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
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