Here's a great account of one cross-disability computer user group.  Note
that they had a special interest vicug as part of the cross-disability
effort at one point.

Kelly


July 2001 Computer Guts, ABCs and Basic Skills: Organizing a
Cross-Disability Computer Users Group

by Nancy Conklin

The Center for Independence in Grand Junction, Colorado, developed a
computer users group in order to more effectively and efficiently
address the many phone calls for technical assistance they received from
consumers. Their successful program includes the following features:

--Adaptive equipment, including screen-reading software; --Alternative
formats, including handouts in Braille and other accessible formats and
instruction on keystrokes as well instruction on using a mouse;
--Breaking skills down into small steps; --Instructors who are
proficient computer users familiar with adaptations; and --Peer support
and a comfortable environment in which to learn.

Computer Guts, ABCs and Basic Skills: Organizing a Cross-Disability
Computer Users Group

Introduction and Background

Center for Independence (CFI) has provided assistive technology services
as well as vocational services for the past six years. Like many centers
for independent living (CILs) and other nonprofit organizations, we
recycle used computers, passing donated computers from organizations or
individuals to consumers. We found that a majority of consumers
receiving new or used computers, and those using assistive technology or
beginning vocational classes, needed basic computer skills training.
Many consumers have an intense desire to use the Internet and e-mail and
write documents with a word processor but do not have the very basic
skills needed to get started.

Community resources, such as the public library, workforce center and
the senior center, provided computer training that did not adequately
meet consumers' needs. These trainings cost more than consumers could
afford or were limited to seniors. Instructors were not familiar with
the needs of people with traumatic brain injury, low vision and other
disabilities. Sometimes community trainings for "beginners" assumed
participants already knew basic skills or were held in larger groups
where people felt uncomfortable asking questions or volunteering
information. Community presenters frequently relied on point-and-click
mouse techniques and had little idea how to use keystrokes or describe
in detail what was happening on the screen for people who couldn't see
it.

Description of Program

At Center for Independence (CFI), we frequently received requests for
tutoring and phone calls from consumers asking one or two relatively
simple questions, such as how to name and save a file, get the printer
working or edit text. Collectively these questions consumed considerable
amounts of staff time. We began a cross-disability users group to more
efficiently provide training to small groups of people rather than
responding to each request individually. The initial focus of the group
was to address assistive technology needs, but we found this topic area
was too limited to attract regular participants. After reading an
article about a Macintosh computer users group meeting in our area,
staff expanded the focus of the group to basic computer skills. We
realized

that computers themselves are assistive technology, enabling
communication and employment skills.

The concept of the computer users group is simple: a weekly meeting with
a brief, self-contained lesson followed by questions and discussion. We
target beginners: people who have not had the opportunity to use a
computer in the past in any systematic way. The CFI computer users group
is built on the principle that there is no dumb question except the one
you don't ask. We have found that some people who have used computers
for a while continue to attend the group to fill gaps in their knowledge
base, learn about new technology and provide peer support to others.
After attending the group for a few months, participants usually gain
confidence and skills enough to continue to learn skills through
self-study, community training and networking with others.

Usually, four to six participants attend each session. At a typical
meeting, a CFI staff person presents a topic or skill area for 20 to 30
minutes, followed by questions and answers and a general sharing time.
Participants are encouraged to troubleshoot each other's problems rather
than looking to the staff person for answers every time. Several
consumers have connected and provide support to each other via telephone
and e-mail.

Each week participants are solicited for topics for future sessions.
Occasionally a speaker from outside or a consumer will present on a
topic. Past sessions have covered these topics:

--Computer Guts 101 (passing around parts from the inside of the
computer); --Using the clipboard cut, copy and paste commands;
--Formatting documents; --File management; --Copying to and from
diskettes; --Maintenance (cleaning, scandisk, defrag, backup);
--Consumer topics (how to shop for a computer, Internet and e-mail
fraud); --Virus protection; --The different kinds of mice and how to use
them; --Keyboard commands and shortcuts; --E-mail and Internet skills;
and -Ergonomics.

We revisit some topics due to popular demand. We teach vocabulary terms
as we go along without getting too technical and use additional
audio-visual aids to help get key information across. Staff teach about
the hard drive, diskette drives and CD-ROM drive using different sized
cardboard storage boxes with the letters C, A and D on them and a hard
drive, diskette and CD-ROM attached. We teach concepts about the
clipboard using an actual clipboard and paper.

The groups meet in the computer lab, and the lesson is taught at a
computer with a large screen monitor and screen reading software. Staff
describe what is happening on the screen and break each skill down into
small steps, giving mouse and keyboard directions for each step. We
provide large print handouts and Braille as needed.

Small group computer skills training does not completely replace
individual training. Staff provide occasional individual assistance to
consumers in their own home when needed, usually when consumers first
obtain a computer. We tailor the screen display, mouse movement and
accessibility features to the user, add desktop shortcuts for most
frequently used programs and demonstrate how to safely start up and shut
down the computer. Since developing the computer users group, we have
found the need for additional individual training has decreased
considerably. We encourage people to begin attending Computer Users
Group prior to actually receiving a computer.

