Near-blindness no barrier thanks to tailored training

COMPLETING any educational programme is an achievement in itself, but to successfully finish an internationally-recognised computer course with a near-total visual impairment is another story.

But for Cashel woman Helaine Gallagher, who has lost her sight over the last number of years, that ambition has just come to fruition.

After completing the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) at the National Learning Network in Clonmel, Helaine has now graduated along with 44 others and hopes to step into “the big bad world” of employment next year.

Under the tuition of Gerry Burke and the staff at the NLN, Helaine began her studies in Clonmel three years ago, having spent time at the Nagle Institute in Cashel.

Having been steadily losing her sight since her teenage years, and with mobility and balance problems from the age of two, she has had to overcome many challenges to get to where she is today.

To progress through the ECDL course, she used the JAWS software programme designed for visually impaired computer users, incorporating a screen reader and speech synthesiser.

According to National Learning Network Clonmel manager Kitty Galvin, over the last year eight out of every 10 graduates have progressed to employment or to further training.

The training and education division of Rehab Group, the National Learning Network in Clonmel currently caters for 60 learners.

The learners are offered vocational and rehabilitative training that is designed to enable people with disabilities to learn the skills they need to build lasting careers in jobs that reflect their interests and abilities.

The FÁS-funded courses include employer-based training, computer applications and office skills.

Rehabilitative training in the centre includes Options, funded by the HSE. This course prepares participants for independent living with a range of life and pre-vocational skills.