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Dear Digital Inclusion Supporter,
As the year draws to a close, we want to recognize the efforts of those working in the digital inclusion community. Specifically, we honored the accomplishments of our Broadband Technology Opportunities Program subrecipients at the "Celebration of Digital Inclusion" on December 14, 2012. Over the last two years, CCNP Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) recipients have served 20,000 clients and provided 120,000 training hours. For more remarkable accomplishments, see "What's New in the Communities Connect Network." Happy Holidays! |
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Spotlight On...
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Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired strives to enrich the independent quality of life of its clients. The Center primarily serves adults 55 and over, but focuses on clients of all ages in the computer lab, including children, high school students applying for college, job-seeking adults, veterans who have become visually impaired, and seniors seeking to communicate electronically with their families.
Brian Lee, the Independent Living Computer Technology Instructor, helps clients achieve their computer and technology goals. One-on-one training and assistance are essential because of the very specific needs of each client. New clients are evaluated by Brian and given a personalized action plan.
The technology lab provides access and training on a variety of specialized equipment and software, like a Braille printer, JAWS (a screen reader), ZoomText (a magnification tool for low vision users), and Naturally Speaking (voice responsive software for users with vision and mobility impairment), among others. Pearl, a very useful program that can make brochures and flyers accessible to blind and low vision clients, scans printed materials and translates it to text, which can be stored as a Word or audio file, depending on the clients' needs. Additionally, Brian has recently taught clients to use iPads and iPhones with Zoom and Voice Over technologies - which are built into Apple products.
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Brian Lee (right) helps a client create a
technology action plan.
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Brian has trained a number of people who have gained employment and acceptance to colleges and universities through achieving their technology goals. The most important outcome, he says, is helping people find independence and efficiency in day-to-day living. With the technology training and services offered by the Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, clients are empowered to achieve greater self-sufficiency.
The Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired also offers in home visits in six eastern Washington counties for clients 55 and older from a staff member who specializes in independent living skills. Clients can access low vision evaluations, social activities, and a free audio library. For more information, please visit their website: http://edithbishelcenter.org.
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| What's New in the Communities Connect Network | |
Celebration of Digital Inclusion
On Friday, December 14, the Communities Connect Network hosted a "Celebration of Digital Inclusion," highlighting the accomplishments of CCNP BTOP subrecipients. Samantha Becker, Research Project Manager at the University of Washington Information School, shared some impressive total numbers from the last two years. For example, CCN public computing centers (PCC) have offered 120,000 hours of training and have served 20,000 unique clients over the last two years. Additionally, over 2,200 clients have applied for jobs and 154 have passed their General Educational Development (GED) exams.
Michelle Chambers, Technology Program Director at RecTech, gave a short presentation showcasing some of the recent video productions created by high school students. Youth have the opportunity to participate in paid digital media internships, which Michelle believes is "the gateway to STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] for these youth." Brynn Fitzer, Life Skills and Activities Coordinator at Street Youth Ministries, revealed that young people in her Independent Skills Program (ISP) are moving towards self-sufficiency as they gain valuable computer skills. Once a client finishes the ISP, he or she is given a netbook which they can use to take online courses, apply for jobs, and maintain relationships with friends and family.
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Michelle Chambers of RecTech shares a
video created by participants in their
youth digital media internship program.
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After the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to browse posters created by PCC staff summarizing the improvements they have made with BTOP funding. Attendees also networked with others working for digital inclusion in Washington state. Read more about their accomplishments here: http://depts.washington.edu/wabtop/.
Meeting with Representative John McCoy In late November, Leslie Rae Schmitz, Senior Project Director for Digital Inclusion, and Amy Hirotaka, Outreach Coordinator, were joined by Michael Sekaquaptewa, Computer Lab Manager at the Yakama Nation Library, to meet with Representative John McCoy at his office in Olympia, WA. Representative McCoy has been a longtime supporter of digital inclusion in Washington state, and chairs the State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee. Leslie, Amy, and Michael shared the impressive accomplishments of CCN subrecipients and discussed opportunities for collaboration in the future, including CCN involvement in the "Broadband 101" event in January to educate new legislators about broadband in Washington state and a visit to the legislature in February.  Get Online Week The City of Seattle hosted Get Online week from December 3-8, 2012. During the week, residents of Seattle were encouraged to visit their neighborhood computer labs and learn about available free and low-cost training and other technology support services. For more information, visit: http://seattle.gov/getonline.
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| Resources | |
Digital Literacy and Non-Profit Technology
Digital Inclusion Projects at Washington State University
In the Division of Governmental Studies and Services, digital inclusion projects empower people, organizations and businesses to apply information technology in ways that result in greater participation in society.
Seattle Communities Online
Project created to help neighborhood groups actively engage their communities using online tools. There are a variety of online resources available to help users with social media strategies.
Helpful Links
Link list by Connect Your Community that are valuable to new Internet users. This list is available in a Word document to be customized by Public Computer Center staff and volunteers.
Broadband Adoption
Seattle's Planned Fiber Network
Details about the partnership between the City of Seattle, the University of Washington, and Gigabit Squared to bring gigabit fiber service to twelve Seattle neighborhoods.
Broadband Communities Magazine Online
Good source of information on digital and broadband technologies for buildings and communities, focusing on fiber-to-the-home and fiber-to-the-premises.
TechNet's 2012 State Broadband Index
Report on the TechNet State Broadband Index, rating the states on indicators of broadband adoption, network quality, and economic structure.
Rural South Still Without High Speed Internet
Exposes the reality of rural southern residents who use dial-up because of the lack of other viable options.
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About CCN
| Mission: Communities Connect Network (CCN) works to ensure digital inclusion and technology opportunities for all residents of Washington State.
For more information about Communities Connect Network (CCN), please contact Leslie Rae Schmitz, Senior Project Director for Digital Inclusion a t lschmitz@edlabgroup.org or 425.477.4741 x 4778.    |
| About the EdLab Group | 
The EdLab Group is a private, non-profit organization with funding from federal and state governments, private foundations, corporations, and individuals. Our mission is to leverage the power of technology and diversity to transform teaching and learning. We respect your privacy and do not sell, share or allow our list to be viewed by other individuals or companies. For more information about the EdLab Group, visit our website at www.edlabgroup.org. |
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