Job Title: Assistive Technology Lead
Reporting to: Reading Services Manager
Contract Hours: Full Time 39 hours
Annual Leave: 28 days
About the Role
We are seeking a passionate, innovative, and committed Assistive Technology Lead to join our Reading Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting children and young people with visual impairments to access education, develop independence, and build the skills and confidence to thrive in school, higher education, and the workplace.
As Assistive Technology Lead, you will be responsible for leading the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of ChildVision's Assistive Technology services. You will ensure that students have equitable access to learning, digital systems, educational materials, and information through the effective use of assistive technologies and accessible formats.
Working closely with colleagues across Reading Services and the wider organisation, you will provide specialist technical expertise, contribute to multidisciplinary assessments, deliver training, and champion accessibility and inclusive practice. You will also play a key role in producing high-quality accessible educational materials in braille, large print, and digital formats.
Key Responsibilities
Service Management
- Lead the day-to-day delivery and ongoing development of ChildVision's Assistive Technology services.
- Develop and implement innovative Assistive Technology solutions that enhance access to education and information.
- Identify and evaluate emerging technologies that improve accessibility and inclusion for students with visual impairments.
- Drive continuous service improvement using user feedback, quality standards, and performance measures.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with technology vendors and external service providers.
- Support the Reading Services Manager with strategic initiatives, service development, and departmental projects.
Assessment and Support
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to plan Assistive Technology assessments and coordinate assessment schedules.
- Assess students' needs and recommend appropriate Assistive Technology solutions to support learning and independence.
- Recommend suitable hardware, software, and digital accessibility supports.
- Provide expert technical advice and troubleshoot Assistive Technology issues for students, families, and colleagues.
Training and Professional Development
- Design and deliver engaging training programmes for students, staff, families, and education professionals.
- Develop practical guidance, user documentation, and learning resources.
- Promote digital accessibility and build confidence in the effective use of Assistive Technology.
- Mentor colleagues and contribute to building organisational capability in accessibility and inclusive technology.
Accessible Format Production
- Produce educational materials in accessible formats, including braille (Unified English braille and Updated Irish braille), large print, and accessible digital formats.
- Support the production and quality assurance of accessible educational resources across a wide range of curriculum subjects, including languages and mathematics.
- Promote and support the ongoing development of the ChildVision Online Bookshelf and best practices in accessible digital publishing.
- Champion accessible document creation and inclusive digital content across the organisation.
About You
You are passionate about accessibility and inclusive education and are motivated by improving educational outcomes for people with visual impairments. You combine strong technical knowledge with excellent communication and leadership skills and enjoy working collaboratively to deliver high-quality services.
Experience
Essential:
- A minimum of four years' experience supporting users of Assistive Technology.
- A minimum of four years' experience producing educational materials in accessible formats, including braille, large print, and accessible digital formats.
- Experience producing braille materials for languages and mathematics is desirable.
- Experience leading projects, programmes, or services.
- Experience delivering training and providing user support.
- Experience working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and multidisciplinary professionals.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential:
- Comprehensive knowledge of Assistive Technology used by people with visual impairments.
- Strong understanding of accessibility standards, inclusive design principles, and disability legislation.
- Knowledge of accessibility features across Microsoft 365, Windows, iOS, and Android.
- Knowledge of braille transcription, alternative format production, and accessible educational materials.
- Experience producing EPUB and other accessible digital publications compatible with Assistive Technology devices.
- Practical experience using a range of Assistive Technology, including:
- Screen readers (e.g. JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)
- Screen magnification software
- Refreshable braille displays and notetakers (e.g. BrailleSense, BrailleNote)
- CCTV and portable magnification devices (e.g. Connect 12, Mercury)
- Tablet and Windows-based accessibility solutions (e.g. Microsoft Surface Pro)
- Text-to-speech technologies
- Digital reading applications (e.g. Dolphin EasyReader)
- Online accessible book delivery platforms (e.g. ChildVision Online Bookshelf)
- Microsoft accessibility tools and mobile accessibility features
Desirable
- Learn Braille qualification or equivalent recognised braille certification.
Other Requirements
- Eligible to work in Ireland
- Satisfactory Reference Checks and Garda Vetting
- Available to interview in person
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.
- Collaborative, supportive, and multidisciplinary team environment.
- Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development.
- Access to specialist expertise in visual impairment and inclusive education.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary and Benefits package
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Bike-to-Work scheme
- On-site Parking
- Company Pension
- Wellness Programme
- Onsite Café Staff Discount
ChildVision is an equal opportunities organisation and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where all individuals are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
