Adaptive Technology/Products: Computers: Computer Technology Training

State Listings
CA | IL | KS | LA |MA | MI | NY | UT |VT | WA | WI   (Official USPS State Abbreviations)

State Listings

California

Adaptive Computer Empowerment Services has a mission to "improve the quality of life for persons in San Diego County who are disabled by empowering them with computer technology." They offer rehabilitated and/or upgraded PCs, ready for Internet access, to disabled users who could not otherwise obtain them, expertise in repairing and upgrading a disabled user's existing computer system, assistance in finding appropriate assistive computer devices and technology, assistance in the use of email and news groups, as well as linkage to local Internet service providers at reduced rates for disabled users. For more information, call (619) 275-5028 or e-mail padams@adaptive.org.

Computer and Technology Resource Center is a Bay area non-profit organization that collects e-waste and teaches individuals how to properly repair and/or dispose of it. They offer tech nights during which individuals can learn how to repair computers and install operating systems. For more information, call (415) 883-1428.

Center for Accessible Technology (CforAT), located in Berkeley, California, is a consumer-based technology resource and demonstration center for adults and children with disabilities, families, teachers, and professionals. Each program focuses on acquainting individuals with computer-related assistive technology. They also offer a computer loan program. For more information, call (510) 841-3224 (Voice), (510) 841-5621 (TTY) or e-mail info@cforat.org.

Illinois

Donka, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Wheaton, Illinois, who provides no-cost, adaptive computer training to persons with physical and visual disabilities. They offer in-depth training in Windows 95, Word 97, Access 97 and Excel 97. As students complete training, they can further utilize Donka's job placement services. For more information, call (630) 665-8169 or e-mail info@donkainc.org.

People's Resource Center, serving residents of DuPage County, Illinois, via their Computer Access and Training Program provides free classes in computer skills and software, including Intro to Computers, Windows Fundamentals, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. PRC clients who are participating in a basic computer class are also eligible to receive a free refurbished computer. For more information, call 630-682-5402, ext. 223.

Kansas

Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF) School of Adaptive Computer Training "is devoted to enhancing the computer technical skills and marketability of people with special needs." The classroom is equipped with fully accessible computers, software and workstations. Satisfactory completion of the training will entitle students to receive either a national or local certification. To learn more about the opportunities available, call (316) 688-1888 or e-mail info@cprf.org.

Louisiana

University of New Orleans Training, Resource and Assistive-technology Center (TRAC) provides specialized computer training programs for people with visual, learning, and physical disabilities. Training is provided in either a classroom or individualized format and covers such topics as basic keyboarding skills, basic operations of Windows (file management and accessory programs), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, and Outlook Express. Additional individualized training topics include, screen magnification software (ZoomText Xtra or MAGic for Windows), voice recognition software such as Naturally Speaking, reading systems using a scanner (Open Book, Kurzweil 1000, or WYNN), portable note-taking devices (Blazie Note-takers: Braille 'n Speak and Type 'n Speak), Braille displays such as the Alva Braille Terminal, and Braille translation software (Duxbury Braille Translator or MegaDots). For more information, call (504) 280-5700 or e-mail rangeloc@uno.edu.

Massachusetts

Carroll Center for the Blind, located in Newton, Massachusetts, is a private, non-profit agency that serves persons of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. The Center provides evaluation, training, information and technical assistance on adaptive computer technology to consumers, professionals and employers. Such services include computer technology assessment, adaptive computer hardware and software training, as well as equipment installation and troubleshooting. For more information, call (800) 852-3131, ext. 224.

Michigan

Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides quality, innovative services that increase self-reliance, productivity and dignity for persons with severe vision loss. GDABVI offers in-home rehabilitation services to adults and seniors, community education programs on eye health and safety, summer programming for children and youth, and Accessible Computer Training at regional libraries for the blind. To promote independence for all aspects of life, and to learn new ways of using a computer, try the free magnification and screen reader tools listed here. Magnification: lightning express: www.xpscreenreader.com Screen Reader NVDA: www.nvda-project.org GDABVI offers computer classes for the blind and visually impaired at St. Patrick’s Senior Center in Detroit or the Detroit libraries They offer an easy-to-follow online tutorial. For more information about a free class reservation if you are age 55 Plus, or the online course for $49, call Cathy McAdam, ACT Program Director at (313) 563-1412, or contact Cathy by email at mcadam@gdabvi.org. For more information, contact the GDABVI at 16625 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48227, call 313-272-3900, FAX: 313-272-6893 or send e-mail to: Information@gdabvi.org

New York

University at Buffalo Center for Assistive Technology provides computer assessment and training services in the use of assistive technology to residents of Western New York. Specifically, they offer services to school-aged children, college and career oriented individuals with disabilities, and individuals with vis716-836-1350 or e-mail ksnaus@buffalo.edu.

