CTC Accessbility Improvement
Organization:
HELP of Ojai VISTA Name:
John Mirk
Program Start:
9/2003
Program End:
9/2004
Project Description:
During the six month period of February 2004 – August 2004, John Mirk worked to improve accessibility of HELP of Ojai’s HELPNet CTC. Training of staff and volunteers continued. Open access hours were expanded. Lab accessibility and program opportunities were documented and communicated to Ojai Valley residents through the HELP of Ojai newsletter, reaching 2,000+ households monthly.
Goal 1: Increase accessibility of 6 station computer lab by updating hardware and software and programming that utilizes and encourages lab involvement.
Goal 2: Train 10 staff members and 5 volunteers in use of computer lab resources
Goal 3: Document and communicate program activities. (Develop speakers bureau & make minimum of 6 group presentations)
Goal 4: Public and private sector resources will enable the project to continue after the Members leave.
Project Outcome:
The lab was expanded during the second six month period in order to better serve the local homeless community. The second site minimized conflict between seniors and homeless computer users.
Goal 1:
6 old computers (Win 95 OS) were replaced with 6 Win XP OS computers. Curb cuts were added to improve site accessibility. A variety of input devices were installed to enable alternative input to standard mouse and keyboard. Two 2-hour classes on basic computing were offered in Spanish, reaching twelve adults. A variety of user profiles were installed on the computers (low vision, Spanish, etc). Currently assisting senior with limited vision to determine appropriate computer technology.
Goal 2:
Two senior volunteers were trained as docents for open access hours. Training on computer lab resources and basic computing skills were provided to 10 staff members. Training will continue in an ongoing basis
Goal 3:
One class of young@heart was held and two classes on basic computing in Spanish, in addition to the ongoing computer classes held in the lab. Open Access hours were implemented; the lab is now available for general use 5 days a week.
Goal 4:
Three year funding for the computer lab was secured from the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging.
Additional funding was obtained through the CTCNet C4T program to expand computer lab services to the local homeless community
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Updated technology assessment plan
• Improved physical accessibility of lab by installing curb cut in front of HELPnet door
• Installed and networked 6 computers in HELPnet lab
• Assisted in installation of WAN linking HELP of Ojai’s three work sites- the Little House Multipurpose Center, Oak Tree House Adult Day Support Center and Community Assistance Program office.
• Implemented open access hours for computer lab
• Developed and maintained program database
• Recruited and trained two volunteers to help monitor open access hours
• Evaluated and implemented assistive technology such as alternative keyboards
• Implemented beginning computing classes for Spanish speaking clients
• Revised organizational website (ongoing project)
• Designed, built and installed new computer table for lab
• Increased awareness of accessibility resources by visiting the Computer Access Center in Los Angeles, the Ventura College CTC and the CSUN International Conference on Technology and Persons with Disabilities
• Created a personal webpage: http://www.helpofojai.org/helpNet/vista.html