Training Course For Computer Instructors Of The Blind Introduction

IT (and computers ) for the blind is the biggest enabler for the educated blind. It has a deeper impact for the blind than for persons without disability. Computer education for the visually impaired enables them in their basic education, higher education, research, daily living and employment. In todays environment with paper less offices and information available in the internet, computers represent freedom for the visually impaired and blind There are very few schools and institutions offering computer training for blind More importantly there are very few trainers who teach computers and IT to the blind Also, there is no standardized formal curriculum. Hence quality IT education cannot be guaranteed. To address this gap, in 2005, Enable India started a teachers training course for master trainers who will teach computers to the blind (See appendix for details on the institutions). The course provides training on JAWS, general teaching techniques and specific teaching techniques for the blind, industry orientation and usage of right resource aids. The trainers are equipped with a standard curriculum that they can follow at their respective institutions. This course is being conducted for the teachers of different schools, NGOs & individuals who will provide computer training for visually impaired children & adults.

Case Studies
Jaya* Totally Blind Education: BA, Very ambitious Family background: Father is a cook Did her computer training at a couple of centres Learnt Medical Transcription at NIVH After extensive industry training at our centre, she was placed in medical transcription company Has been working for the last 3 years earning Rs. 9000+ and is appreciated by company for her efficiency and speed Without computers, she would not be able to avail a office job with such responsibilities

Surya*

Visually Impaired (Hyderabad) Education: MSc, Diploma in psychology Family background: Weak economic status Learnt computers in non standardized course Placed in one of the largest MNCs in the world as Admin executive Job responsibilities require heavy computer usage Due to lack of knowledge, she is coming for a week to Enable India for personalized training course which will give her the required tools to perform effectively in her job * names changed Due to critical shortage of good teachers for visually impaired around the country, there are many such cases where good candidates will ultimately not fare well in employment unless they are well trained on computers from an industry point of view TTC case study - JSS Institute for Physically Handicapped Before 2005, there was no standardized computer training for blind and teachers were not formally trained

In 2005, JSS trainer was trained by Enable India to be a computer trainer for the blind Now, JSS has introduced Diploma in Computer Applications for Visually Impaired This is offering benefit to the visually impaired every year

Outcome of Project
Trainers will be well equipped To train visually impaired students on computers. In the correct teaching techniques, resource aids & material and standardized method of teaching With awareness of different techniques to be used based on nature of vision impairment. And sensitized to the abilities and needs of the person with vision impairment Students who learn from such trainers will be practical users of the computer which is key to success of this course

Course Details
3 weeks (18 days - excluding 3 Sundays) Assumption: 10 students in one class. Maximum of 20 can be included (2 per computer) Trainers for this course: Senior trainer with 6+ years experience in teaching computers to the blind. Associate trainer with 2+years experience in teaching computers to the blind. Aids used: PC with screen reader (JAWS) Tactile diagrams Other tools used for the blind Use cases for discussion Training guide in Braille, large and normal print Audio material to supplement guide Extra reading material regarding blind, teaching the blind, employment of the blind etc Course material covered Introduction to Vision impairment and their types, capabilities of the visually impaired, assistive technologies and aids, education and employment of the visually impaired etc Screen reader introduction and details o Basics o Keyboard commands o Windows basics o Basic applications o Using screen reader with MS Office (Word, Excel, Internet, outlook express etc) o Using Help feature o Screen reader advanced features Teaching methods and techniques o Computer theory o General techniques o Specific techniques for the visually impaired Practicals and Theory Use case discussions Actual training with blind students

Work Addr: #12, KHB Colony, Koramangala 8th Block, Bangalore 95 Reg Addr: # 694, 6A Cross, 3rd Block Koramangala, Bangalore 34 Telephone: 080 41101390, 2571 4842, Mobile: 98453 13919 Email: enableindia@[Link], shant@[Link] Website: [Link]

Appendix
About Enable India Enable India is a non-profit organization founded in 1999. The goal is to empower people with disabilities through rehabilitation, supplemental education and employment. One of the main focus areas is free computer training for the visually impaired. This training helps the blind in their reading and education as well as enables them in their employment and careers. Enable India has been providing computer education for the blind for the last 6 years and is well known for the following reasons: Six month intensive course Comprehensive curriculum Use of innovative tools (tactile diagrams) Self paced practical exercises (learn at your speed) Innovative teaching practices such as Experiential learning Life skills training Critical thinking skills training Field visits Project work - Enable India has been offering free quality MS Office training for blind (6 month course) for the last 6 years. - The aim of the training is to develop the blind candidate for employment and education. We hence also work on their English skills, analytical skills and other soft skills required for employment. - Enable India is one of the few institutions in the country providing this education with students come from across the country. The quality is well known among the institutions. Enable India has provided consultancy and trainers to other schools & NGOs for the blind. - Enable India is also one of the few institutions to provide training for the working blind and to conduct indepth internet workshops for the blind. - Enable India is one of the few institutions or the only one providing training for MASTER computer trainers of the blind. - Enable India has trained More than 170 persons with vision impairment in MS Office course. More than 50 trainers who can now be computer trainers for the blind. More than 50 people with vision impairment in internet and other workshops. Through the consultancy services, more than 50 children with vision impairment in schools & NGOs. - Enable Indias students have been placed in premium companies such as IBM, 24x7 customer, Aditi Technologies, Dendrite, Transworks, CBay and others as programmers, medical transcriptionist, trainers, HR executive, Telemarketing executive and more. For more details, please visit our site - [Link]