Computer workshops provide new lease of life for many
Computer workshops run in NCBI’s Clondalkin and Dun Laoghaire offices are giving people living in Kildare, South Dublin and Wicklow the opportunity to learn computer skills at their own pace and also provide a great social outlet for those who take part.
The workshops, which are suitable for beginners, cover topics such as touch typing, creating documents, sending emails and accessing the internet. Weekly classes last for an hour and a half, including evening and Saturday slots. The workshops run for around 8-10 weeks. There are around three to five people in each workshop, depending on the number of computers and tutors available.
Tailored to each individual
According to Sharon Lyons, an IT Trainer based in Clondalkin, the classes are unique because they are tailored to each individual. “The teaching in the workshops is based on the EATT (Equal Access to Technology Training) Introductory IT Course. But there are no set lessons or exams. People work at their own pace and choose what they would like to try out from week to week. We provide computers and software but people are welcome to bring their own laptops if they prefer. All different assistive software users are catered for, including users of Jaws, Supernova, Zoomtext and Guide.
“The computer workshops started in Summer 2006 in NCBI Dun Laoghaire. Then, thanks to a lottery grant, we were able to get some computers and software in NCBI Clondalkin and the workshops started there a year later. We have seen demand increase, as more people are referred from their community resource worker, so we have a waiting list at the moment. The workshops are open to people with a vision impairment of all ages, but are mostly attended by adults. The workshops give an introduction to computers and are a good basis for further classes and home learning. People who have attended say that they now feel confident to try new things on their own at home.”
‘No way! That’s not for me!’
One course participant, Sheila Baldwin, from Terenure, would recommend the classes to people of all ages and abilities. “I found the beginners’ workshop fantastic. I actually came across it by accident. I went to NCBI to enquire about magnification as I was finding it more and more difficult to see print and when I was there Sharon showed me around and asked if I had any interest in learning computer skills. My first thought was ‘No way! That’s not for me!’, but she asked if I would give it a try and I’m so delighted that I did,” explains Sheila.
“I attended some of the first workshops held in Clondalkin. I am still at basic level as it was all new to me when I started. Not only that, but I couldn’t see the keys or the screen so I had to learn touch typing and use screen reading software for the first time. I’m 78 and I can understand why people do not want to learn how to use a computer later in life but it has really opened up a whole new world for me. My daughter is on holidays in Australia at the moment and we are emailing each other every day, which saves a lot on telephone bills and is also very enjoyable for both of us. I have recommended the course to others and spoke about it at MIST meetings (support group for people with age-related macular degeneration). It’s also a great social outlet and I looked forward to meeting people each week. So I would urge people to give it a go,” continued Sheila.
There is also a computer club that meets in Newbridge and is run by people in the area who have vision impairments.
In Dublin, the computer workshops are free, but transport to and from the NCBI office is not provided. Workshops are currently running from the beginning of February but are full. The next set starts after Easter. Anyone interested in signing up for the computer workshops should contact Sharon Lyons in NCBI Clondalkin on 01 4056950 or email sharon.lyons@ncbi.ie or John Lynch in NCBI Dun Laoghaire on 01 2710120 or email john.lynch@ncbi.ie to find out more.
Similar NCBI computer workshops are available in other parts of the country. Workshops run regularly in the Midlands, Cork and South East regions and are based on demand in other areas. Contact your local IT trainer or community resource worker on 1850 33 43 53 for more information.