Technology

Training – technology information sheet

Summary: This information sheet describes some sources for training. Details of self- training material, training establishments and freelance trainers are given.

• Introduction
• Training establishments
• Self-training
• Trainers and consultants
• User groups
• Suppliers who offer training

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Introduction

To make the best use of computer technology it is important to obtain the appropriate training. It is advisable to consider training and support needs before buying any equipment. There are a number of sources of training including colleges, self-training and one to one training. While there are some organisations that can offer free or cheap training, this is not available to everyone and one to one training can be expensive. Many of the training suppliers also provide computer services and can offer computer equipment as part of a complete package.

RNIB also offer technology training courses in their regional centres.

Training establishments

The first place to consider for training is the local college of further education. It is worth contacting them to discuss your needs. Most colleges have a member of staff who can talk to disabled students about their requirements. If you have problems access courses at your local college then you may want to discuss this with an RNIB Post-Compulsory Education Officer. Sources of information about courses available locally include:

Learn Direct

There are two free telephone helplines for the Learn Direct government initiative:
Telephone 0800 100 900 for general impartial information about courses and how you can study.
Telephone 0800 101 901 for more specific contact details for colleges in your local area.

Some learners may prefer a specialist training establishment, or a course specifically aimed at blind and partially sighted people such as:

Dorton College of Further Education

Dorton College of Further Education offers a range of ICT programmes to suit the individual training requirements. An introductory programme is available for beginners who require touch typing and initial keyboard training and more advanced courses to provide training in the use of Windows XP, Microsoft Office and internet skills, using a variety of adaptive technologies, for RSA CLAIT.

For further details contact:
Dorton College of Further Education, Seal Drive, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0AH
Tel: 01732 592 500 Fax: 01732 592 506
Email: dcfe@rlsb.org.uk

Queen Alexandra College

A national college offering residential and day programmes for blind and partially sighted people and those with other disabilities. All vocational training programmes include information and communication technology (ICT). A range of BTEC, NVQ and GNVQ qualifications is available.

For further details contact:

Queen Alexandra College, 49 Court Oak Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9TG
Tel: 0121 428 5050 Fax: 0121 428 5048
Email: enquiries@qac.ac.uk

Royal National College for the Blind (RNC)

IT is a specialist subject of RNC. The College has a networked computer system linking almost 200 personal computers. These feature the operating systems and applications you are most likely to find in Higher Education or employment, as well as the latest enabling technology. All learners have their own Email account and access to the Internet. RNC offers a range of IT courses including ECDL and a range of GNVQs. Most of these courses are available as distance learning.

For further details contact:
Royal National College for the Blind, College Road, Hereford HR1 1EB
Tel: 01432 265 725 Fax: 01432 376 628
Email: info@rncb.ac.uk

RNIB Redhill College

RNIB Redhill College of further education has space for 120 people who are blind or partially sighted. It can provide one-to-one or training in small groups for a variety of access technology and standard software application such as Microsoft Office, email and the internet. These courses are much the same as are found in any mainstream college and most clients work towards nationally recognised qualifications including CLAIT.

Redhill College provides vocational and educational courses for school leavers and adults, and offers a number of life skills courses. It also specialises in working with students with multiple disabilities.

For more information contact Pat Cunnigham or Cathy Hunter:
RNIB Redhill College, Philanthropic Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4DZ
Tel: 01737 768 935 Fax: 01737 778 776
Email: pcunnin@rnib-redhill.ac.uk

RNIB College Loughborough

RNIB College Loughborough is a specialist residential college for people of all ages and from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, sometimes with additional disabilities or moderate learning difficulties.

RNIB College Loughborough offers a unique package of training and educational opportunities for blind and partially sighted school-leavers through to mature students. NVQs and short courses are also available.

The Outreach service provides the necessary support to enable students with sight problems to participate in the course or programme of their choice and also offers technical training for people in work.

