This one-and-a-half-day seminar at the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2026 pre-conference in Orlando, Florida was for assistive technology (AT) specialists and others who provide technology training and support to people who are blind or who have low vision. In each edition of this pre- conference, we have explored and curated various topics to meet the unique needs of the field. In this ninth edition, we explored the four core domains of Certified Assistive Technol- ogy Instructional Specialists for People with Visual Impairments (CATIS) credential through the Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP), which are exploration, assessment, configuration, and instruc- tion (ACVREP, 2026). This training was designed at the intermediate and ad- vanced level primarily for professionals working in the visual impairment technology arena, such as CATIS, teachers of stu- dents with visual impairments (TVIs), Certified Vision Rehabili- tation Therapists (CVRTs), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), and Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVTs). Others were encouraged and welcomed to attend. LEARNING OBJECTIVES, EXPECTATIONS, AND HOT TOPICS FOR SESSION PARTICIPANTS This session covered three broad learning objectives. The first objective was to identify at least two strengths and one weakness of talking assistants for blind and low vision users. The second learning objective was to identify at least three resources available to learn more about assistive technol- ogy training options, financial assistance, AT assessment, and emerging tech. The third learning objective was to identify three objective metrics that can be used to compare refresh- able braille displays for potential clients and environments. Additional topics discussed during this pre-conference session included configuration for Windows and Microsoft 365, screen magnification configuration and setup, smart home technolo- gies and blindness specific devices, reading and navigation commands, dialog box and control type navigation, commands for determining the current focus while using screen readers, contextual factors and considerations for AT assessment, con- cepts for web navigation while using a screen reader, and AI advancements. This training included collaborative learning opportunities and hands-on experiences with a variety of assistive technol- ogy solutions. Theoretical principles of specific access technol- ogies were reviewed, as well as methods of applying the core domains through AT services for people who are blind or who have low vision. Hot topics this year included the following: • Discussing the evaluation and configuration of nonvi- sual environmental controls. • Comparative exploration of various refreshable braille
displays available on the market. • Screen magnification tools and strategies.
• Collaborating to discover new resources and strategies for acquiring technologies for personal training and evaluation. • Exploring new and emerging technologies for people with visual impairments. Each year, this is a bring your own technology (BYOT) ses- sion. The BYOT element of this pre-conference session adds to the variety of devices and software applications presented and discussed. All session participants were asked, however, to please have a Windows computer, Chromebook, and/or macOS computer, Android and/or iOS device, and either headphones or earphones of their personal preference. The overall pre-conference agenda is discussed next with some of the details about what was covered and considered for each component of the agenda. CONFIGURATION OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR PEOPLE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS Configuration is one of the four core domains for CATIS Cer- tification through ACVREP (2026). It is necessary to consider how best to configure a computer, software, as well as AT soft- ware. Additionally, training students who are blind or have low vision on how to adjust and customize settings is also a neces- sary component during the instruction process. Configuring screen magnification includes careful atten- tion to the physical setup and ergonomics of the workstation. For learners who rely on magnification, optimal positioning of the monitor, keyboard, and seating can significantly reduce visual fatigue and support sustained engagement. Adjustable monitor arms, appropriate viewing distance, high-contrast key- boards, and proper lighting ensure that the user can maintain a comfortable posture while accessing visually enlarged content. Combined with appropriate font sizing and display settings, these physical considerations establish an important compo- nent of the foundation for efficient and comfortable use of screen magnification software. Additionally, there are various settings available within screen magnification applications that can be adjusted for optimal use for each individual. Once the environment is set, the next layer of configuration involves understanding the workflows of using the magnifica- tion features to zoom in and out while navigating in different operating systems and applications. Operating system screen magnification commands, such as Windows Magnifier short- cuts or macOS Zoom gestures, allow users to quickly adjust magnification without leaving their current task. Application specific commands, such as browser zoom controls, Microsoft Office view settings, and PDF reader magnification options, of- fer another method of magnification, allowing the user to fur- ther customize the view for the specific content they are work-
February / March, 2026 | https://www.closingthegap.com/benefits-of-membership/ 37 Closing The Gap © 2026 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
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