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| Projects |
Project funding makes learning more accessible
This means that members can access the computers while at the same time develop new skills and achieve a nationally recognised qualifications at Access Level 3 and/or Intermediate 1 in Communication, Information Technology and Numeracy. Ian Fricker, Social Worker at the centre said, ‘Since the arrival and installation of the new equipment, in particular the alternative and adaptive keyboards and mice, the members have benefited from being able to get full independent access to new IT skills and are currently working hard to achieving real qualifications’. ‘We are particularly thankful to Assist I.T. who recommended the equipment and have been very helpful in providing the appropriate training to members of staff’. One of the main aims of the project is to enable the Centre members to gain real qualifications, in this case, Core Skills Access Level 3 in Communication and I.T.
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Fife Employability Network Conference
A special information event, organised by Fife Employability Network, gave Fifers the Chance to find out how the changes of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) will affect them and who to ask for help. One of the speakers at the even was Jamie Abbot, who works for Fife Council and has brittle bone disease from birth. He said: ‘ This new act is a key which employers will hold to unlock the potential from a wider range of society with hundreds of possibilities and opportunities for employers and employees throughout the country. The act is not about changing buildings but it is about changing attitudes and being solution orientated, as employment is a two-way contract’. Gail Partridge, Diversity Manager from BSkyB, spoke about Sky’s approach to disability outlining the changes that they have adopted. Other speakers represented the Disability Rights Commission and legal officers for Fife Council. Hoolet and Assist I.T. were sponsors of the event. Assist I.T., 57 The Maltings, Linlithgow, EH49 6DS. Phone:
01506 847292
Mobile: 0771 704 2670 Email: Assist I.T. |
| ©2004 | Assist I.T. Consultancy and Training is part of Hoolet Ltd. |
With
funding from Scottish Fife Enterprise’s ‘Challenge Fund
for Inclusion' members at the Viewforth Centre are now the proud owners
of three new Dell computers, (six computers in total) a range of compact
and large keyboards with keyguards, trackballs, specially adapted joysticks
and some switch devices. 
Harrier
Ferrier, a member at the centre, who suffers from mild cerebral palsy
and has a vision impairment is very excited about the project, ‘Despite
being in my mid 50’s I have never gained a recognised qualification
because of my disability. But now with the software and the various
computer adaptations that have been made for me, I can access a computer
independently for the first time in my life. Of course, the added bonus
is that I can also gain a qualification in computing, which I hope will
increase my job prospects’. 