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Goal & Objectives | Funding
Source
Goal: To develop a
model program which demonstrates the effectiveness of training
persons with disabilities, their families, service providers,
caregivers, teachers and advocates (target population) on how
to access information using computer technology which results
in :
- an increased capacity to make choices in their
lives;
- an enhanced capacity to provide services and
supports for persons with disabilities; and
- inclusive and collaborative communities which
encourage participation across barriers.
Objective 1: To
develop a program which addresses the computer technology and
disability-related information needs of the target population
and welcomes their expertise.
The computer technology and information needs
of the target population will be determined by including them
as well as other community members in the assessment process.
NOW will meet individual needs by providing alternative locations
for accessing the project including the Training Center and branch
libraries. Every effort will be made to accommodate individual
accessibility concerns. NOW will provide basic adaptive computer
devices and if necessary will attempt to locate more extensive
equipment already in place locally to facilitate participation
by all individuals with disabilities.
Objective 2: To create an accessible computer
technology center without walls to serve the target population.
In addition to the Training Center and branch
libraries, NOW will provide an accessible web site to make finding
and navigating project information easy for participants. It
will include full-text documents and links to established sites
known for their reliable and comprehensive information about
disabilities, information about local services and supports,
the CDD Resource Center card catalog, and a training schedule,
and a job bank. The NOW web site will be updated and maintained
regularly for currency and accuracy. The web site will serve
as a vehicle for online discussions on topics of interest to
project participants such as legislative issues, challenges faced
by individuals with disabilities, experiences with navigating
health care systems, peer support, and queries about local services.
Objective 3: To train library personnel
on how to access information about disabilities and to support
them in serving the target population in libraries.
We will begin by training library personnel,
as they are the core of the support system which must be in place
in libraries before the target population enters the project.
NOW will train library personnel in accessing information about
disabilities and on serving persons with disabilities who are
using computer technology. Training will take place in the Training
Center for larger groups or in branch libraries when training
is tailored to specific needs or when a larger group from one
branch requests on-site training. Self-advocates will assist
in training. Spanish language and American Sign Language interpreters
will be available.
Objective 4: To train the target population
to use computer technology.
The target population will be trained in two
phases. In the first phase, NOW will train service providers,
agency personnel, caregivers, teachers, and advocates. We will
benefit from their insights and knowledge about training persons
with disabilities which we can then include in training persons
with disabilities and their families.
In the second phase, NOW will train persons with
disabilities and their family members. By this time, trained
library personnel, service providers, caregivers, teachers, and
advocates will be in place to support them in using computer
technology. Project staff will provide evaluations and recommendations
for adaptive computer devices and NOW will purchase some basic
adaptive equipment to accommodate individual needs. Self-advocates
will assist in training. Spanish language and American Sign Language
interpreters will be available.
Objective 5: To facilitate the accessibility
and delivery of current information about disabilities, regardless
of the format.
Because all information does not exist in full-text
electronic formats, locating information on-line may mean finding
a reference rather than an actual document. It is important to
the integrity of this project that participants are able to have
the information they need regardless of its format.
Funding Source
NO Walls is a three-year project funded by the
US Department of Education,
Office of Vocational and Adult Education, Community Technology
Centers from
2000 to 2003.
The purpose of the Community Technology Centers
program is to promote the
development of model programs that demonstrate the educational
effectiveness of technology in urban and rural areas and economically
distressed communities. These Community Technology Centers
provide access
to information technology and related learning services to children
and
adults.
For more information, http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/CTC/
Goal & Objectives | Funding
Source
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