Webpages included in this Technology and Training Fund are:

• Guidelines for ACBVA Technology and Training Fund
• Customer Intake Application
• Trainer & Technical Support Provider Application (this page)

The ACBVA Technology and Training Fund provides financial assistance to blind and low-vision Virginians for adaptive technology, technology training, and specialized technical support.

ACBVA maintains a roster of qualified trainers and technical support professionals from whom the ACBVA fund customers choose. Please note that ACBVA does not employ, assign, or manage trainers. If selected by a customer, you will operate under a fee-for-service contractual arrangement directly with that individual; however, payment will be made by ACBVA upon your submittal of an invoice.

Note: To ensure the highest quality and safety of service, all prospective providers must undergo a brief interview with the ACBVA committee and successfully pass a reference check consisting of three professional references.

How to Submit This Application

When encountering choices denoted by left and right brackets, the applicant should place an X between the brackets.

This application is designed to be fully accessible.:
• Accessible Web Form: Complete the HTML format of this application online at [Insert Link].

Section 1: Applicant Information

• Full Name:
• Business/Company Name (if applicable):
• Street Address:
• City, State, Zip Code:
• Phone Number:
• Email Address:
• Website/LinkedIn Profile (Optional):

Section 2: Services Provided

Please select all areas in which you are qualified and willing to provide services.

[ ] Technology Training
• [ ] Instruction on new devices, screen readers, low-vision software, or Braille technology.
• [ ] Instruction to increase proficiency on any device or software to allow the individual to perform tasks more independently.

[ ] Device Set-Up
• [ ] Assisting customers with the initial configuration of smartphones, computers, smart home devices, or peripherals.

[ ] Ad-Hoc Technical Support & Troubleshooting
• [ ] Resolving immediate technical roadblocks, best efforts troubleshooting, or executing software/hardware upgrades.

[ ] Mainstream Accessibility Liaison
• [ ] Acting as a “technical connector” between the blind user and mainstream corporate tech support (e.g., Microsoft, Apple, ISPs) to translate visual troubleshooting steps into accessible commands.

Section 3: Technical Expertise & Certifications

1. Operating Systems & Hardware: (Check all that apply)
   • [ ] Windows OS
   • [ ] macOS
   • [ ] iOS (iPhone/iPad)
   • [ ] Android OS
   • [ ] Smart home devices such as Alexa, or wearables such as meta glasses and smart watches.
   • [ ] Braille Displays & Embossers
   • [ ] Electronic Video Magnifiers (e.g., Ruby, Topaz, Onyx, Clover, HumanWare Explore)
2. Assistive Software: (Check all that apply)
   • [ ] JAWS
   • [ ] NVDA
   • [ ] VoiceOver (Apple)
   • [ ] TalkBack (Android)
   • [ ] ZoomText / Fusion
   • [ ] Windows Narrator
   • [ ] Windows Magnifier
   • [ ] scanning/reading & AI Visual Tools (e.g., Be My Eyes, Aira, Seeing AI)
3. Professional Certifications & Demonstrable Experience:
   While formal certifications are highly desirable, ACBVA recognizes that extensive, professional-level experience is equally critical in the accessibility field. Do you hold any relevant industry certifications, OR can you demonstrate equivalent professional work experience? (Check all that apply)
   • [ ] Freedom Scientific Certification (JAWS / ZoomText) – Year: _
   • [ ] Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) – Year:
   • [ ] RESNA Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) – Year:
   • [ ] Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) – Year:
   • [ ] NVDA Certified Expert – Year: __
   • [ ] Equivalent Professional Experience: I do not hold the above certifications, but I have demonstrable, professional experience providing training or technical support for these systems. (Please briefly describe your professional experience below):

Section 4: Service Delivery & Rates

1. Service Modality:
   Training and technical support will most often be provided over the phone or via Zoom.
   • [ ] I am equipped to provide remote training via phone or Zoom.
   • [ ] I am willing and technically able to provide remote desktop assistance to a customer’s computer (via remote access tools) if feasible and acceptable to the customer.
   • [ ] I am willing to provide in-person services for customers in my immediate geographic area (negotiated on a case-by-case basis).
   
2. Hourly Rate:
   Trainers placed on the ACBVA roster agree to provide services at a reimbursable rate not to exceed $50 per hour. This fund acts as a subsidy of up to $50.00/hour; if a customer chooses to go with a preferred trainer outside of the ACBVA roster who charges more, the customer is responsible for paying the difference in cost beyond the $50.00 subsidy that ACBVA provides. Even under these circumstances, the trainer will need to be approved by ACBVA. Please note that utilizing trainers previously not vetted by ACBVA will require a qualification review, which may result in service-delivery delays.
   
   • [ ] I agree to provide my services at the reimbursable rate not to exceed $50 per hour.
   • [ ] I am willing to volunteer my time and services.

Section 5: Professional References

Please provide three professional references who can attest to your technical proficiency and your experience working with blind or low-vision individuals.

Reference 1:
Name:
Title/Relationship:
Phone:
Email:

Reference 2:
Name:
Title/Relationship:
Phone:
Email:

Reference 3:
Name:
Title/Relationship:
Phone:
Email:

Section 6: Questions

If questions arise when completing this application, please contact:
Technology and Training Review Committee
Phone: (540) 318-3450
Email: tech-fund@acbva.org
Mailing address:
ACB of Virginia
415 W. Rocky Run Rd.
Fredericksburg, VA 22406

Section 7: Acknowledgements

By signing this application, the applicant/trainer/technician acknowledges and agrees to the following program guidelines:
• [ ] Independent Contractor: The trainer/technician is not an employee of ACBVA. Payments from this fund will be made directly to the trainer/technician and will not exceed $50 an hour
• [ ] Reporting Requirements: In order to receive payment from the fund, the trainer/technician will be required to submit brief progress milestones along with an invoice, ensuring the customer is actively retaining the skills taught.
• [ ] Interview & Reference Check: an ACBVA committee member will contact the trainer/technician for a brief interview and to verify references.

Applicant Signature: ___
(If submitting via the HTML web form, please use the secure digital signature certificate prompt at the bottom of the page. If emailing, typing your name above serves as a digital signature).

Date: ___