{"id":9202,"date":"2025-10-11T20:54:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-12T01:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9202"},"modified":"2025-10-11T20:54:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-12T01:54:38","slug":"from-screen-readers-to-self-reliance-cheryls-journey-to-becoming-a-certified-assistive-technology-instructional-specialist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9202","title":{"rendered":"From Screen Readers to Self-Reliance: Cheryl\u2019s Journey to Becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--powerpress_player--><div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_1896\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-9202-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/CherylMc.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/CherylMc.mp3\">https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/CherylMc.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Podcast Summary:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this Blind Abilities conversation, Cheryl McIntosh shares her journey toward becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, or CATIS, and how she empowers others to build independence through technology. Cheryl teaches screen reader users\u2014primarily JAWS and VoiceOver\u2014through personalized virtual training. She explains that success starts with fundamentals like keyboard familiarity, navigating Windows, and understanding screen reader terminology. Cheryl emphasizes that each learner has unique goals, so she tailors lessons based on personal needs\u2014whether that means mastering email for work, browsing the web, or simply staying connected with family. She also highlights the power of community and mentorship, crediting World Services for the Blind for launching her career path and praising the growing network of accessible training resources. Cheryl finds fulfillment in seeing progress firsthand: students who once doubted themselves now secure jobs and promotions thanks to new tech skills. Her story is a powerful reminder that technology can reopen doors\u2014and rebuild confidence\u2014after vision loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suggested Links:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wsblind.org\/\">World Services for the Blind<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leaderdog.org\/\">Leader Dogs for the Blind<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"mailto:cherylbmcintosh@gmail.com\">Cheryl&#8217;s Contact<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?page_id=9199\">Full Transcript<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks for listening!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<!--powerpress_player--><div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_1898\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-9202-3\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/CherylMc.mp3?_=3\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/CherylMc.mp3\">https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/CherylMc.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p>https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/CherylMc.mp3 Podcast Summary: In this Blind Abilities conversation, Cheryl McIntosh shares her journey toward becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, or CATIS, and how she empowers others to build independence through technology. Cheryl teaches screen reader users\u2014primarily JAWS and VoiceOver\u2014through personalized virtual training. She explains that success starts with fundamentals like keyboard familiarity, navigating [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[17,467],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bapresents","category-technology"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6rcRg-2oq","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9362,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9362","url_meta":{"origin":9202,"position":0},"title":"From Gestures to Jobs: Learning Assistive Tech That Actually Matters","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"February 5, 2026","format":"audio","excerpt":"Learning assistive technology isn\u2019t just about memorizing shortcuts\u2014it\u2019s about building skills that open doors to school, work, and everyday life. In this episode, Cheryl McIntosh and Sree Roy share how mastering screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver can turn frustration into confidence. They break down why fundamentals matter, how\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2425,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=2425","url_meta":{"origin":9202,"position":1},"title":"Aira Series Part 2: Meet Nicholas Giudice, Michael Hingson and Cheryl Spencer &#8211; Aira Users","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"March 6, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Blind Abilities presents the second installment in their series on Aira, the visual Interpreter for the blind. In Part 1 we met Chancey Fleet, an \u00a0Assistive Technology Professional and an Aira User. Today, our guests are: Aira Navigators Nicholas giudice, Michael Hingson and Cheryl spencer. We learn a lot more\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2228,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=2228","url_meta":{"origin":9202,"position":2},"title":"Keyboard Ninja Jaws Commands: Text Analyzer and Formatting","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"October 18, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Welcome to the Keyboard Ninja Series where Cheryl uses the JAWS screen reader software on the PC\/Lap Top and Microsoft Word to demonstrate some of her favorite keyboard commands. As part of the College\/Career category we hope that this Keyboard Ninja series enhances your experience with JAWS and the Microsoft\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;College&quot;","block_context":{"text":"College","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=263"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4556,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=4556","url_meta":{"origin":9202,"position":3},"title":"Assistive Technology: Choosing the Right Tools for Success &#8211; Meet Jesse Anderson, Assistive Technology Specialist and Accessible Game Advocate","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"February 20, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Show Summary: Full Transcript Screen readers, Refreshable Braille, Magnification, Audio Books, Computers and Smart Devices are just a few of the Tools for Success that are available to the Blind\/Visually Impaired community. From education to the workplace, Assistive Technology enables people with a visual impairment to do just about anything\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Career&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Career","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=373"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7962,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=7962","url_meta":{"origin":9202,"position":4},"title":"Screen Readers Simplified: Introducing the SRT Screen Reader Training Website &#8211; Meet Co-creators Allison Mello and Max Avendano, Assistive Technology Specialists at the California School for the Blind","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"November 27, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: Mastering a new screen reader can be a daunting task: with a plethora of screen readers to choose from, and the learning curve of new commands it\u2019s easy to become overwhelmed. Thankfully, there\u2019s a new website to help you along your screen-reader journey!\u00a0 Blind Abilities podcast host Simon\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2125,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=2125","url_meta":{"origin":9202,"position":5},"title":"Meet Cheryl, A.K.A. MoeLucie: Nutritionist, College Specialist and a Research Junkie","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"September 1, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Cheryl macintosh A.K.A. @MoeLucie talks about her passion for sharing her experiences and her knowledge of Nutrition, College Education, Accessibility and how important it is for us to share what we have experienced. Jeff Thompson interviews fellow Blind Abilities team member, Cheryl, finding out what drives her to reach her\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9202"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9202\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9203,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9202\/revisions\/9203"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}