For further details contact:
RNIB College Loughborough, Radmoor Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3BS
Tel: 01509 611 077 Fax: 01509 232 013
Email: enquiries@rnibvocoll.ac.uk

Workability

Workability is a project run by Leonard Cheshire. It is designed to help disabled people between the ages of 19 and 60, gain access to training and employment. Participants receive free computer equipment, Microsoft software and Internet access. Training in basic IT applications is delivered can by a virtual college on the Internet or with partner organisations.

For more information, contact:
Leonard Cheshire Workability,
30 Millbank, London SW1 4QD
Tel: 020 7802 8200 Fax: 020 7802 8250
Email: workability@lc-uk.org

Leonard Cheshire Workability Scotland,
Murrayburgh House, 17 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6DD
Tel: 0131 346 9040 Fax: 0131 346 9050
Email: workability@scot.leonard-cheshire.org.uk

Leonard Cheshire Workability Northern Ireland,
5 Boucher Plaza, 4-6 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6HR
Tel: 028 9024 6247 Fax: 028 9024 6395

Email: info@ni.leonard-cheshire.org.uk

Self-training

Self-training can be an efficient and low cost method of learning but may require some level of prior experience. It is most valuable as an introduction or to support training courses as a useful source of reference. Most screen readers come with introductions on tape or CD.

There is a huge amount of training material available; this section aims to cover only those materials aimed at people with sight problems.

For information and products about keyboard skills and learning to touch type, please have a look at our Developing Keyboard Skills factsheet.

Access Technology Institute (ATI)

Run by Cathy Anne Murtha, ATI produces CD tutorials and articles, keyboard guides and tips. Topics covered include Windows, Word and audio programs as well as Jaws and Windows-Eyes specific material.
To contact ATI:
Tel: 001 916 922 3794 (US)
Email: feedback@accesstechnologyinstitute.com

De Witt & Associates

De Witt & Associates has developed a series of training tools for teaching Microsoft Office applications using Jaws For Windows, Window-Eyes, ZoomText and Magic. This is aimed at Assistive Technology Trainers, not merely a tutorial for individual consumers to wade through on their own.
Currently available courseware sets include: Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express and Windows Concepts.
Contact De Witt & Associates
Tel: (US) 001 201 447 6500
Email: info@4dewitt.com

Get to grips with…

The British Computer Association of the Blind (BCAB) currently has a suite of four self-taught training courses. Get to grips with… Windows XP, Outlook Express, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Word. Either for the Jaws for Windows 6.1 or Hal 6.5 screen readers.

Each course involves several lessons gradually introducing users to the features of the applications. The lessons include detailed step-by-step instructions explaining how to accomplish tasks such as sending an email, spell-checking a document or creating a favourite when browsing the internet. As well as explaining how to carry out these tasks the notes will indicate how the screen reader will respond, helping the user to gain confidence. The course materials are specifically designed as introductions to using the software with either of these screen readers. They are not intended to be used to learn advanced skills our goal is to show users how to carry out the most common tasks they will require when using their computers. The set of courses costs £75.
Available from BCAB, 58-72 John Bright Street, Birmingham B1 1BN.
Tel: 0845 430 8628
Email: secretary@bcab.org.uk

Freedom Scientific Tutorials

Tutorials available include Eudora Pro, Excel 2000, Internet Explorer 5, Outlook 2000, PowerPoint 2000, Sound Forge, Word 8 and Word 2000. Check with supplier for the latest tutorials.

These tape tutorials with exercises on disk were created by the manufacturers of JAWS. They are similar in nature to the training tapes that come with JAWS, and assume familiarity with these tapes. The tutorials cost: £59.95 each, except Eudora Pro: £24.95

Available from: Sight & Sound Technology, Qantel House, Anglia Way, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6JA
Tel: 01604 798 070 Fax: 01604 798 090
Email: sales@sightandsound.co.uk

Brian Hartgen

Brian Hartgen has created a series of tutorials on tone-indexed cassette and CD. The tutorials are aimed at users of any screen reader. JAWS, Window-Eyes and Hal are used to demonstrate various features, and where necessary, set files for Hal or Window-Eyes are included. They cover Word, the Internet and sound editing topics.

