2000 Conference Proceedings
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The Adaptive Computer Technology Training Program for IT
Technicians: Another Canadian Government Success Story
Dave Goods, Director
IT Operations Branch
Systems and Informatics Directorate
Environment Canada
10 Wellington Street
Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0H3
(819)953-1162
dave.goods@ec.gc.ca
Andre Demers, ACT Program Manager
IT Operations Branch
Systems and Informatics Directorate
Environment Canada
10 Wellington Street
Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0H3
(819) 953-2492
andre.demers@ec.gc.ca
Introduction
Environment Canada, a Canadian Federal government department, is
highly computerized. The majority of our employees require the
use of a computer to do their jobs. The Adaptive Computer
Technology (ACT) Program was established in 1991 to provide
adaptive computer technology services to new and existing
employees who have disabilities - to allow all employees access
the same information, in the same office environment, as
effectively and efficiently as anyone else. It is a comprehensive
program that covers all types of disabilities.
Although all federal government departments in Canada have
extensive Information Technology (IT) support services, these
services do not directly address the requirements of disabled
employees who use adaptive computer technology.
Services provided through Environment Canada’s ACT
Program
advice and guidance on adaptive technology products to meet the
needs of employees with disabilities assessment of individual
adaptive computer technology needs in order to identify the
appropriate match between the employee and the hardware or
software adaptation(s) installation and integration of adaptive
technology hardware and software into a client's environment
training of employees with disabilities on the use of adaptive
hardware and software installed on their computer systems
on-going technical and educational support for adaptive hardware,
software and computer systems evaluation of adaptive hardware,
software and computer systems for suitability of use by persons
with disabilities and for compatibility with the departmental
technology infrastructure awareness sessions, demonstrations, and
consultations for managers and staff
Adaptive Computer Technology Training Program for IT
Technicians
Since 1996 Environment Canada’s ACT program has evolved to
provide services to other federal government departments. In 1999
Canada’s Treasury Board Secretariat’s Employment
Equity Positive Measures Program approved funding of the Adaptive
Computer Technology Training Program for IT Technicians. With the
support of Treasury Board Secretariat funding, Environment Canada
created a multi-dimensional program for all IT professionals in
the public service in September 1999.
This training provides technicians and their respective
departments an opportunity to enhance the employability of
persons with disabilities. This program has initial funding to
train 90 technicians from across Canada.
This custom designed on-line computer course is administered by
Dr. Norman Coombs of the Rochester Institute of Technology. Phase
One is an interactive introduction to adaptive computer
technology and takes approximately four weeks to complete.
Technicians will be electronically introduced to several
disability issues and the basics of adaptive technology.
The second phase of the course is a hands-on component to
familiarize participants with the technology and the technical
issues surrounding the implementation and support of adaptive
computer technology in an elaborate multi-platform laboratory.
This two week (10 day) component involves lectures,
demonstrations, site visits, case studies, and hands-on exposure
to the various adaptive technology tools. During the two weeks,
participants are asked to produce a document outlining how
adaptive technology could be used in their departments.
Final thoughts
It is hoped that this training program will create a critical
mass of knowledgeable IT support staff to address the needs of
adaptive computer technology users throughout the Canadian
Federal Public Service
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Reprinted with author(s) permission. Author(s) retain copyright.