Lion's World Services For the Blind

Enrollment Dates:   Scheduled

Program Description: This program prepares an individual to be an entry-level technician in the Information Technology (IT) field.  At the end of this program, a person will be able to install, upgrade, and repair personal computers connected to a network infrastructure in an office environment.  This includes how to work with components inside of a computer as well as connecting peripheral devices, such as printers, monitors, keyboards, etc.  The individual will also be able to work with network connectivity devices, including routers, switches, and wireless access points.  The individual will be able to connect computers to a wired or wireless network.

This program is divided into two sections. The first part covers the A+ Certification curriculum.  Intended for entry-level IT technicians, the CompTIA A+ exam encompasses preventative maintenance, basic networking, installation, troubleshooting, communication, and professionalism.  The certification requires the completion of two exams.  The second section covers the Network+ Certification.  This exam encompasses managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, operating, and configuring basic network infrastructure.  It requires passing one exam.

Assistive technology available in the classroom and computer laboratory includes screen magnification and speech output systems, as well as closed circuit televisions for magnifying print. This course serves as a prerequisite for the Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Print reading speed of 100 wpm, with 75% comprehension
• Good comprehension of technical written material using assistive technology, if applicable
• Keyboarding  speed of 30 wpm
• Wonderlic score of 25
• 12th grade proficiency in business math
• High proficiency on appropriate assistive technology
• Ability to work in a high-tech environment
• Strong logical reasoning ability
• Good independent living and travel skills
• Positive attitude
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to relocate for employment

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Assistive Technology Instructor (ATI)

Enrollment Dates:   Open

The curriculum includes instruction in all types of adaptive equipment, installation of hardware and software, instruction to find solutions to computer equipment problems, production of training manuals in accessible format, and professional teaching skills.
The assistive technology available in the classroom includes screen magnification, speech output systems, refreshable Braille displays, portable note-taking devices, Braille printers, scanners, closed circuit televisions for print magnification, and accessible Internet.
Qualifications:

• Complete and pass the ATI proficiency test
• Print reading speed of at least 100 wpm, with good comprehension
• Ability to read Braille at 60 wpm (if Braille user)or 10 wpm (if non-Braille user)
• Ability to type 30 wpm
• Wonderlic score of 21
• Good knowledge of business math
• 12th grade spelling level
• Good independent living skills and travel skills
• Strong logical reasoning ability and emotional maturity
• Ability to learn and retain information
• Good interpersonal relationship qualities
• Ability to work in a high-tech environment

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Contact Collection Representative for the IRS

Enrollment Dates:   Scheduled

Program Description:     The training is designed to qualify an individual as a collection tax examiner for the Internal Revenue Service. The curriculum includes lectures and textbook study of technical information about tax law, regulations and IRS procedures. The individual is taught how to obtain information on the taxpayer’s financial status, potential levy sources and taxpayer whereabouts, in order to encourage voluntary compliance with federal tax laws, and initiate corrective action to prevent future delinquencies.

The individual also receives practical experience on how to conduct telephone interviews with taxpayers, their representatives and/or third parties, to demand full payment of delinquent taxes and immediate filing of delinquent returns.

The individual learns to use a personal computer to input and retrieve information in the IRS database while assisting the taxpayer on the telephone.  The computer equipment and assistive technology used in the classroom includes state-of-the-art adaptive systems utilizing JAWS and ZoomText, as well as refreshable Braille displays. The graduate must be willing to relocate to one of the IRS automated call sites located in the United States.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be U.S. citizen
• Pass background, tax and fingerprint checks, plus a telephone skills assessment
• For entry-level GS-5, you must  have a High School diploma or GED with four years of college or equivalent job-related experience
• Print reading speed of 100 wpm, with 75% comprehension or Braille reading speed of 60 wpm with 75% comprehension
• 90% accuracy on math exam (using a calculator)
• Good independent living and travel skills
• 12th grade spelling level
• Filling out online forms with a keyboarding speed of 30 wpm
• Ability to work well with people under pressure

Must meet all Federal Government hiring guidelines

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IRS Service Center Collection Representative

Program Length:  4 months

Enrollment Dates:  Scheduled

Program Description:     The training is designed to produce an individual qualified to work as a tax examining technician for the Internal Revenue Service. The curriculum includes instruction in basic tax law, and how to handle taxpayer correspondence, payment tracers, credit transfers, and telephone skills. The individual learns to use a personal computer in order to rapidly and effectively access taxpayer information. The computer equipment and assistive technology used in the classroom includes personal computers with ZoomText large print screen magnification system and closed circuit televisions for print magnification.

