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 - Vary
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays | 10/16-11/27 | 3:30pm-5:30pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
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 | 7/17-8/7 | 1:30pm-4:30pm |
| Wednesdays & Fridays | 11/15-12/8 | 1:30pm-4:30pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
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 | 7/17-8/23 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
Using Word: Level 2
12 Sessions
Learn advanced features of Word such as formatting, footnotes, and tables. We will also teach students how to scan, read, and save print documents using Kurzweil software. Prerequisite: Understanding Windows Concepts, Exploring Windows, Using Word: Level 1 or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays & Wednesdays | 9/11-10/33 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
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 | 8/24 | 1:30pm-3:30pm |
| Thursday | 10/26 | 9:30am-11:30am |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
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.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursdays | 9/7-10/19 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
Using Excel: Part 2
6 Sessions
This is a continuation of Part 1. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Thursdays | 11/2-12/14 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
NEW-Internet Essentials
12 sessions
Using Mozilla Firefox, learn to navigate simple and complex webpages, use technique built into Firefox and assistive technology to avoid ads on webpages, fill out forms, read tables, manage workbooks, optimally use search engines and more. Prerequisites: Exploring Windows, Using Word: Level 2, or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays & Wednedays | 11/6-12/13 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
Intro to Access
Cost: $85 | 1 session
This seminar will cover the fundamentals of managing information using forms, tables, and reports. Prerequisite: Good assistive technology skills, Using Excel or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9/12 | 10:00am-12:00pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
Using Access: Level 1
10 sessions
Many companies have designed sophisticated databases that enable employees to perform the task of gathering information that is critical to their decision making process. Students will learn to use Forms, Reports, and Queries that have been designed for use in a working environment, and will gain the necessary skills in MS Access to enter, retrieve, view, and update records. They will learn how to run and print reports that have been designed to summarize information the employer needs. Prerequisite: Intro to Access.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 9/26-11/28 | 9:30am-12:30pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
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.
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
Using LinkedIn
10 Sessions
400 million people are networking, hiring and seeking opportunities on LinkedIn.com. In this course designed specifically for blind and low vision students, jobseekers, professionals and self-employed entrepreneurs, you will learn a proprietary 5-step method, creating a LinkedIn profile, discovering thousands of disability-friendly managers and executives, creating “magnets” to drive them to your profile, communicating and networking with them on LinkedIn, and carry out a hands-on group project to transform you from just a seeker to being sought-after. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Using Word: Level 1, can spellcheck, competent user of the Internet and email, or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays/Thursdays | 7/18-8/29 | 5:30 pm-8:30 pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
Using Facebook, Part 1
4 Sessions
Facebook is a powerful tool for business, self-employed professionals and job seekers alike. In 2015, Forbes wrote, “More than 50 million businesses are now using Facebook Pages”. As of July 2016, there are over 1.71 billion monthly active users. In 2017, Facebook’s job opening posts or poaching business from LinkedIn.
In Part 1 of this course you will create your Facebook personal profile, search for people, add “friends”, join groups and follow organization through their Facebook pages, state up-to-date three you newsfeeds and communicate with people through Messenger. Prerequisite: Assessment or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays/Thursdays | 9/26-10/5 | 5:30 pm-8:30 pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
Using Facebook, Part 2
8 Sessions
In Part 2, you will learn how to promote yourself or your business using Facebook. Specifically, you will learn: how to create a Facebook page and group, how to build a fan base, how to create posts that stand out, discover strategies that have proven to triple fan engagement and "likes", and how to use Facebook to get clients. You will also get a "Success Booklet" with 10 real world posts that spark fans' responses. Prerequisite: Assessment, Facebook Part 1, or CCVIP approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 10/17-12/19 | 5:30 pm-8:30 pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
NEW - 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 |
|---|---|---|
| tba | Summer | |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
1 Session | $85
An introduction/assessment to determine readiness to take full QuickBooks course. Prerequisites: Good use of assistive technology and Excel, or CCVIP staff approval.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 7/6 | 1:30pm-3:30pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
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 student. Prerequisite: Assessment.
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
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 | 11/7-11/28 | 1:30pm-4:30pm |
Return to Vocational Courses | Return to top of page
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 10/25 | 9:30am - 3:30pm |
| Tuesday | 12/5 | 9:30am - 3:30pm |
Return to Computer Training Information | Return to top of page
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. The EHR course is a privately funded offering, so is free to qualified students. However, additional associated expenses may be required, including payment for certification related materials and exam, 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 course work in Access, Excel or Outlook may be required, depending upon the applicant’s competence in these programs.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturdays | TBA | |
Return to Computer Training Information | Return to top of page
