Beginner Assistive Tech Academy

The Beginner Assistive Technology Academy is specifically designed for participants who are at the beginning of their journey with assistive technology and digital skills. You do not need to be an experienced technology user to participate. The Academy starts with the foundations and progressively builds your skills, confidence, and independence throughout the four weeks.

Whether you are new to using a screen reader, magnification software, or other assistive technology, or you have some experience but still need support with foundational computer skills, this Academy is designed to give you a strong starting point.

Throughout the program, you will learn how to use your preferred assistive technology while completing practical tasks on your computer. Rather than focusing only on individual applications, the Academy will help you understand how to navigate independently, recognize where you are on your computer, recover when something does not work as expected, organize your digital workspace, and complete common workplace tasks with greater confidence. 

Most importantly, you are not expected to arrive knowing how to do everything. The purpose of the Beginner Academy is to help you build those skills from the ground up in a supportive learning environment where you can learn, practise, ask questions, make mistakes, and gradually become more independent.

What you'll learn: 

• Computer Foundations and Keyboard Skills: Understand your computer, become familiar with your keyboard, improve typing and text navigation, navigate Windows, and develop strategies for recovering when you get lost.
• Files, Documents and Digital Communication: Organize files and folders, create and edit Microsoft Word documents, manage Outlook email, work with attachments, and develop foundational professional communication skills.
• Web Navigation and Online Safety: Learn how websites are structured, navigate the web using assistive technology, search for information, complete online forms, and make safer decisions online.
• Digital Workplace Skills: Build foundational Microsoft Excel skills, manage appointments and meetings with Outlook Calendar, participate in Microsoft Teams meetings, and bring your skills together through practical workplace activities.

Throughout the four weeks, you can also expect hands-on challenges, weekly knowledge checks, practical assignments, and weekend activities designed to reinforce what you are learning. 

Program details

The Academy runs from Monday, October 19 through Friday, November 13, 2026, with sessions held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Mondays and Wednesdays

• Lecture: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• Break: 2:30 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time
• Practical Lab: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Fridays

Friday sessions are dedicated to practice and reinforcement, with activities, assessments, and opportunities to apply the skills developed throughout the week. Specific session times and activities will be included in the Academy schedule.

Program delivery

The first three weeks of the Academy will be delivered live through Zoom. During Week  four, participants will transition to the Orion learning platform, where they will have an opportunity to apply their skills with greater independence.

Registration required

To participate in the Beginner Assistive Technology Academy, please complete the registration form by Friday, October 16 at 12 p.m. Eastern.

If you experience any issues accessing or completing the registration form, please email eitel.houedakor@cnib.ca for assistance.

Mandatory Zoom training and orientation session

All participants must attend a Zoom training and Academy orientation on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.

Because the Academy is designed for participants who are still developing their assistive technology skills, this session is an important part of preparing for the program. The session will help participants become familiar with accessing and navigating Zoom using their preferred assistive technology before the first Academy session. We will also review the Academy schedule, structure, expectations, and participation requirements.

This Academy is intended for participants who are new to assistive technology or who are still developing foundational skills and independence. You do not need advanced computer knowledge or previous workplace technology experience. If you are at the beginning of your assistive technology journey and want to build a strong foundation before progressing to more advanced digital workplace skills, this Academy is for you. Most importantly, you are not expected to arrive knowing how to do everything. The purpose of the Beginner Academy is to help you build those skills from the ground up in a supportive learning environment where you can learn, practise, ask questions, make mistakes, and gradually become more independent.

If you have any questions about the Academy or are unsure whether it is the right starting point for you, please reach out to the Come to Work Tech Team. We look forward to welcoming you to the Beginner Assistive Technology Academy!