Over the years the program has evolved from a monthly 90-minute meeting
to weekly hour-long meetings. The monthly meeting was too infrequent to
maintain regular participation, and ninety minutes was too long a time
period to maintain attention. The group gained momentum when it began
meeting twice a month and gained regular participation when it became a
weekly program. Currently, we have an additional monthly meeting for
computer users who are blind; due to dwindling attendance, however, we
are phasing out this additional meeting. Because of the current mix of
consumers, we are developing two levels of computer users groups: one
for people who have used computers for a while, and one for real
beginners, called Computer ABCs. Participants choose the group or groups
they attend. Staff encourage consumers to attend both groups to find out
for themselves where they feel most comfortable. Two more advanced
consumers are teaching "Beyond Basics" during the last meeting of the
month, demonstrating topics such as Real Audio and chat rooms.

Uniqueness of Program

We have found that computer training in the community typically is
taught in antiseptic computer labs by instructors who use a lot of
jargon. Unfortunately, such environments do not work well for some
people with physical or cognitive impairments. In response, we have
created a peer training program that can meet consumers' needs for
skills broken down into small steps, alternative formats, adaptive
equipment and a comfortable environment in which to learn. With such
supports, consumers are comfortable enough to learn new skills. As our
training resources include adaptive equipment that allows for
cross-disability peer training, we are a unique resource in the
community.

IL Philosophy

Computer skills are an increasingly important independent living skill,
both for communication and employment. Peer support and consumer
direction are built into this program, as the group focus shifts
according to consumers' needs and wishes. The flexible nature of the
program allows for constant readjustment of goals and peer skills
training.

Advocacy topics are discussed in this group, as participants learn to
advocate for improved Web site accessibility, find disability resources
on the Internet, and use e-mail lists and listservs for communication
and organizing.

Program Success

In 2000, we had a total of twenty group participants. Ten have completed
their specific skill goals or achieved a level of proficiency at which
they feel confident. Seven obtained newer equipment and/or assistive
technology for their needs and are able to use it. Five are learning
skills while they wait for a donated computer.

Funding and Replicability

This is a relatively low-cost program for independent living centers
already providing some type of assistive technology services. Minimum
equipment needed includes a newer computer with Internet access and
screen reading software so that people who are blind and visually
impaired can hear what is being demonstrated. Two common screen-reading
applications are Jaws For Windows, which is approximately $800, and
Window Eyes, which is approximately $600. Additional recommended
equipment includes screen magnification software, alternative mice and
keyboards, and other adaptive hardware and software, such as word
prediction software. Staff can also use a number of shareware and
freeware applications, Windows accessibility features, and features in
word-processing and Internet applications to improve computer access.

Funding sources could include Lions or other service clubs, United Way
and corporate sponsorship from local tech companies. This is a good
project for funders who like to fund tangible items, such as equipment.
The program can also be funded on a per-meeting basis, calculated by the
amount of staff time and overhead involved. For instance, "We are
requesting funding for ten computer users group meetings at $60 per
meeting, for a total of $600."

Staff time required is approximately two hours preparation time and
one-hour program time per session. A high level of computer expertise is
NOT a requirement for staff, just general proficiency. It is preferable
to use a non-technical proficient user who is familiar with computer
adaptations than a computer support person who may lapse into technical
jargon and focus on high-end skills.

Sources for topical information include senior computing sites (e.g.,

www.aarp.org and www.thirdage.com), other nontechnical tutorial sites
(e.g.,

www.learnto.com and www.learnthenet.com), basic computer magazines, and
tutorials that come with software. Help files that come with Windows and
other programs frequently have short lessons and tutorials that are easy
to adapt for keystrokes and vocabulary.

For more information about the Cross-Disability Computer Users Group,
please contact: Nancy Conklin Center for Independence 1600 Ute Avenue,
Suite 100 Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 (970) 241-0315

www.gj.net/~cfi

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About the Author

Nancy Conklin is Director of Programs and Assistive Technology
Coordinator at Center for Independence in Grand Junction, Colorado,
where she has worked for the past seven years. She has a master's degree
in public administration and assistive technology practitioner
credentials from RESNA. Prior to entering the independent living field,
she worked as a geologist and environmental projects manager. She is
particularly excited about introducing people to technology who have
never used it before. She served on the NCIL board for four years as
Region VIII representative and co-chairs the NCIL AT sub-committee.

Substantial support for development of this publication was provided by
the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of
Education. The content is the responsibility of ILRU and no official
endorsement of the Department of Education should be inferred.

Dawn Heinsohn ILRU -- Independent Living Research Utilization 2323 South
Shepherd, Suite 1000 Houston, TX 77019 E-Mail: [log in to unmask] Phone:
713.520.0232 TDD: 713.520.5136 Fax: 713.520.5785 Fax on Demand for
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