Date: 09/03/2015
Final
Adaptive Technology
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
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01:36 PM -- Adaptive Technology for the Blind
Mr. James Gashel, representing KNFB Reader, LLC, came to the table. He noted that his company creates and provides readers and other adaptive technology to persons who are blind . He spoke about the importance of talking about technology and blindness. He demonstrated several pieces of technology that persons who are blind might use daily and the costs associated with those technologies. He noted that several technology devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets provide built-in audio technology functions for persons who are blind. He continued demonstrating other pieces of technology, such as a braille note-taking device. He stated that vocational rehabilitation can provide technology to clients who are blind, but that the technology provided has to be connected to a person's individualized plan for employment (IPE). He noted that persons who become blind later in life might not have access to available technology through DVR because they are not seeking employment. He stated that Colorado lacks a technology resource center to help educate persons who are blind about the availability, means, and costs associated with technology. He recommended that the committee consider a comprehensive, specific program for the blind that includes a technology center for persons who are blind in Colorado.
01:51 PM
Mr. Gashel, in response to committee questions, discussed how persons who are blind can afford adaptive technology. He noted that some persons receive technology through DVR and others through the Technology Access Fund, nonprofits, or other organizations. He also stated that some technologies, such as many smartphones, are already adaptive technologies out of the box. He discussed the funding for accessible technology available from the state through DVR and other governmental programs, including federal funds. He noted that DVR must seek other opportunities to fund technology purchases, which limits funds for other persons not in DVR. According to Mr. Gashel, DVR seeks to save money by finding opportunities such as self-funding or other outside sources, to help clients pay for assistive technology. In response to committee questions, he discussed the designated agency for assistive technology that is required under federal law and noted he did not know what agency serves as the designated agency in Colorado.
01:59 PM
Ms. Susan Emmerling and Mr. Jim Pilkington, representing DVR, came to the table. Ms. Emmerling discussed adaptive technology services available through DVR. She noted that low vision/blind clients are as diverse as the general population. She stated that braille literacy and technology are imperative to a low vision or blind client's success. She discussed the DVR's Personal Adjustment Training (PAT) program. She stated that all PAT students are taught in a one-on-one settings and discussed the factors involved with client success. She also noted that DVR helps persons already employed with navigating technology related to their specific employment setting. She stated that the three most important skills that low vision/blind clients need are touch typing, computer literacy, and adaptive technology skills.
02:07 PM
Mr. Pilkington, in response to committee questions, discussed the problems with accessing websites, such as Amazon. He noted the graphic nature of websites and lack of labeling on websites make accessing technology challenging for persons who are blind even when using adaptive technologies. He also discussed the issues persons who are blind face when accessing social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. In response to a question from the committee regarding the transition to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Mr. Pilkington discussed the fast-changing nature of technology and the challenges of keeping up with those changes. He noted that even though some technologies such as the iPhone are adaptive out of the box, there is much training behind the scenes to allow persons to use the device properly. He also stated that along with the time to train clients, there is a continuous training component that counselors need in order to keep up with new technology as well.