.
- Self-Advocacy and Employment Rights: Equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their needs and ensure equal opportunities in the workplace.
Accessible and Supportive Environment
- Experienced Trainers: Our instructors are qualified professionals with expertise in career development and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or low vision.
- Accessible Learning: Program materials will be available in accessible formats, and training sessions will be delivered in an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Individualized Support: We acknowledge that everyone’s career journey is unique. We offer personalized guidance and mentorship to ensure each participant received the support they need to thrive.
WHAT WE OFFER
Our Trainings and Classes
Customer Service Certification Course
Customer Service Certification
The Lighthouse of Houston is pleased to announce the opening of referrals for our Customer Service Certification Training Course. This comprehensive course is designed to equip blind or low vision students with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in customer service roles. Practical exercises and simulations provide students with valuable hands-on experience, and successful completion of the course will result in the issuance of a Customer Service Certification from The Lighthouse of Houston.
Referral candidates should be able to convey ideas, information, and opinions easily and clearly, both listen and read to retain information conveyed in two and five-minute conversations, recap conversations and ideas in understandable short messages, type at a speed of 35 WPM, possess basic competency in Jaws or ZoomText screen reader.
Submit referral and service authorization to training@houstonlighthouse.org. All referred students will be required to complete an assessment to evaluate their sustainability for the course. Upon successful completion of the assessment, students will be enrolled in the next available course session.
For additional information, click the button below to send an email to our team or call 713-284-8471.
Cost:
- The total cost for this course if $2495, includes: Pre-requisite testing )required for course acceptance), 5 weeks of curriculum instruction (30 hours per week), Post assessment testing (required for certification).
Technology Evaluation and Training
Assistive Technology Evaluation
Are you ready to take advantage of the use of assistive technology? We offer comprehensive thorough technology evaluations on a variety of assistive devices, software, and programs and our goal is to help you identify what best fits your needs and desires. Identifying what is best for you is the first step to unlocking your full potential when taking advance of the use of technology.
Pay Options:
- Texas Workforce Commission referral
- $125 per category – one-on-one evaluation appointment
Technology Training
After you have identified what assistive device, software, app or program best fits your needs, we will provide you with training in one-on-one or group settings. Our staff are trained to provide you with training for you to learn, develop or enhance your skills on the following:
- JAWS screen reader software
- Zoomtext
- iPhones
- Video Magnifiers
- Braille Pad
- CCTV (Close Circuit Television)
- OCR
- Apps
- And more…
Pay Options:
- Texas Workforce Commission referral
- $40 per hour – one-on-one training appointment
Keyboard Training
This keyboard training can be done individually or in a group setting and is designed to introduce you to basic keyboarding.
- $20 per hour – keyboard training
Braille Lessons
Our Technology and Employment Training team provides braille lessons for individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of basic tactile alphabet, numbers and punctuation system. Braille is a great way to promote intellectual freedom and make things more accessible in the life of a person who is blind or has low vision.
When:
- By Appointment
- Call to inquire or schedule your braille lessons at 713-429-8976 Option 5.
Employment Skills and Vocational Training
Employment Skills and Vocational Training
Learning and knowledge is power and our trained staff are ready to provide you with the skills you need to achieve employment success. Whether you are returning to the workforce or a new job seeker, our Job Readiness programs are specifically designed to assist blind or low vision individuals with the skills, tools and resources needed to reach your employment goals.
Classes we offer:
Microsoft Office Suite
We offer an accessible Microsoft Office Suite class that includes an introduction to using word, excel, outlook, other Microsoft Office apps and programs. This class is designed to increase a beginner’s confidence in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, while using JAWS screen reader. You will learn key functions of each program, JAWS shortcut commands, and other tools and tips that will enhance your Microsoft Office Suite knowledge to help ensure your computer interaction is less stress and ready for success! Experience interactive learning and live instruction at our facility or learn virtually, right from your own home!
Age:
- All ages
Cost:
- $15 per person – Group Course
- $40 per hour – In-person or virtual one-on-one training
Pre-Employment Transitional Services
We offer a tailored Pre-Employment Transition (Pre-ETS), program for students, ages 14 to 22, who experience barriers to employment due to being blind or low vision. The goal of Pre-ETS is to prepare students for equitable and integrated employment based on the students’ own preferences, interests, needs and strengths. The program focuses on the essential work place readiness skills and self-advocacy knowledge to help ensure our participants are equipped to succeed in their future!
Pay Options:
- Texas Workforce Commission Referral
- Self-pay
Community Computer Lab
Our community computer lab is complimentary and open to the public for people who are blind or low vision. Our focus is to provide accessible computer access for individuals to practice essential computer skills, connect with your community and explore other learning and development opportunities. The computer lab will also have other assistive devices such as CCTV’s available for use.
We encourage individuals of all ages and any experience level to master basic computer skills, including typing, email, internet browsing and purchasing, document creating and more. The lab is open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 3 PM. Stop by the front desk to check in and then you are off to exploring the World Wide Web.
For Assistance
Education and Training Department
Find A Job
The Lighthouse of Houston employs many wonderful, talented individuals that are passionate about the mission. Of those we employ 60% are blind or low vision.
Hire Us
The Lighthouse of Houston has the resources to perform many jobs that your company may not have the ability to do in house. Contact us today to see how we can help!
