Hi Barry,
We frequently work with individuals who start using the PC or the Windows environment for the very first time after we've provided them with the appropriate AT to access it. It is amazing how many things we Keyboard/Mouse users take for granted. Simple things like the function of the CTRL item on the grid doesn't really make much sense when you are a switch user, as many of those keyboard shortcuts incorporating it were obviously designed for keyboard users. And then there are so many things to learn about the Windows environment that are often intimately related to the items on scanning grids etc. It becomes very difficult to draw the line where training in the AT software ends and where training in the general use of a Windows based PC begins.
As a very busy clinical engineering service we simply don't have the time to be able to provide ALL the training. Because we cover an area incorporating several educational/health authorities, we've had to come up with different training strategies for each of those areas.
As a general rule, we provide all the AT training and leave the Windows/PC side to external training providers. Over the years we've developed very good ties with colleges in Rotherham and Barnsley, where we've been instrumental in setting up IT suites/courses for AT users. THere we have trained the college instructors in much of the AT equipment/software and how it relates to the Windows environment. In Doncaster we've had the support of the a central Disabilty resource centre that has both a well equipped IT suite and also a 'roving' trainer, who has been very helpful in cases where it is practically impossible for the student to leave their bed (let alone their home). At the moment we are also working with several local Day Centres to help set up IT suites with a broad base of computer access AT. Once these are set up we are intending to apply for funding to get more 'roving' trainers employed.
Hope this is helpful.
Regards,
Aejaz Zahid
Clinical Scientist
SYC-HAZ Clinical Engineering Service
Barnsley DGH NHS Trust, UK
T:01226-730000 x2159
F:01226-208159
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To: p=NHS NATIONAL
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Subject: user training
Dear all
I'm increasingly coming across people who need extensive (more than a day)
training on how to use a computer through a keyboard emulator (typically
EZKeys supplied through the ECS system). How are other services tackling
the training issue, both on the keyboard emulator and on mainline windows
software? Are there any sources of training other than doing it all in
house?
Barry Taylor, Clinical Scientist
Bioengineering Department
Tulley Medical Physics Building, Hull Royal Infirmary
Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2JZ
Tel 01482 675928, fax 01482 675750
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