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Joseph Adamo
De Witt & Associates
700 Godwin Avenue
Midland Park, NJ 07432
(201) 447-6500
Josepha@dewittassociates.net
AccessTech 2000 is a unique independent living project spearheaded by the New Jersey legislature, founded on the principle of equal participation in the Internet by all citizens. Blind and visually impaired adults obtain basic computer literacy using speech or large print, many for the first time in their lives. classes are held in local public library technology centers in cooperation with the New Jersey State Library. Typically underserved adults are provided free instruction in a community based setting. This session will focus on how the program is funded, implemented has been received and grown.
De Witt & Associates' Director of Training will discuss:
How the program is funded and implemented:
a. The State funds the cost of appropriate assistive technology
and instructors.
b. Local public libraries provide a space to hold the
classes.
c. Existing library computers are utilized, if possible. If
necessary, De Witt & Associates supplies additional
hardware.
Who is served by the program?
a. Unlike many state programs, AccessTech 2000 focuses on
non-vocational needs.
b. The majority of the students are senior citizens who are not
eligible for traditional vocational rehabilitation services.
Curriculum
a. Teaching keyboarding to novice computer users: The majority
of our students have little or no experience using a keyboard of
any type. We have developed methods to help these students start
learning the basics, without having to spend extensive classroom
time practicing their keyboarding skills.
b. Covering the basics - Word and Windows: In our introductory
classes, students learn to use basic functions in both Microsoft
Word and Windows 95/98 or NT.
c. The Internet: We provide an introduction to the internet
using PW Webspeak and Internet Explorer.
d. Intermediate Word and Internet Classes: We have just
implemented an intermediate class that teaches more advanced Word
functions and how to use Web based E-mail. Web based e-mail is
important because students can set up an account without having
to own their own computer and then they can check and send mail
using any internet connected computer. Students are encouraged to
return to the library to use the equipment during non-class
hours.
e. This class is being offered to all students who have
completed the introductory class.
f. Financial Software instruction: Another new class for
students who have successfully completed the beginner class
focuses on the use of Quicken 2000 to handle personal
finances.
Implementing the program:
a. Finding Libraries: Quite surprisingly, we found that not all
libraries were interested in having us provide free classes at
their facility. Their major concerns included taking time away
from internal staff training and use by other library patrons.
Some libraries also were concerned about using library resources
for students from out of their town or district.
b. Transportation needs and solutions: Most classes were located
in County Public Libraries which are served by mass transit.
However, we still needed to supplement that with transportation
allowances and drivers. Funds are now available to pay for
transporting students to and from home, if requested.
c. Student attendance: free or low cost classes tend to have a
high attrition rate. How to encourage and keep students in the
program is a concern. This issue is still being addressed.
Results:
a. Approximately 500 Students have been served in two years
b. Students are returning to the libraries outside of class time
to use the equipment.
c. Other libraries are applying for grants to add assistive
technology to their facilities because of AccessTech 2000's
success, even though they do not have space for a full fledged
classroom.
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