For our students we offer training in computer use with screen reading and/or enlarging programs. We also train in easy use of basic spreadsheets (MS Excel) and text editors (MS Word) with screen readers. The trainees practise navigation in a given program, become familiar in useful keyboard shortcuts and use them on simple examples. 

Students can also attend training session focusing on using programs which help them concentrate, learn effectively with alternative methods (mind maps) and improve their time management.

Other types of technological support can be developed depending on the student's disability-related needs.

We invite teachers to take part in a training session focused on the principles of adapting educational materials for blind and partially sighted persons. We can also arrange a presentation on how programs work which help blind and partially sighted persons use the computer.

Exemplary and free programs:

T-Bar – a colourful overlay which helps concentrate on a selected area

 

Stickies – "stick-on notes" with reminders which facilitate time management

Stickies

            

Balabolka – a program offering a number of possibilities mainly for persons with learning difficulties.

Thanks to free-of-charge speech synthesisers it helps create audio files out of text files. The user can also listen to a text written or copied into the program directly in that application. Additionally, the program has a spelling functionality as well as a number of options which let the user adjust the interface to his/her preferences, like the colour of the font, background, highlighting words currently read or already read. In the online mode, one can also use Google dictionaries.

Balabolka

 

Q-Typing – a program for learning how to touch-type

 Q-Typing

Audacity – sound editor and recorder

Audacity

 

Xmind – a tool for creating mind maps

Xmind