In Taiwan, there are about 55,000 people who are legally blind. On average, in the past ten years, about 2,000 people in Taiwan become legally blind every year. Due to their lack of computer literacy, these individuals in particular face a serious problem where they are unable to access online information that might otherwise allow them to more fully participate in society.
Taiwan Digital Talking Books Association (TDTB) aims to provide various computer-related courses to the visually impaired people of Taiwan including how to use the NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) screen reader. The main purpose of this project is to provide a computer literacy rehabilitation program for Taiwan's visually impaired. Through this project, Taiwan's visually impaired can build-up their ability to independently access information using a computer and the Internet.
This Rehabilitation for The Visually Impaired in Taiwan project will employ experienced tutors to train the visually impaired with computer courses including use of the NVDA screen reader. These computer courses help the visually impaired in the following three ways: (1) it teaches them how to browse a web page using a screen reader, (2) it teaches them how to communicate with friends via e-mail and web phone and, (3) it allows them to acquire information independently online.
The goal of this project is to train 50 visually impaired people to use the computer. It will provide them with the necessary skills to be able to independently access information using a computer. By doing that, Taiwan's visually impaired will have equal opportunities to participate in every aspect of society, including employment, education, as well as leisure activities. In the long run, this program will help the visually impaired gain integration into society again.
As the old adage goes, eyes are the window to the soul.
We feel sorry for those who have been visually impared. Although they may find difficulty in seeing the world through their eyes now, we hope, by supporting this project, they can still see the beauty and feel the warmth in the society and regain confidence in themselves. Therefore, they can be more fully participate in society and communicate with people at their best.
If like us, you would like to support Taiwan Digital Talking Books Association, you can find more information on how to donate here: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/rehabilitation-for-the-visually-impaired/
