Career Courses
Earn a Certificate of Achievement
Students may mix and match any three courses in Microsoft business applications, such as Excel, Access and PowerPoint. The courses need not be taken within the same semester. (Understanding Windows Concepts and Using Word Level 1 are not among the approved courses).
Upon completion of all three courses, with at least a B+ average in each course, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Tuition for these courses is typically paid by sponsoring agencies such as the NYS Commission for the Blind (NYSCB), or Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). If you need to pay on your own, tuition assistance may be available. Please call for information.
High School Enrichment Program
Sessions - 9
This is a customized series of workshops designed to contribute to a student’s preparedness for college, introducing them to various technical fields. Examples of lessons are: Windows Operations, Computer Hardware Management, and Coding. Students will be required to collaborate on projects using productivity software. Number of sessions vary. Prerequisite: Referral by NYSCB Counselor. Prerequisite: Referral by the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB).
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays | 3/28-5/30 | 3:30pm-5:30pm |
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Understanding Windows Concepts
6 Sessions
The Windows Operating System is very robust and has many universal features that enhance the user experience. This prerequisite will teach computer terminology that will be used in all classes: how to search for, open and close programs; navigate among multiple running applications; how to create, organize and delete folders; navigate menus and dialogs; how to read simple documents using the student’s assistive technology; use a flash drive effectively; how to navigate the desktop and the Start menu. This class will give the student a solid foundation for other computer classes. Prerequisite: Assessment, registered in another class, or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays & Wednesdays | 1/8-1/29 | 1:30pm-4:30pm |
| Mondays & Wednesdays | 6/11-6/27 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
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Using Word: Level 1
12 Sessions
This course will cover the basics of formatting and editing documents. Prerequisite: Windows, Understanding Windows Concepts
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays & Wednesdays | 1/8-2/26 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
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Using Word: Level 2
12 Sessions
Learn advanced features of Word such as formatting, footnotes, and tables. Prerequisite: Understanding Windows Concepts, Exploring Windows, Using Word: Level 1 or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays & Wednesdays | 3/5-4/11 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
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Intro to Excel
Cost: $85 | 1 session
Learn the fundamentals of creating worksheets and explore business, home, and school setting applications for Excel. Prerequisite: Exploring Windows, Word 2, or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 1/25 | 9:30am-11:30am |
| Thursday | 3/22 | 1:30pm-3:30pm |
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Using Excel: Part 1
6 Sessions
This is a 2-part class. In this section, you will learn the fundamentals of Excel. Topics include: understanding the layout and functions of an Excel workbook and spreadsheet; functions such as creating, inserting, moving, copying and deleting spreadsheets; navigating spreadsheets efficiently; entering data; selecting and editing data; sorting data, and more. Prerequisites: Intro to Excel; a passing grade on the math quiz is not required.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursdays | 2/8-3/15 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
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Using Excel: Part 2
6 Sessions
In this section, you will continue learning to format spreadsheets, create formulas and higher functions for use at home, school, and work. Prerequisite: Intro to Excel with a passing grade on the math quiz, and Using Excel: Part 1.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays | 3/26-4/30 | 1:30pm-4:30pm |
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Intro to Outlook
1 Session
This seminar is required if you are interested in registering for Using Outlook: Level 1 but are not a current student, or if you think you have the skills in Outlook to bypass Level 1. We will take you through your paces to see which class is for you. Prerequisite: Using Word: Level 2, or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 1/4 | 1:30pm-3:30pm |
| Thursday | 3/15 | 1:30pm-3:30pm |
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Using Outlook: Level 1
10 Sessions
Microsoft’s Personal Information Manager includes an email application, a calendar, task manager, contact manager and has note taking and journal capabilities. In this class, students will learn to navigate the most commonly used and accessible parts of Outlook: sorting the email message list; composing new messages; spellchecking/proofreading; replying, forwarding, adding contacts, working with attachments; changing views; creating message rules; creating a contact group; and working with the calendar. Prerequisite: Using Word: Level 1 or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fridays | 1/12-3/16 | 1:30pm-4:30pm |
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Using Outlook: Level 2
10 Sessions
Microsoft’s Personal Information Manager includes an email application, a calendar, task manager, contact manager and has note taking and journal capabilities. In Level 2, students will learn how to create one-time and recurring appointments and meeting request; use the calendar; use the task manager; use the notes feature; and create automatic follow-ups. Prerequisite: Using Word: Level 2, intro to Outlook, using Outlook: Level 1 or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursdays | 3/29-5/31 | 1:30pm-4:30pm |
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NEW - Using Narrator
4 Sessions
Window’s built-in screen reader allows a visually impaired user to access a PC without a display or mouse to complete common tasks. In this 4-session course, you will learn how to configure Narrator’s voice settings, navigate Windows, the Web, email and other apps with the keyboard or by touch, use a supported Braille display for input and output, and explore how Narrator and Windows Magnifier work together. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Using Word: Level 1, competent user of the Internet, or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursdays | 4/5-4/26 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
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Using the MAC
Students will learn to navigate the MAC environment using built-in assistive technology - Voiceover screen reader; do basic text editing; change system preferences; surf the internet using Safari; use the Mail program for email; and learn to use iTunes. Prerequisite: Exploring the MAC assessment. We will provide individualized instruction for this course.
