Alex,
I can't give you the names of the Universities involved as that
information is confidential. Also, I should add that my sample is
very small and may not be representative of the Universities as a
whole. I only asked as I was surprised that so many people seem to
see training as a given. I'd have liked training, but my DSA budget
is always so overstretched so I guess it wasn't an option. I'm not
sure why the other students weren't offered training, and to be fair,
a couple didn't feel they would have benefited anyway. My ex-husband
is dyslexic and was offered training, but didn't take it, and never
used his software, but I guess/hope he is in the minority.
Emma
On 27/03/07, alex larg <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hi Emma,
>
> I am a freelance trainer, an assessor, a former disability officer and a
> campaigner and so have an interest in your comments.
>
> I aim to offer a person-centred approach to the clients' training sessions
> that I deliver and I don't feel that I need to know anything about a person
> before I train them. I feel that this advance knowledge can lead to people
> having certain preconceptions which isn't healthy and can lead to laziness
> and complacency.
>
> I train in most software strategies, with the exception of JAWS as I am not
> a user myself and don't currently have the time to develop my knowledge of
> that complex program. I probably don't know everything about every program,
> but I know how to find out quickly. I learn something new everyday from the
> questions I am asked by clients - this may sound like I don't know much, but
> there is a lot of truth to the saying - the more you know the more you
> realize you don't know. I won't know anything soon :-)
>
> I also know what programs should do and so can reassure clients when
> programs don't do what they should that it is not they (the client) who are
> doing something wrong. This situation can be intimidating and off putting
> for users. Again I feel this is exacerbated by underspecified machines.
> Another thing I keep going on about on one list or another.
>
> Wherever possible I would try to relate training to the work that a student
> has on the go. Where this is not possible the training might be aimed at
> creating an individualised user manual for the user as they know how they
> learn and how they will best remember. Visual, textual and/or aural/oral as
> required. They may not know they know this, but I aim to help them to
> realize this or at least begin to consider this and then suggest they carry
> this philosophy through to other pieces of work.
> I use plain English - non jargon - but using targeted essential language
> which is used within computer systems - widely used vocabulary necessary to
> function and interact. I will patiently repeat this language and any points,
> if so required, until the client is comfortable and has grasped the
> necessary information.
>
> I also don't have a set way of doing things as everyone is different and in
> my opinion good training has a solid framework basis, but requires
> flexibility to wrap around the clients' own learning styles.
>
> I work all around the country. Please contact me off list for any further
> information. I would also be interested in the names of the three
> universities you mention, off list.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Alex
>
> Alex Larg
>
> [log in to unmask]
> 07931 561 877 or 07916 175 077
> Freelance Assistive Technology Trainer
> Freelance study needs assessor
> Former Disability Officer
>
>
>
> ------ Forwarded Message
> From: Emma Wright <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: "Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff."
> <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:51:12 +0100
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: training
>
> I keep hearing all this about training, but I've never been offered
> any! Nor have any of the students I've interviewed as part of my
> research across (so far) three universities. What sort of training
> for what sort of software tends to be offered?
>
> Emma
>
> On 26/03/07, George Bell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> > Might I perhaps suggest that people take a serious look at
> > http://www.bcab.org.uk/training.html
> >
> > This is an initiative taken by the British Computer
> > Association of the Blind (BCAB) in response to complaints
> > about poor standards of training in the use of I.T.
> > equipment.
> >
> > Many organisations, including the Department of Employment
> > for example, are now insisting that contracted trainers are
> > BTCS (BCAB Trainer Certification Scheme) approved.
> >
> > Food for thought?
> >
> > George Bell.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Discussion list for disabled students and their
> > support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
> > Of David Austen
> > Sent: 26 March 2007 13:51
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: training
> >
> > Posted without comment
> > extract from the 'form' letter sent out to students
> > regarding their DSA
> > provision. This is from a local LEA
> > ( I do not think it is appropriate to name which one).
> >
> > "Recently, some students have informed us that they felt
> > pressurized
> > into accepting training provided by their University.
> > Please note that the LEA only uses training companies who
> > are
> > thoroughly reliable and have many years' experience.with
> > equipment
> > training for disabled students.
> > If you feel that you have been treated unfairly by any
> > individual or by
> > a professional body, please contact us immediately and we
> > will ensure
> > appropriate action is taken".
> >
>
>
> --
> Emma Jane Wright
> School of Sociology and Social Policy
> University of Nottingham
>
> [log in to unmask]
>
> www.accessingmaterials.org.uk
>
>
> ------ End of Forwarded Message
>
> Sent using the Microsoft Entourage 2004 for Mac Test Drive.
>
--
Emma Jane Wright
School of Sociology and Social Policy
University of Nottingham
[log in to unmask]
www.accessingmaterials.org.uk
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