The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program is designed to effectively prepare adults who are blind or visually impaired to successfully earn certifications for the Microsoft Office applications. The program prepares a student to function in an office environment or as a first-level application support specialist. The program includes training in Microsoft Windows with Microsoft Office products. Computer training is accomplished with the use of assistive technology such as screen-reading programs and magnification programs, depending on the individual’s needs.  

Students will learn how to use the Microsoft Office suite of programs and ultimately obtain certifications in Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. The program is primarily self-paced with scheduled instructional times and group activities. Assignments integrate the knowledge of multiple applications to demonstrate proficiency.

High school diploma or GED  Keyboarding speed of 35 wpm (45 wpm preferred) 

12th-grade spelling level 

Print reading speed of 100 wpm with 75% comprehension 

Excellent ZoomText or JAWS skills 

Workforce Development Services are offered at WSB to provide individuals with visual impairments with the tools needed to enhance and sustain their employability. Through our prevocational and vocational training programs, we provide the education and skills training to jobseekers that employers are looking to hire long term. By producing qualified workers, it helps the individual become more marketable and benefits the employer by reducing their cost of on-the-job training and improving turnover rates for their company. WSB’s focus is to provide services of employment assistance for jobseekers with visual impairments which will assist them in getting competitive integrated employment. Through job preparation and job coaching, certain tools and resources will be provided for the client to be successful in their job search, such as assistance in locating local job fairs, employment workshops, and/or participation in online or virtual job fairs.

In the first 30 days, an extensive assessment is completed in order for WSB to meet the client’s needs where they are. An extensive Interpretive Career Report will be provided to the client and their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor on the assessment of their career interests, career training potentials, job satisfaction indicators, career exploration and career recommendations completed with the assistance of our qualified workforce staff and a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. Each client’s program will be individualized based on their needs and level of employability. During the skills evaluation period, students will work on a career readiness program tailored to their personal needs in areas such as, their academic skills in areas they may need improvement, assistive technology and computer literacy, daily living skills, and orientation and mobility skills training. Each individual will learn how to complete a resume or update their current resume, interviewing skills, “dress for success” skills, participate in mock interviews, learn soft skills, independent living skills and essential workplace skills. This will assist in the client’s preparation and future choices of a Pre-Vocational or Vocational program, or their area of interest for employment.