Information Technology (IT) has revolutionized the way people live, but some sectors, specifically the disabled, have yet to truly experience the benefits of this phenomenon.Fortunately, in the Philippines, a group of blind people or visually impaired persons (VIPs) had the foresight to come together and create a computer school that has not only allowed them to become IT-literate but also earn a decent livelihood.
The computer school for the blind, ATRIEV or Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired, was founded in 1994 by two totally blind professionals - Tony Llanes (president) and Carol Catacutan, a blind writer.
Since the founding, ATRIEV has trained about 500 blind persons on how to use a computer through a voice-activated software called JAWS or Job Access for Windows software. It has also trained special education teachers, rehabilitation workers, and parents of blind children.
To date, the school has trained and assisted in the employment of two blind medical transcriptionists, two recruitment specialist, writers, and instructors. It made news lately when its student created ringing tones for mobile phones.
As a way of gratitude, ATRIEV gave donors a music CD entitled "Love for All, Imagine No More" which its students created. The CD is a compilation of select songs sung and arranged by ATRIEV's current and past trainees. It also includes stories of all the talent and how the school has changed their lives.
ATRIEV said the CD is free to the public, but recipients are encouraged to give donations to cover the cost of producing it.
This interesting article is from Melvin Calimag of Manila Bulletin...
