Assistive Technology Consulting for Blind and Visually Impaired Students
Blind-led assistive technology consulting for schools, Education Service Centers, and Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments.
Schools and educational teams often need more than a basic introduction to assistive technology for blind and visually impaired students. They need practical guidance from someone who understands how assistive technology tools such as screen readers, braille displays, and accessible devices are actually used in real classrooms and everyday life.
Screenless Allies provides assistive technology consulting led by someone who is blind and uses assistive technology daily. Consulting sessions focus on practical workflows, classroom application, and helping students build confidence and independence using accessible technology.
Screenless Allies works with school districts and Education Service Centers across Texas to support students who are blind or visually impaired.
The goal is simple: help students and educators successfully integrate assistive technology into everyday learning.
Who This Consulting Supports
Screenless Allies works with:
- Students who are blind or visually impaired
- Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVIs)
- Orientation and Mobility specialists
- School districts
- Education Service Centers (ESCs)
- Educational teams supporting accessible technology use
Consulting is designed to support both the student learning experience and the educators responsible for implementing assistive technology in the classroom.
Areas of Assistive Technology Support
Consulting may include support with:
- Screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver
- Braille displays and braille technology workflows
- Accessible computer use for students
- Smartphone accessibility and mobile workflows
- Classroom technology accessibility
- Accessible digital materials
- Assistive technology troubleshooting
- Real-world workflows for school assignments and classroom participation
Consulting sessions focus on helping students and educators use assistive technology efficiently, confidently, and independently.
Consulting Formats
Consulting services can be structured to support the needs of a district, ESC, or individual program.
Options may include:
- Individual student instruction
- Small group student instruction
- TSVI collaboration and support
- Classroom technology consultation
- District or ESC consulting days
- Virtual follow-up sessions
Both in-person and virtual consulting options are available.
What Districts Can Expect From a Consulting Day
A consulting day with Screenless Allies is designed to provide practical, hands-on support for both students and educators. The goal is to ensure that assistive technology is not only introduced, but used effectively in real academic environments.
Student Instruction
Students receive individualized instruction based on their needs, grade level, and the assistive technology they are using. Sessions focus on building confidence, efficiency, and independence with assistive technology tools.
Examples may include:
- Screen reader navigation and workflow strategies
- Using braille displays for reading and writing
- Accessible computer and smartphone use
- Completing classroom assignments using assistive technology
TSVI Collaboration
Consulting sessions also include collaboration with Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVIs). This allows educators to ask questions, explore strategies, and strengthen their confidence with assistive technology tools used by their students.
This collaboration helps ensure that the technology continues to be used effectively after the consulting day.
Device Setup and Troubleshooting
Consulting sessions may also include time for:
- Setting up assistive technology devices
- Reviewing accessibility settings
- Troubleshooting issues
- Improving workflows for students and educators
Real Classroom Application
Rather than focusing only on device features, consulting emphasizes how assistive technology is used in real classroom situations. Students and educators work through practical tasks that support academic success.
Follow-Up Support
Assistive technology consulting should not end when a session is over.
Screenless Allies provides follow-up support to help ensure that assistive technology continues working well after consulting sessions are completed. This allows educators and students to continue building confidence with the tools they are using.
Why Schools Choose Screenless Allies
Screenless Allies offers a perspective that combines professional consulting with lived experience.
Consulting is provided by someone who:
- Uses assistive technology daily as a blind professional
- Stays current with evolving assistive technology tools
- Understands both the student experience and the educator perspective
- Provides patient, practical instruction
- Focuses on real-world application instead of theory alone
This approach helps students and educators move beyond basic introductions and toward confident, independent use of assistive technology.
Common Reasons Schools Request Consulting
Schools and educational teams often reach out to Screenless Allies when they need practical support implementing assistive technology for students who are blind or visually impaired.
Some common situations include:
- A student has received a new braille display or assistive technology device and needs help learning how to use it effectively.
- A TSVI would like additional support exploring assistive technology tools used by their students.
- A school district wants guidance on helping students use assistive technology more efficiently in classroom assignments.
- A student understands basic screen reader commands but needs help developing faster and more independent workflows.
- Educators want help troubleshooting assistive technology issues that are affecting classroom participation.
- A district wants hands-on consulting to support students using assistive technology in real academic situations.
- A school or ESC wants a consulting day focused on strengthening student technology independence.
If any of these situations sound familiar, Screenless Allies can help.
Example Consulting Day
Below is an example of how a consulting day with Screenless Allies may look in practice.
Morning: Student Instruction
The day may begin with individual student sessions focused on assistive technology skills. Students work directly with the technology they use in class while learning strategies to navigate more efficiently and complete assignments independently.
Midday: TSVI Collaboration
Consulting sessions also provide time for collaboration with TSVIs. During this time, educators can explore assistive technology features, ask questions, and discuss strategies that support their students.
Afternoon: Demonstrations and Problem Solving
The afternoon may include demonstrations of assistive technology tools and troubleshooting sessions for devices students already use. This allows both students and educators to strengthen their understanding of how assistive technology fits into real classroom situations.
Follow-Up
After the consulting day, follow-up support may be arranged to reinforce student skills, answer new questions, and help ensure the technology continues working well for students and educators.
Request Consulting
If your district, ESC, or educational team is interested in working with Screenless Allies, please complete the consulting request form below.
Submitting the form does not commit your district to anything. It simply allows us to start a conversation about your students’ needs and determine how Screenless Allies may be able to help.
Once the form is submitted, your request will be reviewed and a follow-up will be sent to discuss possible consulting options.
Typical response time: 1–2 business days.