Available from: Computer Room Services, 77 Exeter Close, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 4PW
Tel: 01438 742 286
Email: Steve@comproom.co.uk

Windows XP Explained

These guides by Sarah Morley describe the fundamental Microsoft Windows XP concepts from a non-visual perspective. It is suitable those totally new to Microsoft Windows and also those upgrading from previous versions of Windows to Windows XP. For those who find graphics helpful, accompanying diagrams of the Windows XP screens are also available in Braille and large print. The guide itself contains reference to all the diagrams. The guide and diagrams can be bought as a package or separately. The guide is available in all formats and is £10 for the guide only and £15 for the book and diagrams. Some copies of the guide for Windows 98 and Windows 95 are still available.

Manuals by Julia Cox

A series of training manuals to help you use Word and Excel from a non visual perspective regardless of whether your computer has Word or Excel 97, 2000 or XP. You can upgrade your software and still keep the same training manuals. They are available in large print, braille, tape, on disk and by email. They cost £8 each.

Available from: RNIB Customer Services, PO Box 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS
Tel: 0845 702 3153 Fax: 01733 371 555 Minicom: 0845 7858 691
Email: cservices@rnib.org.uk

RNIB Learning Skills Library

They have a selection of titles covering general computing and manuals and tutorials on applications (e.g. word processors, databases), operating systems such as Windows, hardware and programming languages. An index to these titles is provided in the "Computing Catalogue" which is available in computer disk, cassette, large print and Braille formats.

RNIB Customer Services, PO Box 173, Peterborough PE2 6WS
Tel: 0845 702 3153

Other online sources of training are available from:

There are lists of keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft programs online.

Trainers and consultants

There are a number of suppliers who offer individually customised training on their products, such as speech output, screen enlarging software access technology and standard application software. Training takes place at the user’s home or workplace. This kind of training generally costs £400 per day or more, plus expenses.

Although there are a variety of training and IT qualifications, there is one certification scheme specifically for access technology trainers, administered by RNIB. The scheme is called the BCAB Trainer Certification Scheme (BTCS). To find a certified trainer, contact the scheme manager:
Steve Plumpton
Tel: 0121 665 4255
Email: steve.plumpton@rnib.org.uk
RNIB
58-72 John Bright Street
Birmingham B1 1BN

Abilitywise

Supply equipment and can carry out assessments for equipment and training. Training cost £190 for half a day or £350 for a full day.

Unit 31 Teignbridge Business Centre Cavalier Road Heathfield Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 6TZ

Tel: 01626 83 31 07

Access Made Easy

Training cost £425 per day. Training on software and notetakers.
PO Box 379, London, WC1X 9SQ
Tel: 020 85 07 88 41 Fax: 020 85 07 96 50
Email: info@accessmadeeasy.co.uk

APART Consultancy Ltd

Training costs are £275 per half day, £400 per full day, plus VAT and expenses. An hourly rate of £25 + VAT is available for individuals.
Lynda and Joseph Paton, 11 Barbara Close, Rochford, Essex SS4 1NQ
Tel/Fax: 01702 54 36 24
Email: consult@apart.org

Aspire Consultancy

Training costs are £350 per day, £250 per half-day. Training for private individuals and charities costs £250 per full day and £150 per half day.
Graham Longley, 2 New Forge Court, Haxby, York YO32 3YA
Tel: 01904 76 27 88
Email: info@aspire-consultancy.co.uk

Azzabat

Trains on Jaws and MS Windows and Office products. Costs £55 per hour plus expenses.
Simon Highsmith, 8 Brook Valley, Romsey Road, Southampton, SO16 6SR
Telephone: 08706 09 33 47
Email: info@azzabat.co.uk

Blind Site

Training in MS Windows and Office, BTCS certified Jaws trainer. Daily rate is £300, half day: £200, plus expenses.
2 Granville Road, Southport, Merseyside PR8 2HU
Tel: 0845 612 9912
Email: info@blindsite.net

