Computer Training for the Blind Expanding Outside Manila
Published: Jun 20, 2007IBM Philippines and Resources for the Blind Inc (RBI) are supporting the Computer-Eyes program, which teaches basic computer use, desktop publishing, email, and Web-browsing. The program now supports 30 students from Manila and other provinces.
IBM Philippines and Resources for the Blind Inc (RBI) have been partners in Computer-Eyes since it started five years ago in IBM’s main office in Eastwood Cybercity. IBM Philippines president and general manager Joaquin Quintos said expanding Computer-Eyes in other cities would open many new opportunities for blind people as they learn how to use computers that are normally limited to the sighted. He did not say when but expressed that his company is seriously looking into the possibility.
“This program has been very successful and we’ve seen about 200 people graduate from our courses. In fact, some of those that we’ve trained are now trainers imparting what they’ve learned to new students,” Quintos said.
RBI Executive Director Randy Weisser said many of the students in this year’s program are from far-off provinces. “I’m hoping this project will go further in providing better opportunities for the visually-impaired. Computer-Eyes has proven that blind people can become valuable assets to society if only they had the chance to prove their worth,” he said.
This year’s Computer-Eyes grew in number from 20 students in previous years to 30, half of them from other provinces. The program, previously limited to high school and college students, now includes primary students.
Source: INQ7.net, Philippines
