Inclusive ICT training and development programme at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija

The New Year looks promising for Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, which opened the doors of its much-awaited Information and Computer Technology (ICT) lab to persons with physical disability, the fruit of a hard year's work.

This comes as a breath of fresh air for a society which has been struggling to promote accessibility and inclusion in all aspects, just at the turn of the new year when people needing help should be made to feel happier and be given a good reason to look forward to a positive start.

Over the past year Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija has set up and developed a separate Physical Disability Services programme, run by qualified therapists and experienced staff, that aims primarily to improve the independence and quality of life of persons with physical disability.

Among those present for the official opening ceremony, which took place on Friday, was CEO of Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Nathan Farrugia, who told The Sunday Times that both the equipment and design of the lab formed part of an ambitious and pioneering programme that aimed to facilitate equal opportunities for employment, education and social inclusion.

The equipment can be installed in any office, home or social setting, and its cost is not probibitive.

"We aim to promote its uptake in schools, with employers and in various localities. ICT should be accessible to anyone and everyone," said Mr Farrugia.

This new project, co-funded by the EU, complements other programmes, within the Physical Disability Services sphere, offered by Ir-Razzett and will provide specialised assessment and training services, also supported by the Vodafone Malta Foundation and Forestals Group of Companies.

Fr Robert Grech, OCD, blessed the premises prior to a short demonstration of the potential of the lab's equipment by physical disabilities programme manager and occupational therapist Lidwina Schembri Wismayer, together with project co-ordinator Graziella Camilleri, who both said that the aim of this innovative project was to enable persons with severe physical disabilities to become increasingly independent.

"Through this project, we will help level the playing field for better access to employment, education and social integration for those who are IT-dependent," said Ms Schembri Wismayer.

"Thanks to this project we hope to lessen existing gaps and differences between able-bodied people and those with a disability, by providing equal access. We also hope to create equal opportunities by allowing people with a physical impairment to further their skills, integrate into the workplace or even to merely surf the Internet".

The inclusive ICT Training and Development programme is geared specifically for persons with physical disabilities who are currently either operating a computer uncomfortably or are finding difficulty in operating one.

It is also a programme that can enable persons with a physical disability to benefit from IT for the first time, thinking it would be impossible to use the traditional computer hardware or software set-up.

The ICT lab includes 10 PCs set up with hardware and software to provide alternative means of access for persons with various types of physical disabilities.

These adaptations include switches of all varieties, such as those that let people who cannot use their hands to move a mouse by scanning screen-based alphabetic or modified picture keyboards. Other switches work by simple head, foot or eye movement, or by breathing through a puff tube. There is also larger than usual, one-handed and colour-coded keyboard, along with touch screens, modified mice and joysticks.

The lab also features specialised software for creating access to the computer. Programs include voice input for people who cannot use keyboards, screen reading/voice output and conversion for one-handed typing.

Hardware on display ranges in type and complexity. An assistive technology specialist is available to help visitors try out equipment even before making personal purchase decisions. This gives ICT lab users an opportunity to test alternatives and choose the ones that work best for them. Individual assistive technology evaluations determine which specific equipment, modification and instructional formats best meet individual needs.

Ir-Razzett offers evaluations and consultation for individuals of all ages, augmentative alternative communication assessments, adapted computer access assessments, assistive technology training and follow-ups, workplace assessments, awareness workshops for employers and employees, basic computer courses and other educational, rehabilitative and recreational activities.

All programmes are open to persons with physical impairment free of charge. For more information on the use of the ICT lab with assistive technology at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, phone Ms Camilleri on 2163-6526 or e-mail computerlab@razzett.org.