Hello access Indians >From May 2 until the end of June, 2009, a first of its kind event is taking place at the National Association for the Blind, RK Puram, Sector-5. Professor Arun Mehta and his team will lead a hands-on training and software writing workshop in web programming using Ruby on Rails running on a variety of platforms, including low-cost netbooks. For a long time, the visually impaired have sought a highly portable device with quality text to speech, connectivity and navigation, but more importantly one that is easy to adapt to their exact needs. The attempt at this workshop will be to make a big step in achieving this goal, using the latest technologies, while training significant numbers of visually impaired persons in developing software for this platform. As part of the programming effort, modules will be developed to enhance the skid platform for the needs of special kids, see skid.org.in. Besides those with visual impairment, a major beneficiary of such modules will be children with dyvslexia, who often learn faster with audio support. Following in the tradition of Jaws and emacspeak, we believe that the best way to develop accessible software is to have persons with the target disabilities as part of the
development team. Apart from superior insight into desfign issues and essential testing skills, disabled persons who will actually use the software all their lives bring long-term commitment to the maintenance and upgradation of the software. Computer programming is a highly creative and well-paid profession that is suitable for persons with mobility issues, for the work can be done through the computer and the Internet. These reasons were certainly important in our deciding to launch this innovative vocational training program, however, this effort gains an entirely new dimension, if we consider that software for persons who are visually impaired, also is accessible to persons who are illiterate. Hence, this effort at jump-starting software development for and by the visually impaired can have significant impact in how quickly the illiterate people of India can start using computers, and in the process perhaps gain literacy as well. The workshop will consist of one day a week of lectures, tutorials and demonstrations, Specifically organized on Saturdays. Participants will be divided into project teams and assigned a clearly defined software project. Each project team of maximum 5 members will receive focussed attention from Professor Mehta or his assistants at a weekly meeting scheduled as per mutual convenience. For visually handicapped persons, the National Association for the Blind is charging Rs. 2,000/- as fees for this workshop. Students who cannot afford to pay this fee may apply for fee concession. A special provision is being made for close friends or relatives of blind persons attending this workshop. They will receive 50% discount on the regular workshop fee, and hence only pay Rs. 5000. Against this, they will commit to regularly working with, and helping the blind person, in the programming tasks. A small number of seats are available for students from the wider community, who wish to learn cutting-edge web programming technologies from a team of international standard. For this, the workshop fees is Rs. 10,000 only. Who can apply? Any person who can use the computer efficiently with the use of screen reading software can benefit from this course. If you use the computer and feel that the computer should do something more or better than what it is doing now for you, you could join this course. If you like to experiment and play with technology, this course is must for you. Duration of the Course: Duration of the course is two months. Classes will be held in the months of May and June, 2009. There will be only two formal classes or face to face sessions in a week. However, computer lab could be made available for more time upon request and will be subjected to availability of labs. Students will experience the new way of interacting and team work which will prepare them for placements in technology sector. How to apply: The application form can be obtained by sending one e-mail to nabhelpl...@gmail.com . you may fill the same and send it by e-mail to nabhelpl...@gmail.com as an attachment. selection of the students will be done on the basis of an interview to be held on 29th april 2009. Feel free to contact us for any other assistance, Regards, Assistive Technology Helpline Team, National Association for the blind, Sec-5, R. K. Puram, New Delhi-110022 Phone: Country Code: 0091 City Code: 011 6455 6968, 2610 2944 E-mail: nabhelpl...@gmail.com Website: www.nabdelhi.org To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
