Visually Impaired Journalist Gives Disabled Young People the Skills to Succeed

In November 2008, radio journalist from Zhytomyr, Ukraine Sergiy Cherevko began conducting ICT skills training for five visually impaired IATP users.  After participating in IATP’s Sense Online project in 2007, Cherevko, himself visually impaired, was impressed by the opportunities ICT offers to blind and disabled individuals.  When IATP’s trainer moved to another city, Cherevko decided to apply his knowledge and new skills to lead the project himself.

Through his own IATP training, Cherevko learned about specially designed voice tools that facilitate the social and professional integration of visually impaired people, such as the Job Access with Speech (JAWS) voice-activated interface and the MaxReader audio library.  Cherevko commented, “These programs helped not only in my life, but also with my profession.  I can edit and compile my radio interviews and news briefs more efficiently.”

One of Cherevko’s trainees, student Viktoriya Matviyenko, has successfully passed her winter session exams at Zhytomyr State University's Mathematics Department using her ICT skills.  Cherevko commented, “I am pleased to know that my trainees can work with computers and the internet.  They can create files and work with them, they can use the internet to search for books and other information, and they work with e-mail and make virtual friends.  I realize that everyday, the visually impaired are better able to integrate into Ukraine's civil society and my efforts are rewarded.” 

Sense Online (http://sense.iatp.net) is an IATP initiative designed to equip visually impaired Ukrainians with technology skills to help them secure a brighter future.  The specialized software with a synthesized voice allows blind users to employ their touch-sensory skills to increase their productivity and professional capacities.  This project is carried out in collaboration with the Ukrainian Association of Blind People (UTOS).  Sense Online encourages visually impaired people to take advantage of ICT in developing as professionals and protecting their rights.  Over 20 Ukrainians with visual impairments have learned ICT skills in the last year though the project.  The Sense Online project equipment and resources will remain at the Independent Internet Centers (IICs) of Ukraine to ensure that visually impaired individuals have access to ICT resources after IATP sponsorship ends.