The graduate must be willing to relocate to one of the IRS Service Centers located nationwide.
Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be U.S. citizen
• Pass background, tax and fingerprint checks, plus a telephone skills assessment
• For entry-level GS-5, you must  have a High School diploma or GED with four years of college or equivalent job-related experience
• The ability to read print at 100 wpm with 75% comprehension when reading technical materials
• Filling out forms with a keyboarding speed of 30 wpm
• 90% accuracy on a math test (using a calculator)
• 12th grade spelling level
• Good independent living and travel skills
• Strong logical reasoning ability
• Emotional maturity
• Must meet all Federal Government hiring guidelines

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 Program Length:     5 months

Horticulture

Enrollment Dates:   Open

Level 1 Qualifications:

• Print reading speed of 70 wpm with 75 percent comprehension, or Braille reading speed of 40 wpm with 75 percent comprehension. (Note: Taped material may be substituted for print or Braille if trainee cannot meet requirements and does not intend to pursue training at Level 2 or 3, or it is not deemed probable that the trainee can improve reading speed and comprehension to the indicated levels during vocational training.)
• Ability to perform all basic operations on a calculator with 90 percent accuracy
• 8th grade level spelling
• Ability to take notes for a reference journal in print or Braille. (Journal can be kept on tape for Level 1 training only.)
• Good physical condition for heavy lifting and/or steady physical work pace for extended periods of time
• Average (or above) manual and finger dexterity skills
• Above average finger sensitivity and tactile discrimination skills

Level 2 Qualifications:
Includes all the requirements for Level 1 with the following changes or additions.

• A high school diploma or GED is preferable for a trainee whose goal is to gain supervisory or management positions
• 12th grade spelling level
• Ability to type accurate letter styles at 20 wpm

Level 3 Qualifications:
Includes all the requirements for Levels 1 and 2 with the following changes or additions.

• High school diploma or GED.

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Microsoft Certified Application Specialist

Enrollment Dates:  Open

Program Description: The training is designed to effectively prepare the individual to successfully pass certification exams for in the Microsoft Office applications to prepare an individual to function in an office environment or as a first level application support specialist.  The training consists of computer training in Microsoft Windows with Microsoft Office products.  Computer training is accomplished with the use of Assistive Technology such as screen-reading programs and magnification programs, depending on the individual’s needs.

In the computer training module, the individual learns how to use the Microsoft Office suite of programs and to obtain the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) certification in Microsoft Word 2007, Microsoft Word Expert 2007, Microsoft Excel 2007, Microsoft Excel Expert 2007, Microsoft Access 2007, Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Microsoft PowerPoint 2007.
The program is primarily self-paced with scheduled instructional times and group activities. Assignments are prepared which integrate the knowledge of multiple applications to demonstrate proficiency.
Optional Call Center Instruction is included for those individuals with a desire to work as a customer service representative in a company call center.  Instruction includes technical skills and diversity training, communication skills, switchboard usage and application, and customer service principles.
Note: This course was previously called Customer Service.
Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Keyboarding speed of 35 wpm (45 wpm preferred)
• 12th grade spelling level
• Print reading speed of 100 wpm with 75% comprehension
• Wonderlic test score of 17
• Excellent ZoomText or JAWS skills
• Good independent living and travel skills

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Microsoft Certified Professional Developer

Enrollment Dates:   Scheduled

Program Description: The training is designed to educate the individual in computer programming and prepare the individual to work as a programmer at a business that has a computer network. The course is divided into three training modules: an introduction to programming; the .Net programming environment; development; followed by an internship.
The first module combines an introduction to the Eclipse development environment and the Java programming language. The second module focuses on the .Net programming environment. Languages and environments taught include C sharp, XML, SQL, Visual Studio, SOAP, and WCF. The third module is a follow up to the academic instruction. Individuals work on development projects which serve to pull the diverse elements of the programming courses into a cohesive understanding of programming. Successful completion of the course will result in five Microsoft certifications: four Microsoft Certified Technology Specialists (MCTS) and one MCPD.  
Note: This course was previously called Enterprise Solutions Programming.                                                   
Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Good comprehension of technical written material using assistive technology, if applicable
• Keyboarding speed of 30 wpm
• High proficiency on appropriate assistive technology
• 12th grade proficiency in business math
• Wonderlic score of 25
• Strong logical reasoning ability
• Ability to learn and retain information
• Good independent living and travel skills

• Ability to work in a high-tech environment
• Willingness to relocate for employment
• Positive attitude
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills

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Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer

Enrollment Dates:   Scheduled

Program Description: The training is designed to prepare a person to work as a computer systems problem-solver at a business that has a computer network, such as educational institutions, hospitals, government agencies, or banks. The entry level position is usually at a help desk with advancement into information technology management.

