THE NATIONAL Council on Disability Affairs, together with Resources for the Blind Inc. and IBM Philippines launched a computer training for blind students.

Seventeen junior and senior blind high school students registered for the two-week activity conducted face-to-face at the NCDA Disability Resource and Development Center in Quezon City. The activity started on August 1 will run until August 12.

The initiative is in support of the government’s thrust for digitalization to make transactions more accessible through the use of information and communication technology.

NCDA OIC Executive Director Mateo Lee, Jr. said that acquired ICT knowledge and skills is a great equalizer for persons with disabilities as it will help them become productive members of society, allowing them to study independently and be employed.

Lee said that blind persons will have equal employment opportunities if they have ICT skills.

The activity dubbed Computer-Eyes Camp was started in 2001 by RBI.

Using special software, the participants will learn basic concepts of computers such as keyboarding skills and the use of screen reader software called the Non-Visual Desktop Access, among others.

At the start of the pandemic in 2020, RBI conducted three online sessions in Basic, Advanced, and Skills Build Training for some 100 high school and college students and adults with visual impairment.