Choice Technology and Training

Consultancy, installation and training provider. Cost are £395 per day plus VAT and travel expenses.
Roger Wilson-Hinds
7 The Rookery, Orton Wistow, Peterborough PE2 6YT
Tel: 01733 234 441 Fax: 01733 370 391
Email: info@sceenreader.co.uk

Computer Room Services

Cost is £250 per day plus expenses. Training in notetakers and software.
For more information contact Steve Nutt at:
Computer Room Services, 77 Exeter Close, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 4PW
Tel: 01438 74 22 86 Fax: 01438 75 95 89
Email: Steve@comproom.co.uk

Cragside Consultants Limited

Provides consultancy, installation and training services. Costs are £425 per full day inclusive of expenses, plus VAT - this price may have to be revised if over night accommodation or long-distance travel is involved.
The Cragside Suite, International House, Cray Avenue, Orpington, Kent BR5 3RY
Tel: 0870 321 7091 Fax: 0870 321 7098
Email: enquiries@cragside.com

DeRil Consultancy and Training Services

DeRil is a company based in the Midlands providing a range of training services for visually impaired service users and students purchasing software for their dyslexia. They provide training on the following access technology products: Dragon Naturally Speaking, JAWS, Supernova, TextHelp, ZoomText, Hal, PACMate QX400 Notetaker, PACMate BX400 Omni Braille Notetaker, Inspiration Braille Voyager Display and Desktop Electronic Magnifiers.
For one-to-one training, a full day is £400.00. Contact Shamus Reddin, 68 Nottingham Road, Long Eaton, Derbyshire NG10 2AU
Tel: 07956 348 601
Email: info@deril.co.uk
Website: www.deril.co.uk

Richard Godfrey

Cost is from £250 per day or £150 per half day (no VAT). Richard Godfrey, 53 Merthyrmawr Road, Bridgend CF31 3NN
Tel: 01656 65 75 16 Mobile: 07791 45 25 -93
Email: richard@godfrey-mckay.co.uk

David Gregg

David Gregg is a specialist consultant and trainer. He provides installation, initial and advanced training. The areas of training include Internet training and webpage design. Telephone support can also be arranged. Somerset, Devon and Cornwall are the areas covered and the basic hourly rate is £30 plus travelling expenses. Not VAT registered, weekends only.
17 Penpol Road, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 4AD
Tel: 01736 75 24 34 Mobile: 07092 39 07 97
Email: david@penpol58.freeserve.co.uk

Heresay Training

Experienced teacher, member of the Institute of Information Technology

trainers and BTCS candidate, offers training on Jaws for Windows and Lookout screen readers. OCR qualified to deliver training on MS Office products. £25 per hour plus travel expenses for individuals. £50 per hour plus travel expenses for businesses and Access to Work recipients.

For more details, please contact:
Scott Wood, 27 Narroways Road, Bristol BS2 9XB
Tel: 0117 95 506 05
Email: info@hearsayTraining.co.uk

Ibby Karbhari

Training is offered in Windows and various applications, as well as Window-Eyes, JAWS, Hal or Supernova. Costs are £250 per day plus VAT for Moving-Mountains clients, and £395 plus VAT for non purchasing clients and corporate organisations.
Ibby Karbhari, 226b Westbourne Park Road, London W11 1EP
Tel: 0207 243 0500
Email: info@moving-mountains.com

John Haynes

Training on MS Office products with Jaws ZoomText and Dolphin products and training on Braille note takers and Duxbury software. Costs £300 per day plus expenses, anywhere in UK.
John Haynes, 26 Penrhos, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 4PA
Tel: 01792 89 87 99 Mobile: 07974 795462
Email: john@jmhservices.co.uk

KeyTouch Technology & Training

Costs are from £375-£400 per full day inclusive of expenses - this price may have to be revised if over night accommodation or long-distance travel is involved. There are reduced rates for individuals who are funding themselves.
Christopher Stone
10 Start Hill, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts CM22 7TG
Tel/Fax: 01279 755490 Mobile: 07973 624 278
Email: mail@keytouch.co.uk

