Ten week adaptive technology computer course
The adaptive technology computer course run by the RNZFB is a computer training class specifically designed for blind and partially sighted people. The RNZFB is the only national provider of such specialist computer training that focuses on the technology access issues that come with either having no or limited vision.
Attendees will learn the skills necessary to access a computer and a variety of software packages via screen magnification or screen reading programs operated by keyboard commands.
This ten week course has run since 2002 and has seen around 200 people graduate with the skills required to utilise a computer for study, work or recreational purposes.
When is it?
There are currently two ten-week courses provided per year. They commence in February and August. The next course starts on Wednesday 1 February 2012, and concludes on Thursday 5 April 2012. Classes run from 8:30am until 3:10 pm, Monday through Thursday (220 hours of tuition excluding breaks). The classroom can cater for up to ten students per course.
Where will it be?
The classroom is located on the ground floor of Awhina House, 4 Maunsell Road, Parnell, Auckland.
What can you learn?
Take the opportunity to learn for the first time, or refresh your skills on those programs or features you have been thinking about for ages.
Please note: - Obviously we can't teach you all that there is to know about everything, but tell us what it is that you wish to cover and we will do our best to assist.
Topics covered during the course include:
Adaptive technology software
Individual assessment and use of either, or both, screen magnification and screen reading programs. These are the assistive software packages that either allow a person to view the screen by enlarging the screen display, enhancing the cursor or mouse pointer, changing colour or manipulating the screen text into a more readable format, or speak the screen contents via synthesized speech. Configuration, personalisation and general operation is controlled by a collection of keyboard commands.
General computer operation
Getting around the computer including how to efficiently use the desktop, dialogue boxes, menus and shortcut commands, as well as file management concepts to locate, move, copy, remove and rename your files. Note: The classroom computers are now running the Windows 7 operating system along with Microsoft Office 2003 and Microsoft Office 2010.
Word processing with Microsoft Word
Use of assistive software to access MS Word to read, create and format documents.
Internet
Use of assistive software to access the Internet to search for information, access online shopping, banking, news and specific sites of interest.
Use of assistive software to access email services (both Outlook/Windows Mail and web-based) to read, create and manage messages and contacts.
Spreadsheets
Use of assistive software to access Microsoft Excel to create, navigate, read and format spreadsheets to record information and perform calculations.
Presentations
Use of assistive software to access Microsoft PowerPoint to read, create and format slide show presentations for study or work purposes.
A variety of other topics and equipment products are introduced and demonstrated throughout the course to give attendees a good overall general awareness of what adaptive technology assistance is available. Such items may include talking mobile phones, mobile scanner/readers, video magnifiers, Optical Character Recognition products, audio recorders/players designed for the blind, GPS navigation and much more.
This course is not New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) certified, but students can learn the level of skills required to sit level two NZQA qualifications via a registered NZQA certified provider.
How much does it cost?
This training opportunity is available free of charge to RNZFB members.
Attendees must:
- Be members of the RNZFB.
- Be able to make your way to and from Awhina House independently and at your own expense.
- Have existing keyboarding skills and good computer keyboard layout knowledge.
- Provide your own food for lunch and breaks etc. Tea and coffee making facilities are available.
- All attendees are expected to make their own travel arrangements to and from class independently and at their own expense. The RNZFB does not provide any accommodation for non Auckland based students.
It is advised that anyone who will be using a screen reading program such as JAWS should bring their own set of headphones to minimise classroom disturbance.
How do you find out more?
For further information, or to enrol on a course, contact one of the class tutors, either Shalini Felix 09 355 6893 sfelix@rnzfb.org.nz or Mike Law 09 355 6930 mlaw@rnzfb.org.nz