Introductory IT Training Course for People with Vision Impairments

An IT course for people with a vision impairments aged over 35, motivating and enabling them to use a PC at a basic level using assistive software. The content and structure of the course is based on the experience gained from a pilot project which was run in autumn 2002.

The Introductory IT Course comprises one set of materials for ZoomText users and another for JAWS users. Each set is divided into teacher's book and student's book.

People with a vision impairments in Ireland, the UK, Italy, France and Denmark took part in piloting the first edition of this course. After attending the course, students were asked what they thought of it. Replies to this survey showed that the participants

were no longer afraid of computers
regarded the course as a chance to improve their communication with the outside world
were motivated to learn more about computers
felt that they had achieved something by taking the course

One of the students was happy that she could help with her child's schoolwork again. Another student wrote: "I never thought it was possible to learn - but it was".

The course is divided into two parts, each consisting of four sessions.

Part 1

This is the motivating part, the "see what you can do" part. The aim is to show the students that they can communicate using a PC with assistive software despite vision impairments. Part 1 deals with the following items:

Starting and stopping the PC
Windows
Assistive software
e-mail
Word processing
The Internet

The students are not expected to be able to master specific topics after each session. Success and motivation are keywords in this part of the course.

Teachers’ materials

Part 1 teachers’ materials for blind students using Jaws screen reader

Part 1 teachers’ materials for low vision students using ZoomText screen magnifier

Students’ materials

Part 1 students’ materials for blind students using Jaws screen reader

Part 1 students’ materials for low vision students using ZoomText screen magnifier

Part 2

This is a more thorough investigation of the assistive software and the PC in general. The aim of Part 2 is to get the students to a point where they can use their assistive software to work on their own and to qualify them for further IT training.

Students are required to master the keyboard before taking Part 2 of the course.

Teachers’ materials

Part 2 teachers’ materials for blind students using Jaws screen reader

Part 2 teachers’ materials for low vision students using ZoomText screen magnifier

Students’ materials

Part 2 students’ materials for blind students using Jaws screen reader

Part 2 students’ materials for low vision students using ZoomText screen magnifier