Modern World Data

Modern World Data supply training sessions or courses for the products they supply, which includes the Mountbatten Brailler. Half-day £175 and
Full-day £250 plus expenses. Groups or individuals.
Arran House, Arran Road, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40 1HW
Tel: 01341 42 20 44 Fax: 01341 25 00 51
Email: info@modern-world-data.com

Musicians in focus

This organisation exists to promote access to music by blind and partially sighted adults and children. It provides all types of support, including training, to individuals or organisations. For further information and details of prices, contact Jacqueline Clifton at:
1 Poets Road, London N5 2SL
Tel: 0207 354 2050 Fax: 0207 359 7535
Email: info@musiciansinfocus.org

NJ Training and Support Services

This organisation provides training throughout the UK in a range of access technology and mainstream applications, including
Dolphin range, Kurzweil, ZoomText, JAWS, voice recorders, CCTV's, Braille embossers, Braille displays.
Training sessions are supplemented by backup literature (in the medium of choice) and on-going telephone support. Charges are £175 for self-funded individuals (travel expenses additional), and £395 for others (inc. travel expenses).
This organisation also supplies a range of leading VI products.
Jaws scripting service – call to discuss a solution and for a quote.
For more information please contact:
Nigel Devereux, 28 Gordon Street, Wavertree, Liverpool L15 0ED
Tel: 0151 733 0085 Mobile 07989 029 172
Email: njtrg@globalnet.co.uk

The Riverside Partnership

Riverside Training offers an assessment and training service and is able to supply hardware and software. Training costs £375 per day. Prices include expenses, training literature and post-training reports, but exclude VAT. There is an additional charge if overnight accommodation is necessary, starting at £55.
For more information please contact:
Patrick Adams, Greenbank, The Common, Wellington Heath, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1LU
Tel: 01531 634 793
Email: consult@riversidetraining.co.uk

RNIB ICT Sales

RNIB's ICT Sales team provide training and customer after-care with the packages they supply. Day rate is £425.
RNIB Hi-Tech Sales, PO Box 173, Peterborough PE2 0WS
Tel: 020 7391 2280 Fax: 01733 371 555
Email: ict@rnib.org.uk

RNIB Technology Officers

RNIB employs a number of Technology Officers who undertake training for students and as part of their Access to Work consultancy. They can provide a complete, individually tailored training and installation service, which covers both special aids and standard hardware and software.
Full details of packages covered contact your local RNIB office.

Ed Humphreys is an enabling technology trainer based at RNIB College Loughborough. He offers a wide range of training, specialising in short (2-4 day) courses, one-to one training on site and Access to Work training at the employees’ premises. Fees are £360 per day, excluding VAT.
For further details please contact:
RNIB College Loughborough, Radmoor Road, Loughborough, Leicester LE11 3BS
Tel: 01509 611 077 Fax: 01509 232 013
Email: ehumphreys@rnibvocoll.ac.uk

Sight and Sound Technology

Sight and Sound will supply training on a range of standard and access software, including Jaws configuration and Jaws scripting.
Sight & Sound Technology, Qantel House, Anglia Way, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6JA
Tel: 0845 634 7979 Fax: 01604 798 090
Email: sales@sightandsound.co.uk

SoundLinks

Training on speech technology specialising in music and audio technology and the Internet. Costs are £350 per day, £200 per half-day, exclusive of VAT and travel expenses.
Peter Bosher, 43 Broadlands Avenue, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1AL
Tel: 01494 794 797 Fax: 01494 583 146
Email: info@soundlinks.com

Sound Sense Training

Training and consultancy services. Daily training costs, excluding VAT and expenses, are £140 for individuals and registered charities, £275 for the Employment Service, and prices start at £275 for companies and depend on the location.
Derek Jenkinson, Unit 7, 53 Langton Road, London SE9 6UP
Tel/Fax: 020 7582 8060 Mobile: 07831 115 127
Email: djenkinson@dolphinaccess.net

