E (27 years) lives with his parents. E has low vision due to a premature birth and holds a Certificate of Blindness. In addition, he has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. He walks with the aid of a walker and has difficulty with motor skills.
E began a back office job working for a major health service company as well as the Community Center in the town where he lives. He was referred to Migdal Or’s computer classes in Jerusalem for design and customization of assistive technology. During the assessment that was carried out by Migdal Or, it was revealed that E was not familiar with basic computer applications and assistive technology, and, as such, was dependent on others to perform the tasks assigned to him during the course of his work.
As a result of this, in June he began a 3-month technology course in order to learn how to operate a computer independently with assistive technology and to use applications relevant to his role at the Health Service and Community Center. This would eventually help him to expand his responsibilities.
E improved his skills in Word (which were very basic prior to the course) and learned to use Excel and Outlook. Likewise, he learned to use keyboard short cuts to operate the screen reader program, NVDA, for when he is unable to depend on his sight. In addition, during the course, E gained skills in the use of the iPhone which helps him carry out various activities. “Due to the course, I can work faster” he says, “I can perform tasks all by myself”.
Following the course, E’s case manager reported that he now comes to work knowledgeable and self-confident – a stark contrast prior to undertaking the course. Today, he is more independent and tries to overcome challenges on his own. She added that as a result of the skills he learned on the course, E’s manager expanded his responsibilities and added new tasks.
E’s mother expressed great satisfaction with Migdal Or’s computer class. She reported that he receives positive feedback in both his workplaces and he feels great satisfaction in being a working person, and is able to give and be of help, not only receive help. She described with emotion how he gets up in the morning and goes to work happy. They could not imagine the magnitude of the change that has transpired in him.
Article meta data
Clicking on any of the links in this section will take you to other articles that have been tagged in the same category.
- This article was written by the Migdal Or Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Spring 2020 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Case Study, Centre News