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Using LinkedIn, Part 1
8 Sessions
400 million people are networking, seeking opportunities and being hired via LinkedIn.com. In this course designed for the blind and low vision community, you will learn a proprietary five-step method, creating a LinkedIn profile that makes you stand out; determining your target audience and finding your “sweet spot;” discovering thousands of jobs and disability friendly managers and decision-makers; conduct a strategy to expand your network by communicating and networking with potential employers using a 2-step method to build professional relationships that can benefit you. This class will be taught in two parts. Prerequisite: Successful completion of using Word: Level 1, can spellcheck, competent user of the Internet and email, or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 2/27-4/17 | 5:30 pm-8:30 pm |
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Using LinkedIn: Part 2
8 Sessions
Building on what was taught in Part 1, you will turn knowledge into success by creating (magnets) to drive managers and decision-makers to connect with you; learn 3 easy ways to create content and build your credibility; use the “Oprah Strategy” and branding to leverage your connections and create multiplier effects; and actively participate in a group project to transform you, becoming sought-after rather than just a seeker. Prerequisite: Using LinkedIn: Part 1.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 5/1-6/19 | 5:30 pm-8:30 pm |
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NEW - Using Blackboard
Blackboard is an on-line course management system which provides off-campus access to course materials, assignments and class discussions. Increasingly, colleges are using this system for matriculated studies. This will be taught individually. Prerequisite: Must be a college student who has an active account and is fluent with their computer skills and assistive technology.
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Intro to G Suite
10 Sessions
Create, Edit and Collaborate in the Cloud
The Google office suite of products is used by an increasing number of schools, government agencies and businesses. Google has made considerable progress, ensuring that these applications are accessible to people with blindness and visual impairments.
In this course, we will teach the basics of Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Gmail and Calendar. We will learn how to share documents, spreadsheets and appointments with others, and collaborate in the development of these documents. If this proves to be a successful, we will offer other more in-depth classes. Prerequisites: Good use of assistive technology, basic Internet skills and basic word skills.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays/Fridays | 5/14-6/18 | 1:30pm-4:30pm |
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1 Session | $99
An individualized assessment to determine readiness to take full QuickBooks course. Prerequisites: Good use of assistive technology and Excel, or CCVIP staff approval.
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Using QuickBooks
QuickBooks (QB) is the most popular accounting software today. Learning how to use his helpful tool is essential to any business, including configuring Q B to work best with assistive technology, and using it accessible features, such as recording chart of account, making deposits, writing checks, creating invoices, handling cash sales, issuing credit memos, reconciling accounts and more. For JAWS users, we will be using scripts written by My Blind Spot. Individualized instruction will be provided to qualified students. Prerequisite: Intro to QuickBooks Assessment.
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Career Exploration and Job Search
4 Sessions
Participants will examine the major elements of a career search: assessing themselves, identifying and accessing the market. Using NYJobZone and other websites, students will create an effective resume and cover letter; prepare and deliver a 30 second pitch; plan and prepare for an effective interview; and acquire a host of other job readiness skills. Prerequisite: keyboarding and Internet skills a must.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 4/24-5/15 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
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So You Want to be an Entrepreneur?
1 Session
In this one-day workshop, participants will be able to explain the importance of entrepreneurship in career/life transitions; identify characteristics of successful entrepreneurs; understand why some entrepreneurs fail; describe the advantages and disadvantages to owning a business; identify skills and support systems necessary for a successful business; and participant in a “Question and Answer” session with a person who started a successful business. Prerequisites: Individuals referred by the CBVH will have preference; if not sponsored, interest in starting a small business.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 2/13 | 9:30am - 3:30pm |
| Tuesday | 6/19 | 9:30am - 3:30pm |
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Electronic Health Records Management
80 Hours
Electronic Health Records Management is one of the fastest-growing areas of the economy. This field is rapidly evolving as hospitals, healthcare providers, insurance companies, social service agencies, private practices, and other healthcare organizations integrate database technology into their administrative operations. This course will expose the participant to this exciting field and will provide a pathway to learn how to use Electronic Health Records that are accessible to individuals with vision loss. Courses are scheduled when a sufficient cohort has signed up. Associated expenses may be required, including payment for certification related materials and exams, and payment for ancillary courses. Therefore, sponsorship by the New York State Commission for the Blind or Access-VR is encouraged.
Participants will explore the clinical, administrative, and financial aspects of EHR. They will learn the fundamental concepts of Electronic Health Records, including: Clinical Documentation, Financial Screening, HIPAA Compliance, Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE), and Regulatory Compliance.
Students who successfully complete the course will be strongly encouraged to sit for the Certification exam for Electronic Health Records Specialist. Following successful completion of the EHR course, students will be encouraged to enroll in the 15 hour career development course, Pathways to Careers in Healthcare, upon referral from NYSCB or Access-VR. They will receive coaching and assistance in identifying internships in healthcare settings where accessible EHR software is used. Required lab sessions. Prerequisites: 2-year college degree and/or significant work history, and demonstrated fluency with assistive technology. Potential students will be assessed to determine readiness. Additional coursework in Access, Excel or Outlook may be required, depending upon the applicant’s competence in these programs.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| TBA | ||
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