Personal independence through ICT
The Razzett tal-Hbiberija has launched a state-of-the-art assistive technology ICT training programme in a new computer lab to provide specialised assessment and training services to persons with special needs.The programme is co-funded by the European...
The Razzett tal-Hbiberija has launched a state-of-the-art assistive technology ICT training programme in a new computer lab to provide specialised assessment and training services to persons with special needs.
The programme is co-funded by the European Union and supported by the Vodafone Malta Foundation and Forestals Group of Companies.
"The aim of this innovative project, and the reason why the EU and local sponsors agree to fund it, is to enable persons with even severe disabilities to become increasingly independent," explained CEO Nathan Farrugia. "Through this project, we will help level the playing field for access to employment, education and social integration when these are ICT dependent."
The lab is open to persons with physical impairment free of charge, with the aim of bridging the gap between disability and full ICT use.
"Offering an inclusive ICT training and development programme for persons with disabilities has been one of Razzett tal-Hbiberija's aspirations over recent years," said occupational therapist Lidwina Schembri Wismayer.
"The EU funds for the project have made the set-up possible, though the most important challenge has been to encourage individuals to approach the world of ICT in order to overcome limitations related to education, employability as well as every day living."
BigKeys and the IntegraMouse are two important facilities found in the lab. BigKeys keyboards are the most successful literacy learning devices for use with ICT. They also support those with motor disability, hand tremor, dyslexia and other related difficulties.
The Integra Mouse is a fully adequate computer mouse which can be operated with the mouth to activate all computer functions. It is ideal for those with paralysis or progressive illnesses such as muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis.
"Most of the equipment is very user friendly and is therefore fun for children to use such as big colourful trackballs, and colourful big keys on the keyboards," explained Graziella Camilleri, the project coordinator. "Adults enjoy using the equipment when they realise the potential this equipment has in offering them access to the computer which they may not have even considered to be possible in the past."
This in turn leaves its mark on friends and relatives of persons using the facilities according to Ms Schembri Wismayer.
"Parents are enthusiastic to see their children exploring new possibilities which may assist them in their education, future employment, and social inclusion. In some cases friends and colleagues themselves have contacted us seeking advice for a person with a disability or have encouraged the person to contact us for assessment and training. Yet more important is the feedback from the individuals themselves which offers us the best guidelines in order to gauge the quality of the service we are offering."
More information on the use of the ICT Lab with assistive technology at Razzett tal-Hbiberija from Ms Camilleri on 2163 6526 or e-mail computerlab@razzett.org.
The programme is co-funded by the European Union and supported by the Vodafone Malta Foundation and Forestals Group of Companies.
"The aim of this innovative project, and the reason why the EU and local sponsors agree to fund it, is to enable persons with even severe disabilities to become increasingly independent," explained CEO Nathan Farrugia. "Through this project, we will help level the playing field for access to employment, education and social integration when these are ICT dependent."
The lab is open to persons with physical impairment free of charge, with the aim of bridging the gap between disability and full ICT use.
"Offering an inclusive ICT training and development programme for persons with disabilities has been one of Razzett tal-Hbiberija's aspirations over recent years," said occupational therapist Lidwina Schembri Wismayer.
"The EU funds for the project have made the set-up possible, though the most important challenge has been to encourage individuals to approach the world of ICT in order to overcome limitations related to education, employability as well as every day living."
BigKeys and the IntegraMouse are two important facilities found in the lab. BigKeys keyboards are the most successful literacy learning devices for use with ICT. They also support those with motor disability, hand tremor, dyslexia and other related difficulties.
The Integra Mouse is a fully adequate computer mouse which can be operated with the mouth to activate all computer functions. It is ideal for those with paralysis or progressive illnesses such as muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis.
"Most of the equipment is very user friendly and is therefore fun for children to use such as big colourful trackballs, and colourful big keys on the keyboards," explained Graziella Camilleri, the project coordinator. "Adults enjoy using the equipment when they realise the potential this equipment has in offering them access to the computer which they may not have even considered to be possible in the past."
This in turn leaves its mark on friends and relatives of persons using the facilities according to Ms Schembri Wismayer.
"Parents are enthusiastic to see their children exploring new possibilities which may assist them in their education, future employment, and social inclusion. In some cases friends and colleagues themselves have contacted us seeking advice for a person with a disability or have encouraged the person to contact us for assessment and training. Yet more important is the feedback from the individuals themselves which offers us the best guidelines in order to gauge the quality of the service we are offering."
More information on the use of the ICT Lab with assistive technology at Razzett tal-Hbiberija from Ms Camilleri on 2163 6526 or e-mail computerlab@razzett.org.