There is no doubt as to the numerous benefits the developments information technology has given the world. Everything now is within reach, and more enhancements are being developed just to make reaching out as convenient as possible. The ultimate goal is to provide access to everything for everyone, wherever you may be. From ordering books halfway across the world to viewing live videos via online streaming, the internet really has made the world smaller, and makes it possible for a person to be in multiple places at a time.
However, the internet and the computer are tools that are primarily visual, i.e. they require the use of sight just to experience it completely. So what about the visually-impaired and the totally blind?
Last week, I had the privilege to talk to a couple of members of ATRIEV. A non-stock, non-profit organization that runs a computer school for the blind, they teach blind and visually-impaired persons how to use a computer and operate a variety of software, including how to use the internet and email. They even conduct training on transcription and assist in the job placement of their students. And just recently, they started operations of a call center for the blind in Quezon City.
Ultimately, they work for the rehabilitation, integration, and empowerment of the blind and visually-impaired. Although the organization is really small, with just a handful of trainers (all are either totally blind or visually-impaired persons), ATRIEV gives power to the disadvantaged, using a medium that is traditionally thought to be only visual. They bridge a gap created by their disability so more people can take advantage of the benefits given by technology. After all, a huge chunk of the information generated everywhere is really to provide innovations for the additional convenience of everyone. It would be a shame if such information would not reach those who need them more.
To learn more about ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually-Impaired) please visit their website: http://www.atriev.org.ph/
However, the internet and the computer are tools that are primarily visual, i.e. they require the use of sight just to experience it completely. So what about the visually-impaired and the totally blind?
Last week, I had the privilege to talk to a couple of members of ATRIEV. A non-stock, non-profit organization that runs a computer school for the blind, they teach blind and visually-impaired persons how to use a computer and operate a variety of software, including how to use the internet and email. They even conduct training on transcription and assist in the job placement of their students. And just recently, they started operations of a call center for the blind in Quezon City.
Ultimately, they work for the rehabilitation, integration, and empowerment of the blind and visually-impaired. Although the organization is really small, with just a handful of trainers (all are either totally blind or visually-impaired persons), ATRIEV gives power to the disadvantaged, using a medium that is traditionally thought to be only visual. They bridge a gap created by their disability so more people can take advantage of the benefits given by technology. After all, a huge chunk of the information generated everywhere is really to provide innovations for the additional convenience of everyone. It would be a shame if such information would not reach those who need them more.
To learn more about ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually-Impaired) please visit their website: http://www.atriev.org.ph/
7th
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