Joseph Shanley

I am writing this letter in reference to my experiences with the CAVI Academy.

Although, at the time of writing this, I am only five weeks into my first class with this wonderful organization I have found it to be most very useful.  Computers play a huge role in our society no matter what it seems like everything is related to a computer and technology. ⊄I like the fact that the costs for the courses are of a reasonable price. Many of us who are blind have very limited income and for the CAVI Academy to offer these courses at such low prices is a life saver for us.  If we were to take any of these courses in a university the prices would be through the roof. What is great about it is if you can't make a live lecture you can always go to the website and download it.  You don't need to worry about a specific time or getting there and for the blind community that is a huge advantage.

Second, I like the fact that the courses are self-pace to a degree.  You are not pressured to get your work in by any particular due date. I enjoy the fact that our instructors are all blind and have actually taken the course they are teaching this brings a huge aspect to the students.   The instructors know what it's like to be the student and can understand our frustrations and difficulties when they arrive. Also, since they have taken the course their input and own personal experiences brings a whole new dimension into the course.

Teaching a class remotely with the special server where it is not only chat messages that are spoken, but where we can input live with our voices and reading the lecture notes. To be able to do this our instructors deserve a lot of credit. Plus, all their feedback is invaluable.

I appreciate the fact that the academy did not eliminate the pictures either in the exams or textbook.   I find that to be a huge benefactor. Many people would just say skip it you can't see what do you care.   In technology pictures and diagrams are worth a thousand words. One of the greatest features and coolest I think are the Virtual modules where we can simulate working on a physical part of technology without even touching it. The website they provide is full of useful information as well not only course related but anything technology related and is very easy to navigate.

Many of us who may have a limited experience or consider being an expert in the field of technology being blind and not working in the field these courses can improve our chances of getting a job. It's nice to have a certificate from CISCO stating I can do this or that in the technology industry. Technology is our future and many of us in the blind community depend upon it heavier than a sighted user.  For us to be able to get a job in this field is great especially with all of the accessibility software out there. Not only with screen readers but how you can work on a sighted persons' computer with your assistive technology either by installing it or working remotely.  To have these courses in our background and certificates could give us a head up on somebody who is sighted and is applying for the same position as us.  I think the employer would give us a second look and say wow! He's blind and has all of this training.

I ask that the responsible people continue the funding for this outstanding academy. It would be a shame to cut off funding to an invaluable and reasonably priced technology school for those of us who are blind.   Again, no university would be able to give us the one on one attention that we need and understand where we are coming from with our disabilities and how difficult it is.

Joseph Shanley
Long Island New York, United States of America

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