[tabi] Fw: Some thing of interest:

From: "Yvonne Britton" <ladyvwithlove@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:23:51 -0500
ta December 22, 2009 3:45 PM
Subject: Some thing of interest:


      Use Of Adapted Computers
      Computers are fast becoming a necessity of life for all people, and 
especially those who are blind, visually impaired, or who have other 
disabilities. Because the blind have been restricted by the need to use 
alternative means to access information, the current plethora of information 
available on the Internet is a boon to anyone who has a print handicap. Portal 
Tutoring's philosophy is that access to a computer is a life skill. Toward this 
end, the following curricula are offered. All curricula are currently given for 
The Windows Operating System, both 9X, 2000, XP and Vista.



        a.. Microsoft Windows It is essential to understand the Operating 
system, the underlying system which is the interface between the user and the 
computer. Portal Tutoring's approach to this curriculum is to meld it with its 
other courses so that one has a thorough understanding of not only the software 
application, but the system which drives it. 
        b.. The Word processor A word processor is essential if a user is to be 
able to read and write using a computer. This is even more the case when 
students are blind or visually impaired. this course gives you a basic 
grounding in concepts relating to word processing and its features. 
        c.. Sending and Receiving Email It is important to understand how an 
email program works. Portal Tutoring offers a grounding in concepts relating to 
all email programs as well as to your specific email software. 
        d.. The Internet Learning to navigate through the Internet by using the 
World Wide Web and other features is essential for good computer use. It is 
especially necessary for those who are blind or visually impaired. Portal 
Tutoring teaches Internet concepts such as how to search on engines like 
Google. Your course is tailored to fit the web browser which you use. 
        e.. Spreadsheets If you want to put data in tables, do calculations, 
keep track of your finances, then Portal Tutoring offers a basic course in 
Microsoft Excel, the most commonly used spreadsheet. For more advanced training 
in this application, Portal Tutoring can recommend additional books and 
training courses. 
      Adaptive Software
      Below please find a list of adaptive software which Portal Tutoring 
offers as part of its curricula. 

        a.. Jaws for Windows Made by Freedom ScientificLearn to use this screen 
reader in conjunction with your operating system and your chosen applications. 
        b.. Window-Eyes Made by GW Micro Learn to use this screen reader in 
conjunction with your operating system and your chosen software application to 
access your computer 
        c.. System Access and System Access Mobile Network Made by Serotek 
Corporation Serotek Corporation offers a low priced alternative to Jaws and 
Window-Eyes, its System Access adaptive software. Portal Tutoring offers 
training in this software as well as training in how to use Serotek's System 
Access Mobile Network. Learn to use an easy way to do email, find information 
on the net, and contact other people. 
        d.. Open Book Made by Freedom Scientific This program is a gateway for 
those who wish to access written material. Portal Tutoring offers training in 
its many features which enhance a students ability to gain access to printed 
material through the use of a scanner and this software package. 
        e.. Kurzweil 1000Made by Kurzweil Educational Systems This is the cream 
of the crop of OCR solutions to the problem of dealing with printed text for 
the blind or visually impaired. Back up by decades of experience this software 
gives you everything you could possiblly want in the way of access to printed 
materials. Scan books, newspapers, legal papers, mail, other documents. Scan 
your paper currency to see what denomimations you havfe. Portal Tutoring is 
delighted to offer training in the use of this award winning program. 
        f.. Plustek BookReaderMade by Plustek This is a low cost, complete 
solution to accessing printed material. With this new scanner and its software, 
you can begin to scan your documents and have them read aloud to you with very 
little training. Portal Tutoring does , however offer a short course in the use 
of this software. A note of interest, Ann Parsons, Portal Tutoring's CEO was 
instrumental in updating the manual for The Plustek BookReader. this gave us an 
intimate knowledge of this new product. 



      Braille Instruction
      Portal tutoring offers Braille instruction to both individuals and to 
their families.




        a.. Braille for Individuals Portal Tutoring offers training in Braille 
for children or adults who wish to learn on a one-to-one basis with the tutor. 
        b.. Braille for Families Portal Tutoring offers an unique program in 
Braille instruction for families of individual Braille readers. Learn Braille 
along with your family in order to facilitate communication. 



      Academics, The Humanities
      Portal Tutoring offers instruction in writing and in English grammar as 
it relates to the different types of writing done by people in the educational 
and business setting, see below.




        a.. Writing Courses Improve your writing skills by taking a class 
combining one or more of the following modules. 
          1.. Basic Writing, the thought process and its outcome. 
          2.. Basic Spelling and Grammar, this module is especially designed to 
cover basic grammar and spelling with an emphasis on synonyms and words which 
are exceptions to the rules of spelling. 
          3.. Writing Correspondence, writing personal and business letters. 
          4.. Writing Essays, a biscuit recipe 
          5.. Writing Term Papers 
          6.. Writing Evaluations 
          7.. Writing reports 
        b.. If students need help with courses they are taking in school, this 
can be arranged. 



      Special Equipment
      Special Equipment: Portal Tutoring offers training in the use of 
specialized equipment such as:



        a.. BrailleNote 
        b.. PacMate 
        c.. digital book players 


      Students must possess their own equipment before tutoring can begin.




      Text Books and materials required
      Students who are taking Computer Classes will be using Portal Tutoring's 
Mini Blinds series of pamphlets available in our bookstore. To reach this 
bookstore, access its link located in the blue navigation bar. We also 
recommend additional materials such as text books by Cathy Anne Murtha of 
Access Technology Institute. Access Technology Institute

      Students taking Braille will need text books from American Printing House 
for the Blind. American Printing House for the Blind

      Each student will be expected to purchase or have purchased for him or 
her the appropriate textbooks for the OS and applications which they intend to 
learn. If using a computer, it is easier if students have their own equipment 
at home or in a convenient place on which to practice. Many libraries have 
Internet access now, and it is possible to use it. In addition, schools and 
colleges have computer labs. Some of these public terminals are adapted.




      In keeping with its philosophy, Portal Tutoring makes every effort to 
keep the cost of lessons affordable for all. For a complete list of fees for 
these curricula, consult the link in the blue navigation bar. Fees page
      
      Available Courses

      Times and Locations 

      Fees

      Attendance Policy 

      Instructor

      Contact Portal Tutoring 

      About Portal Tutoring 

      resources

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      Copyright 2006-2007
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