Ability Tech
2001
by Laurie Brownell
Like Center for Independence in Colorado, Southeastern
Minnesota CIL has developed a program to help people with disabilities
learn to use computers. Like the Colorado program, SEMCIL's Ability Tech
program offers accessible hardware and software and specific instruction
on using accessibility modifications. SEMCIL's approach is slightly different,
however:
- Ability Tech is structured as a course rather than
as a support group.
- SEMCIL pays instructors with disabilities to conduct
the classes.
- A grant program helps individuals purchase assistive
technology.
Overview
The Ability Tech program offers people with disabilities
an opportunity to learn more about online resources. This service incorporates
the skills of persons with disabilities to teach and mentor others in
accessing disability-related resources through the Internet.
SEMCIL developed this program in response to comments
from consumers who had taken community education classes or gone to the
library and did not receive specific direction in relation to their communication
and physical access needs. In researching this concept, SEMCIL staff talked
to three clients who reported that they paid a substantial amount for
classes and were very disappointed to experience a lack of individualized
training and follow-up which nullified their investment. SEMCIL decided
to offer computer classes that would provide individualized instruction
and the use of adaptive equipment and software.
About the Classes
Training sessions run for six weeks and meet
weekly for two hours. The first session focuses on the mission of
the Ability Tech program: Increase individual awareness of resources and
information available through computer technology. We found that
it was very important to ask participants what they wanted to learn, and
to assess their comfort level and base level knowledge.
The first session is a basic orientation to computer
hardware and the appropriate methods to turn on the computer and shut
it down. The second session is designed to demonstrate general functions
of word processing, tool bars and other basics. At this point we also
introduce the class to a local online resource. In the third session,
participants explore the Internet, learn how to set up an e-mail account
and discover different services and browsers. The fourth class introduces
participants to software and equipment that is designed to improve access
for persons with disabilities. The fifth session is designed to
teach specialty areas such as genealogy, creating greeting cards and other
areas as determined by the participants. The final class serves
as a review session.
Prior to the class, the instructor or a SEMCIL staff
member speaks with the participant about specific accommodations that
might be needed. In our experience, this has included lighting,
transportation, access to the classroom and materials in alternate format.
These types of requests are often overlooked incommunity classes.
Emphasis on accommodations is an asset of the Ability
Tech program. Participants have input on the hardware that they
will use throughout the class. They are able to choose the kind
of mouse/track ball they prefer to work with, the size of the monitor
and keyboard devices. Students who use voice recognition software
are asked to come in prior to the classes and train the program to work
with their voices. A variety of software programs such as Jaws,
Read & Write and others are used to assist in learning. Accommodations
are introduced throughout the training. The class session dedicated
to accessible hardware and software is targeted not only at those who
use these features now, but also at those who may need such features in
the future or who know someone else who could benefit from similar accommodations.
We discovered that it was difficult to coordinate the
schedules of the trainers and participants. Instead of advertising
pre-set class times and dates, we match participant availability with
the schedules of our instructors.
About the Instructors
Trainers that represent various disability and minority
groups offer insight regarding communication, software and accommodation
needs. This program is an excellent opportunity for individuals
to take on leadership roles and receive equitable pay.
The program offers individuals with disabilities the
opportunity to be employed by SEMCIL on a contract basis. An ADA
compliant job description was developed and distributed to SEMCIL clients
and posted with agencies serving persons with disabilities. Advertisements
were published in area newsletters. Trainers who possessed computer
skills and/or the willingness to learn more about technology were recruited.
Our first attempt at attracting qualified instructors
was very successful. Seven individuals participated in a six-hour
orientation, certifying them as Ability Tech Instructors. Instructors
receive training that familiarizes them with the topics to be addressed
in the six-week session.
There is one instructor per four students. Participants
are matched with an instructor based on availability and areas of interest.
Often there are two or three classes going on at one time to offer flexibility
and encourage greater involvement. During the first year of the
program, instructors were paid $20 per hour. During the second year,
the salary was adjusted according to the available funding.
The Plan
SEMCIL initially started this program on a small scale.
We had received a donated computer and wanted our consumers to have access
to it. In the developmental phase, we soon realized that we would
need an upgraded system and expanded software to improve client access
to the Internet. SEMCIL applied for a grant through the Minnesota
Governor's Advisory Council on Technology for People with Disabilities
(STAR grant). We received over $7,000 to shape the Ability Tech
program from the dream stage to reality.
The next step was to implement our goals and objectives
as outlined in our action plan. There was a lot of work to do before
we could advertise the classes to the public. Some of the steps included:
securing access to local/state/national resources, researching hardware
and software requirements, recruiting qualified persons with disabilities
for trainer positions, developing an orientation for new employees, creating
a baseline for the six week training session, promoting the program to
potential participants and networking with other agencies.
Funding
SEMCIL has accessed a variety of funding sources to
insure continuation of this program. Over sixty individuals
received training in the first year of the program through funding that
was established by the Minnesota Governor's Advisory Council on Technology
for People with Disabilities. This grant program is known as the
STAR Program (System of Technology to Achieve Results). The STAR
grant allowed Ability Tech to get off to a solid beginning.
The funding covered expenses for personnel, fringe benefits, interpreter
services, supplies, equipment and publicity.
In the second year of program operation, we used United
Way Venture funds. This funding supports new community programs
and services. The grant is dedicated to creative solutions to pressing
needs in communities throughout the nation.
For the third year, we anticipate the utilization of
funds sponsored through a private foundation entitled the Initiative Fund.
SEMCIL's strategic plan for 2001- 2002 details the expansion of our peer
program to incorporate the wages of Ability Tech trainers. We anticipate
that this will eventually become a fee-for-service program that will be
self-sustaining.
The Center has shown its commitment to this program
by developing a grant program to help consumers purchase adaptive technology.
It was evident after participants completed the first six-week training
class that few of the individuals had computers at home. Others lacked
the necessary software that would allow them to access accommodations.
The SEMCIL technology grant invites individuals with low-moderate incomes
to apply for up to $500 to assist with purchasing equipment and other
adaptive technology items.
Program Success
The Ability Tech program has been successful because
it uses the positive experiences of individuals who have used various
aspects of technology to improve their personal situation.
Role modeling is an effective way to break through the anxiety of trying
something new with the support of someone who fully understands the apprehensions
and potential successes. The program has had the following impacts:
- Individuals are coming to the center and becoming
an active part of the community.
- Trainers are gaining valuable work experience.
- Participants are gaining valuable knowledge and
experiencing the power of technology and the opportunities it can offer.
- Participants have expressed their appreciation for
the opportunity to access resources in a supportive environment.
- The trainers have served as excellent role models
for the participants.
Ability Tech services open doors to the world
of technology and offer opportunities to access resources in a supportive
environment.
For More Information
Laurie
Brownell
Southeastern Minnesota CIL, Inc.
1306 Seventh Street, Northwest
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 285-1815
TTY: (507) 285-0616
FAX: (507) 288-8070
EMAIL: semcil@sparc.isl.net
http://www.semcil.org
About the Author
Laurie Brownell is the independent living director
at SEMCIL. Laurie has developed programs, coordinated service delivery,
supervised staff and written grants for the center for over fifteen years.
She received a bachelor of science degree in therapeutic recreation from
the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 1986 and a graduate degree from
St. Mary's University (Rochester, MN) in health and human service
administration in 1994. Laurie recently was the chair for a six
state independent living conference (Region V) and is currently organizing
a capital campaign for SEMCIL's building project.
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