Training is provided to prepare a DBS consumer to effectively use assistive technology in employment or in educational settings after high school. Assistive technology training is provided either on-site at the consumer's home or workplace or at a facility.

You, the assistive technology trainer, must use the DBS-established curriculum. The training is divided into self-contained, sequential units known as "modules," which have estimated times for completion.

Most modules take between eight and twelve hours to complete, depending on the abilities of the consumer and you. Each module has been designed to stand alone so that you and the counselor may target the modules that are most relevant.

Before requesting specific assistive technology training, the employment assistance specialist (EAS) sometimes conducts a baseline assessment of the consumer's skills and knowledge. Conduct a baseline assessment using the guidelines contained in this manual to design an appropriate and effective schedule before training begins.

After authorized training has been completed, you must complete a post-training assessment to determine training effectiveness.

The estimated completion time is noted at the beginning of each module. For more training hours, send a justification to the consumer’s counselor if

• additional time is required to complete a module,
• additional training is required, or
• the consumer cannot satisfactorily complete the post-training assessment.

The counselor can authorize up to 10 additional training hours per module. The field director can authorize an additional 10 hours per module. Any additional hours must be approved by the director of field services.

If you have problems with equipment or software at the training site, contact the counselor or EAS immediately.

Training

For questions about training, contact the Assistive Technology Unit at atu@dars.state.tx.us or (512) 377-0310.

Contracts

For questions about contracts, contact cst_hhsc@hhsc.state.tx.us.