If you require training on Access Technology, download our list of certificated trainers (Word, 84KB)
RNIB and Action for Blind People offer one-day courses concerning Access Technology and information can be found on the Technology Training Courses page.
A new scheme
The BCAB Trainer Certification Scheme (BTCS) is changing into a professional body for people with an interest in access technology. This is likely to have three levels:
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Basic, for those just wanting information. There will be no requirements for this level beyond payment of a membership fee.
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Second tier, for those wanting to be able to demonstrate access technology. In addition to a membership fee, this level will require the completion of a short course of some kind, most probably provided by RNIB or Action for Blind People.
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A third level will be available for trainers and assessors. On top of a membership fee, this level will require a training skills qualification which would allow you to be an associate member of the Institute of I.T. Training (IITT), plus a manufacturer product knowledge certificate obtained through the manufacturer or UK supplier of your chosen access technology.
At the moment the details of the new scheme are being worked out, and when these are in place, the new scheme will be launched.
It is not necessary to wait until the launch of the new scheme to gain the certifications necessary to qualify at the third level of BTCS.
For information about which training skills qualifications would qualify for associate membership of the IITT, contact the IITT (telephone 0845 0068858, email info@iitt.org.uk).
One such qualification is their Trainer Performance, Monitoring and Assessment (TPMA) course which is offered by Happy Computers (telephone 020 7375 7300, email happy@happy.co.uk) and others.
Contact the UK supplier of your access technology product to ask if they offer a product knowledge certificate. Once the new BTCS scheme is in place, you can then join simply by providing evidence that you have the necessary qualifications.
If you would like to be notified when the launch date of the new scheme is decided, please send an email to steve.griffiths@rnib.org.uk or phone 0121 665 4255.
The British Computer Association of the Blind
BTCS was created in November 2000 by the British Computer Association of the Blind (BCAB). The organisation was assisted by RNIB and also by the Institute of IT Training.
To learn more about BCAB, what it is and what it does, visit the BCAB website.