Assistive Technology Training

Welcome to the Technology Training Center! This is where we give instruction in the use of computers, as well as other assistive devices. Our computer lab is equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and the latest assistive software. Training is conducted in both group and individual environments, depending on individualized client need.

Computer Evaluation The Technology Training Specialist will complete an evaluation/demonstration with each client prior to instruction to determine specific software and hardware needs. Recommendations will be made by the Technology Training Specialist to assist clients who do not already own a computer.

Keyboarding Skills Knowledge of the computer keyboard is a prerequisite for computer instruction and the lack of keyboarding skills impedes computer training. The instructor may recommend keyboarding instruction before starting computer instruction. Keyboarding Instruction is offered in our Technology Training Center.

Computing Services The Visually Impaired Persons Center offers computer services and programs in the following three areas:

A Basic Computer Overview/Demonstration
A demonstration is available to orient someone to the capabilities of the computer utilizing various software applications. The demonstration could include Zoom Text, JAWS, Open Book, Microsoft Office Programs, Windows OS and the Internet.
Evaluation An evaluation will establish the baseline assessment of a client’s level of computer knowledge and software proficiency. This information will be used to determine a client’s aptitude for computer instruction, and help in establishing appropriate individualized learning objectives.

Customized Software/Computer Training It is possible to develop individualized computer training programs to meet the personal or vocational needs of clients. The following is a partial list of available software.

ZoomText ZoomText is a large print magnification program, with speech capabilities, for computer users with low vision. ZoomText operates together with other software programs as in word processing and the internet.

JAWS For Windows JAWS is a screen reader program for the blind, which operates with other basic software packages. JAWS can be used to create and read documents in conjunction with a word processing program, or to send and receive email, and to search, and surf the internet.

Microsoft Word - Word Processing Program Clients will be taken through a curriculum of instruction for learning the word processing program that is installed on client’s personal home computer. With the use of ZoomText, or JAWS, this curriculum will cover such items as creating, editing, spell checking, changing and setting font attributes, saving, opening, closing, and printing a document. The word processing curriculum will also include learning basic Windows commands, such as cut, copy, paste, save, save as, delete, formatting font size, style, and justification.

Open Book Screen Reading Program 
Open Book is a screen reading program, which with the use of a scanner, can read books, magazines, brochures, bank statements, etc. Clients will be instructed on the basic functions of Open Book using a scanner.