Thanks Mike - I am really tempted to give it a go.
I think the thing that's always held me back in the past (and perhaps
still is) is confidence. I'm afraid I'm not the most confident person in
the world, and I think probably now's the time to try and over-come
that.*Smile*.
Mark
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Ray" <mike.ray@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2012 1:52 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Advice Wanted
Mark.
I lost my sight totally about four years ago after being visually
impaired but having enough useful vision to not have to use access
technology at all.
I've been a computer programmer since 1992 writing in a raft of different
languages on different platforms.
I haven't got any significant qualifications in maths but I'm solidly
numerate.
When I went blind I started studying with the Open University for an
English literature degree.
I have to say that throughout my studies they were superb. All my course
materials were supplied in either Daisy talking book format or in an
in-house format similar to Daisy.
I had some alternate assignments to avoid the online elements which
involved group cooperation on a web wiki system which was very difficult
to access simply because it was so cluttered.
But I really can't fault the help I got.
That was in Scotland but I have no doubt it is the same all over the
country.
Bearing in mind that my study was an arts course and yours is technology
and sciences based there will be some difference but I can't see there
being much difference.
I'd say go for it.
Also, I got a grant from the Disabled Students Association to buy me a
Braille display and an OCR camera.
One of the tools I would not be without is my Victor Reader Stream Daisy
reader. This has text to speech capability so I was able to put study
text files on it and listen to them in bed. How cool is that?
Also, you will get extra time for exams and you can have an invigilator
come to the house to supervise you doing exams at home so you don't have
to travel. If you are on any benefits you may also get the modules for
free.
Mike Ray
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Matthews" <mark.matthews53@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2012 1:36 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Advice Wanted
Hi folks.
I'm seriously considering studying the HND in Computing and IT with the
OU. For those of you who aren't aware, this course requires one selecting
a Pathway to specialise in...I'm considering one of the Software
Development options, since this is an area I've always been interested
in.
Firstly, are there any Accessibility issues I should be aware of? I know
recently a thread came up on list about the Java course presentation,
which I understand was easily solved. Also, I read a certain amount of
maths is involved...how in-depth is this I wonder? I know that's not
strictly an accessibility issue, only I'm afraid working with numbers has
never been my strong point.
Finally, generally speaking, what's the OU's attitude regarding
visually-impaired/blind students? I'm due to speak to representatives
next week, and thought it might be an idea to be armed with as much
information as possible. Feel free to reply off-list in the interest of
minimizing traffic.*Grin*.
Regards
Mark
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