Utah

Utah Center for Assistive Technology located in Salt Lake City, Utah offers a Computer Center for Citizens with Disabilities. The center's services include cost-free consultations, workshops, information, and Internet access for individuals with disabilities. The center can only be accessed by appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, call (801) 887-9533.

Vermont

Vermont Assistive Technology Computer Access Centers, located in Rutland, Vermont, provides computer access demonstrations as well as training and technical assistance on adaptive computer technology. Devices for demonstration include alternate keyboards, onscreen keyboards, ergonomic keyboards, mouse alternatives (hardware and software), text-to-speech output and much more. For more information, or to receive an intake form, call (800) 750-6352. There are also state centers in Randolph, Waterbury and Williston. See the website for more information.

Washington

Special Technology Access Resource Center (STAR), located in the Seattle Park Community Center of Washington State, offers regular and adaptive computer training to people with and without disabilities. In addition to word processing, Internet and e-mail training, the center also provides specialized training in the use of varied adaptive computer devices. For more information, call (206) 325-4284 or e-mail star@scn.org.

Wisconsin

New sign Enrichment Opportunities Institute of Training is a service provider of Vocational Assessment for the Department of Workforce Development through it's Preferred Provider Registry. training programs which includes skill development in basic Computer Skills, Clerical Administration, Data Entry Specialist, A+ Certification Training. This training leads to full employment and enables individuals to work and develop their abilities leading to self-sufficiency and become productive members of society. EOIT is located at 6001 W. Capitol Drive, Suite 210, Milwaukee, WI 53216 (second floor of the Securant Bank Building) Phone: (414) 562-0686, Fax: (414) 562-1263, or send E-mail: gina.santiago@enrichtrain.org

Milwaukee Center for Independence offers computer training programs designed to prepare individuals for employment in office settings. They offer two intense 60 day programs (Clerical or Computer Operator) where trainees can obtain Office Proficiency Assessment Certification. Students learn skills in keyboarding, dictation machine usage, data entry and software. MCFI is a non-profit, community-based rehabilitation facility, serving residents of Milwaukee County. For more information, visit their website or call (414) 272-1344 (Voice) or (414) 272-9200 (TTY).

Milwaukee Public Library offers computer classes for people with disabilities. Contact individual libraries for their accessibility for people with disabilities. Go to Milwaukee Public Library Computer Classes for a complete schedule of computer classes. Two computer workstations at Central Library provide access to library customers with special needs such as low vision or blindness, hard of hearing or deafness, mobility problems, or learning disabilities. The stations include software and assistive technology devices set up for ease of use. Call (414)286-3017 to make a reservation. TDD: (414)286-3062.

New Horizons Un-Limited Inc., we offer a 2-day basic computer training program with our Computer Grant Program for people with disabilities. Our program is open to motivated individuals with mobility impairments and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities who plan to use the computer to improve their lives. When you apply to receive a computer, our experienced instructors will provide FREE Basic Computer Training including, Internet and e-mail usage. Upon receipt of your computer you may contact us for additional, in-depth training on specific computer-related topics.

Our Employment Skills Training Program provides hands-on training and professional experience to transition-aged youth and adults with disabilities in Office Administration and Computer Repair and Support via temporary work experiences and internships. Our goal is to provide participants with skill and resume building activities so that they are better equipped to find self-sustaining employment. We accept applicants via local school districts, the WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Adonai Employment in Milwaukee. For more information, visit the link above or NHU Programs or call (414) 299-0124.

Charlie Kapp Resource Center Adult Technology Center located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provides computer stations devoted to skills development and recreational needs of adults with disabilities. Classes on basic computer skills, word processing and Internet topics, open lab times with assistance and skill training and assessment, career and job development and employment searches are all part of this program.

United Kingdom

NewLink Project Ltd., a charity based in the East Midlands region of the United Kingdom, offers computer training to people with a disability. Training is offered in one of their ten training centers or in the homes of people with disabilities. For more information, call +44 (0) 115 942 4761 or e-mail cillal@newlink.org.

-