Partnering with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, we offer computer training. Instructor, Amy Harris, teaches the class using the assistive technology programs JAWS and ZoomText.
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows that allows blind and visually impaired users to read the screen either with a text-to-speech output or by a Refreshable Braille display. JAWS is produced by the Blind and Low Vision Group of Freedom Scientific.
ZoomText allows you to see and hear everything on the computer screen as well as providing access to applications, documents, email and the Internet. The software helps individuals with early vision loss, computer vision syndrome, and visual impairments such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. ZoomText has dual monitor support and is capable of magnifying the screen up to 36 times and also allows one to choose which part of the screen is magnified.
Amy’s students, who are often newly blind, are relearning computer skills. With these programs her students learn to create word documents and spreadsheets, use the internet, pay bills online, send emails, read and anything else they may need.
With this training, students gain independence and the skills they need to obtain jobs or further their education. ABVI is proud of our many graduates over the years!