Computer training for blind and visually impaired computer users has taken a step into the future through the innovation of live voice-chat and the Internet. Students continue to participate in both on-line and independent study courses at Access Technology Institute.

I’ve been an Access Technology Specialist with more than a decade of experience in both academic and non-profit classrooms. I was fortunate enough to be in the position to bring this brand of training to the Internet with the first live, voice-chat, training class back in May, 2000.

Since the virtual doors of the on-line classroom opened, students from around the world have participated in the courses. From the United States to Australia and Sweden, the on-line classroom has shattered the barriers and brought access technology training to those in both urban and rural areas.

Those new to computers can take introductory courses in the use of Windows and Window-Eyes or Jaws for Windows. Courses in accessing the Microsoft Office suite of programs and the Internet are available for intermediate users. The most challenging of the courses is a seven-month training course for those wishing to become Access Technology Trainers in their own right.

On-line training has proven to be especially attractive to corporations with blind employees. Rather than paying for transportation to training centers and sacrificing valuable work hours to accommodate an employee’s need for training, corporations look to the virtual classroom. Through the virtual classroom and live, voice-chat, technology, students can work on their own computers in a relatively stress-free environment. Once class is over, employees can return to work ready to practice the newly learned skills.

This is distance education with a twist. Live voice chat is revolutionizing training opportunities for blind and visually impaired computer users. Those who live in rural or remote areas, who don’t have access to urban training centers or who find transportation limited can log on, plug in their microphone and learn from the comfort of their own homes.

To experience a sample of live, voice-chat, visit www.audio-tips.com and visit a chat room or two. At Audio-tips, you can visit with people from all over the world. The Chatterbox client used at Audio-tips is the same client used to facilitate on-line training at ATI. For more information on on-line and independent study training opportunities, visit www.accesstechnologyinstitute.com or call Cathy Anne Murtha at 915-922-3794.