Our immediate focus has been responding to direct need from our members and initiating a mix of face-to-face (when it was safe to do so) and remote training sessions as planned.
Our Centre has adopted a cautious reopening approach over the past 12 months to keep members safe, recently returning to being open four days a week. The equipment we were able to purchase from Karten has enabled us to deliver hybrid remote and in person training during this time and for those who may still lack the confidence to attend in person.
We’ve also been able to respond to requests for Braille training, with a number of sessions delivered. One example included a face-to-face session for five learners in November, who had previously taken part in Braille Alphabet sessions over Zoom. The members were able to get hands-on experience of this new technology including the Braille frames.
Writing is accomplished by placing a piece of paper in the slate, aligning it correctly and closing the slate. The person writing begins punching the dots in the upper right corner of the frame and works backwards towards the left. In addition, each combination of dots, which members had previously learnt, had to be completed backwards (flipped), so that when the paper is removed and turned over, the braille reads correctly. This was quite a task to master; however, the group really enjoyed the challenge and a couple of members loaned the slates to continue practicing at home.
We also looked at the much-awaited Hable One device which is essentially a braille keyboard that can be hooked up to tablets and phones using Bluetooth. The keyboard is used in conjunction with a screen reader and can be used for both navigation and text input. What makes these devices so amazing is the fact that they can be used by people who would normally struggle to perform the complex gestures needed to navigate phones and tablets using a screen reader and is much easier to master than having to learn to touch type.
The new chairs and tables were also used with positive feedback about comfort in the IT Suite. The Braille embosser has been put to good use especially with remote training, with resources printed and sent to members in advance of Zoom sessions. Fingerprint Braille course volumes have also been loaned as planned to members. We have also been able to produce learner documents in Braille and have been able to respond to transcription requests from members of the public.
Laptops and desktop computers with Zoomtext Fusion software and MS Office have been used to deliver both face-to-face and remote sessions. We also have a learner booked in to receive training on the Dragon Dictation software.
We are also planning on launching accessible gaming sessions in the future using the funded digital gift cards from Karten.
Case studies
Anon
After losing his eyesight in 2019 due to an accident at work, Anon’s journey was impacted by the pandemic meaning he hasn’t been able to adapt to his condition as quickly as he may have done.
Since becoming a member at Beacon, Anon has been enjoying I.T. and assistive technology training, making progress in learning to touch type. He has also started to explore how he can use the Mac iOS screen reader.
Anon is aiming to return to employment working in technology and with computers, meaning the course and Karten equipment is providing him with invaluable skills and confidence to regain his independence. Anon will also be supported through our employment programme.
Anon learning with equipment provided through Karten.
Nathan
Nathan began to lose his sight in July 2021 due to Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. Formerly a scaffolder and very independent, Nathan has struggled on occasion to come to terms with his condition which has gradually worsened as time has gone by.
Since being referred to Beacon, we are helping Nathan to adjust and learn new skills, allowing him to boost his confidence and regain his independence.
Since joining, Nathan has had cane training allowing him to get around unaided empowering him to meet his friends and family, run errands and attend appointments. He has also attended a Fab Lab training course.
Having developed his confidence a little more, Nathan recently began using Karten equipment through IT training. He has become more proficient in touch type and can now easily navigate the keyboard. This has enabled him to explore using new technologies such as the Windows screen reader.
Nathan would like to pursue a new career and attend college, where we are positive that he will be using assistive technology with confidence following his training.
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- This article was written by the Beacon Centre for the Blind Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Spring 2022 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Case Study, Centre News