Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Next
Level. We are located in Vancouver, Washington and
specialize in blindness and low vision technology.
Michael Hooks, president and founder, has over ten years
of experience teaching and working in the field of
blindness and low vision. He is a certified teacher of
the visually impaired and holds an advanced degree in
Assistive Technology from Northern Illinois
University. Michael worked as an assistive technology
specialist and teacher at the Washington State School
for the Blind for seven years and has been an adjunct
instructor in the graduate programs for teachers of the
visually impaired at Northern
Illinois University and Portland State University.
Dawn Hooks, vice president and co-founder, has over
twelve years of experience teaching and working in the
field of blindness and low vision. Dawn is a certified
teacher of the visually impaired and earned her Master’s
degree from Northern Illinois University. She also
taught for several years at The Washington State School
for the Blind and has been an adjunct instructor and
student supervisor in the graduate program for teachers
of the visually impaired at Portland State University.
Recently, she began work on her doctorate at Washington
State University.
Our products include screen reading software for the
blind, magnification software for those with low-vision,
and other products for accessible scanning and reading,
as well as braille displays, notetakers, accessible
computer systems, and video magnifiers.
"I have spent my entire professional career providing
services in all phases of education and rehabilitation
to the blind and visually impaired. I'm passionate
about assistive technology and I am dedicated to helping
people reach their goals. I will continue my
efforts to help enable those who are visually impaired
to function in the world on a level playing field
through the use of assistive technology, education, training, and awareness.
Legally blind since birth, I have taken advantage of the
monumental advances in assistive technology and have
incorporated them into my daily life. If you or
someone you love is dealing with a visual impairment, I
can help."
Michael P. Hooks, M.S. Ed.
President - Next Level Assistive Technology
