Helen Keller Services For The Blind Assumes Operation Of The Computer Center For Visually Impaired People
Helen Keller Services For The Blind Assumes Operation Of The Computer Center For Visually Impaired People
HELEN KELLER SERVICES FOR THE BLIND EXPANDS SCOPE OF SERVICES WITH
OPERATION OF THE COMPUTER CENTER FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
Brooklyn, NY…July 29, 2019…Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB), a division of Helen Keller Services (HKS), is now home to the Computer Center for Visually Impaired People (CCVIP), which had previously operated at Baruch College, CUNY. The announcement was made by HKSB Executive Director Lorraine LoCurto.
“For more than 40 years, Helen Keller Services for the Blind has admired CCVIP and its comprehensive approach to assistive technology,” she observed. “Much of their vocational training overlapped with ours. When it became clear that CCVIP was looking for a new home we immediately expressed interest. The transfer of CCVIP to HKSB is effective July 2019. We could not be more proud or excited to continue the CCVIP reputation for excellence in the field of assistive technology.”
Since 1978, CCVIP has engaged in assistive technology training and research, helping people with vision loss and blind individuals become technologically proficient in order to seek and maintain employment and attain other life goals. According to LoCurto, fall 2019 courses will be offered at HKSB’s state-of-the-art facility at 180 Livingston Street in Downtown Brooklyn, with the intention of offering 2020 courses at all HKSB locations, including Long Island.
“Individuals interested in developing or refining their assistive technology skills will find professional and quality training programs in Microsoft Office, Social Media, Internet and many other areas,” she explained. “Former CCVIP staff will join the HKSB technology team to deliver personalized and comprehensive training. In addition, we will maintain the CCVIP braille production service for government, religious groups, corporations and other entities needing documents adapted to braille.”
Throughout the course of the year, HKSB will offer a series of Open Houses that will provide hands-on demonstrations of computers equipped with adaptive software in addition to a tour of the HKSB facility. The first Open House is scheduled for August 14, with media and members of the public invited.
“Everyone here looks forward to continuing the CCVIP tradition of helping people access their computers so they can access the world,” concluded LoCurto. “At HKSB, we’re all about helping people sharpen their skills to find the solutions they need.”
About Helen Keller Services
Founded in 1893, Helen Keller Services offers services and programs through two divisions: Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults and Helen Keller Services for the Blind. For more information, please visit www.helenkeller.org.
Come join our upcoming Open House on August 14 at 1:30-3:00 and get a demonstration of computers equipped with large print and screen reading (synthetic voice) software; see our training facilities and meet with instructors and staff
CCVIP AT Helen Keller Services for the Blind
180 Livingston Street, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