The curriculum throughout the course prepares individuals for Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer 2003 industry-standard certification through seven certification exams. Eight months of training is spent in the classroom, and the remaining two months are spent in internships with local organizations. Training for Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer course is held in a state-of-the-art training lab. Assistive technology available in the classroom and computer laboratory includes screen magnification and speech output systems, as well as closed circuit televisions for magnifying print.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• A+ and Network+ certified
• Good comprehension of technical written material using assistive technology, if applicable
• Keyboarding speed of 30 wpm
• High proficiency on appropriate assistive technology
• 12th grade proficiency in business math
• Wonderlic score of 25
• Strong logical reasoning ability
• Ability to learn and retain information
• Ability to work in a high-tech environment

• Willingness to relocate for employment
• Good independent living and travel skills
• Positive attitude
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills

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Professional Massage Therapist

Enrollment Dates:   Scheduled

Program Description: This training program covers all areas of massage techniques and business methods. The curriculum totals more than 700 hours and consists of Anatomy and Physiology; Swedish Technique; Hydrotherapy and Spa Services; Pain Management; Palpatory Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology; Reflexology; Medical Massage; Sports Massage; Asian Modalities; Aromatherapy; On-Site Chair Massage; Self-Care; Hygiene; Business and Law; Professionalism and Ethics; Clinical Preparation; and Charting.
 
The training will include a clinical internship at the spa of the Arkansas Healing Arts Center.  Individuals will also obtain CPR and First Aid certifications during training at LWSB.  The program includes classroom and hands-on instruction with individualized training and all course materials are available in accessible format.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have valid photo identification.

Program curriculum meets licensure requirements for most states but individual states may vary.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Print reading speed of 100 wpm with 75% comprehension
• 12th Grade spelling level
• Keyboarding speed of 30 wpm
• Proficient with ZoomText or JAWS
• Ability to pass math test with 90% accuracy
• 12th grade proficiency in business math
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good independent living and travel skills
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Good physical condition for steady physical work for extended period of time
• Average or above average finger and manual dexterity
• Average or above average finger sensitivity and tactile discrimination
• Must adhere to local, state, and federal licensing laws and regulations
• Must be customer service oriented and able to communicate effectively with individuals, clinic management, and sales staff
• Able to work flexible days and hours
• Practice self-care, proper body mechanics, and maintain a healthy lifestyle

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Small Business Management

Enrollment Dates:   Open

Program Description:  The training is designed to prepare the individual to manage all operations of a small business. It may also accompany the programs of Small Engine Repair, Professional Massage Therapy, or Horticulture. The curriculum includes instruction in basic business principles from an analytical viewpoint. The course teaches procedures for starting a new business, inventory control, stocking and stock rotation, cash flow, banking, insurance, tax computation, and bookkeeping. The culmination of the course is the preparation of a business plan.

Each individual also has the opportunity to manage the operation of the LWSB Snack Bar to gain practical application of the business theory learned in the classroom. This portion of the training is required for individuals whose primary vocational interest is Small Business Management, and optional for those enrolled in the course as an accompaniment to another vocational training program.

Assistive technology available for use includes a closed circuit television for enlarging print, audio paper money identifier, talking calculator, and personal computers with adaptive equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• The ability to read print at 100 wpm with 75% comprehension
• Ability to maintain accurate business records and written correspondence
• Calculator skills with 90 percent accuracy
• 12th grade proficiency in business math
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good independent living and travel skills
• Housekeeping skills to maintain a high standard of cleanliness in a business setting (for vending stand management)
• Home management skills adequate to prepare fast foods (for vending stand management)

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Small Engine Repair

Enrollment Dates:  Open

Qualifications:

• Ability to read and understand repair manuals
• Ability to keep records, order parts and fill out customer order forms
• Ability to calculate work tickets and process normal business information
• 8th grade spelling level
• Average (or above) manual and finger dexterity
• Average (or above) ability to use mechanical tools

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