T & T Consultancy Limited

T & T specialise in one to one training for speech and/or Braille users, and they also offer training in voice in / voice out (VIVO) solutions.
Charges from £495 per day plus expenses, exc. VAT.
Office Suite 5, Imex Technology Park, Trentham Lakes South, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent ST5 8LJ
Tel: 0845 230 3015 Fax: 01782 646 142
Email: sales@tandt-consultancy.com

TRAIN, (Training, Rehabilitation, Advice Information Network)

TRAIN can provide training and advice in a range of mainstream and access technologies. They cover the North East of England and charge from £100 per half day. The organisation is not VAT registered.
David Wilkinson, 52 Middleham Road, Newton Hall, Durham DH1 5QH
Tel: 0191 386 6348 Mobile: 0777 333 5208
Email: davidkwilkinson@btopenworld.com

Training 121 UK

Provides training on most of the access technology software and hardware. We train on software; Guide, Dolphin software, ZoomText, JAWS, Kurzweil 1000. Mobile phones using Talks or Zoom, and video magnifiers such as LiveReader, Myreader. We provide tailor made training to suit your needs whether you are a student, in work or at home.
291c Ladbroke Grove, London, W10 6HE
Tel: 07956 156306
Email: training121@hotmail.com

Vitae Services

Jason Arthurs is a specialist technology consultant and can offer assessments, installation, trouble shooting and training. Costs are £200 per day and £100 per half day excluding expenses, but prompt payment can reduce these costs. Not VAT registered.
Vitae Services, 31 Hemmingway, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 1HH
Tel: 01386 446 571 Mobile: 07976 748 789
Email: info@vitae-services.co.uk

U CAN DO IT

U CAN DO IT tuition usually consists of 10 lessons of between one and two hours which take place in the home. The course is designed for beginners and doesn’t involve any formal examination at the end. The range of topics is geared to the needs of the individual student and, amongst other things, includes surfing the world wide web, exchanging email messages with family, friends and other contacts, as well as on-line shopping for goods and services, and use of chat rooms. More advanced training, for example in web design, may be possible.
The course fee is £10, payable at the preliminary assessment, for those whose income is less than £150 a week. Above that level a sliding scale of modest fees applies.
U CAN DO IT, Highfield House, 4 Woodfall Street, London SW3 4DJ
Tel: 020 7730 7766 Fax: 020 7730 6822
Email: info@ucandoit.org.uk

User groups

User groups exist for a number of commercial packages and special aids. They vary in size and some provide a forum for discussion, information sources, newsletters etc. A number of organisations are listed below, and suppliers should be able to provide advice on user groups for specific packages and special aids.

Association of Visually Impaired Office Staff

They work for the benefit of blind and partially sighted people in office occupations.
The Secretary, BM AVIOS, London WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0709 121 5618 or evenings 020 8741 3736

British Computer Association of the Blind

BCAB is a self-help support group of blind and partially sighted computer users. Computing related training courses are run by BCAB on a regular basis; A calendar of prospective courses and materials relating to previous courses can be found on the BCAB website. A quarterly newsletter and a taped magazine are published. For more information please contact BCAB:
BCAB, C/o RNIB, 58-72 John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BN
Tel: 0845 430 8628 Fax: 0121 665 4257
Email: secretary@bcab.org.uk

Suppliers who offer training

Apart from those listed above, most suppliers of access technology offer training on the products they supply, or can recommend a trainer if unable to offer the service themselves. Training can often be extended to cover packages that the access technology is to be used with. Details of training services can be obtained from individual suppliers; for a list of suppliers, please contact the Technology Information Service, or view it online.

This information sheet is intended as an introduction to the subject for blind and partially sighted people and their supporters. It is not intended as a complete list of all products and services available, nor should it be inferred that products and services mentioned in this information sheet are recommended or endorsed by RNIB.

Technology Information Service
Email: technology@rnib.org.uk
Website: www.rnib.org.uk/technology
Tel: 0870 013 9555

Information sheet written June 2006.

Content author: technology@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13