Dolphin Guide Case Study: Lisa wins Regional Learner Award with Dolphin Guide

For Lisa learning has been made easier with Dolphin Guide. Using the software on computers at Dudley College, Lisa could hear the words on screen read out aloud, including emails from friends and family, online documents, web pages, computer games and lots more. Guide also helped Lisa learn to touch type with the built-in Typing Tutor, even though she can't see the keyboard.

Losing her sight has had a big impact on Lisa's life, now aged 44 her sight deteriorated from the age of 17. Lisa adapted but eventually she had to give up her job in catering and focused on being a full time mum to her daughter until she recently joined the Samaritans as a Volunteer worker.

"Although my eyes don't work, my brain does," Lisa explained! "I was desperate to do something interesting so I contacted my Local Authority's Vision Services Department. They told me about computer courses that used talking computer software for the visually impaired, and soon after I enrolled on a course and met my tutor at Dudley College, Jo Griffin.

"Jo introduced me to Dolphin Guide, and after her support and patience and my increased computer skills, I now wouldn't be without my computer as it has opened up a whole new world for me. After a really nervous start I have achieved something I'm proud of and have gained new-found confidence."

Lisa has won a Regional Learning Award as part of 'Adult Learners Week 2012'. The award recognises the new computer skills that Lisa has learnt, despite losing her sight, and which she now uses in her new role with greater responsibilities at her local branch of Samaritans.

Jo Griffin, Lisa's tutor at the college said, "I'm so proud of Lisa, she truly deserves this award. She has worked so hard, and overcome lots of barriers that would have stopped many from learning the IT skills she now has. Lisa was extremely nervous when she first came to class, so even walking through the door was a challenge, but with appropriate support she soon felt more confident."

"I'd encourage anyone who thinks they can't use a computer because they have sight problems to think again, as we offer help and support at the college from our trained staff and specialist resources such as Dolphin Guide and SuperNova."

Offering a range of facilities developed specially for visually impaired and blind learners is something Dudley College is proud of, as Principal, Lowell Williams explained: "We are extremely proud of Lisa, and this award illustrates how learning has helped change her life and supported her at work. Lisa's commitment, enthusiasm and ambition has helped her overcome the concerns about learning new skills. I hope her story will inspire others and help them understand how learning can play a vital role in helping them achieve a better life."

Lisa will attend the Midlands Awards Ceremony, held in Leicester in May where she will be presented with her award. Accompanying Lisa will be Jo Griffin, Lisa's tutor from Dudley College, who supported Lisa throughout her Certificate in 'Using IT'.

For more information about IT courses for visually impaired at Dudley College, please contact Jo Griffin on 01384 363539 or email: jo.griffin@dudleycol.ac.uk

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