Fall 2004

Margaret Martinec and Tim Hindman demonstrate the Hamilton Air virtual office

Blind Computer Students Experience World of Work with New Virtual Office

With a simple keystroke, blind students are entering the virtual office world.

“The most important thing [about the virtual office] is it’s a chance for our students to do a kind of virtual internship,” explains Tim Hindman, ACE/SOS program manager. “They get to experience the work environment and the job. That’s what’s missing for a lot of people who haven’t worked for a long time or who have never worked.”

Through TruVision and Hamilton Air software programs, visually impaired adults gain the skills and know-how to succeed in the workplace. “It’s perfect for students,” observes Margaret Martinec, computer instructor. “Students have a safe environment where they can make a mistake or fail, then go back and learn how to do it right.”

The Adult Computer Education/Service Office Systems (ACE/SOS) program is offered in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind. The program teaches blind, working-age adults the computer, assistive technology, and office skills needed to compete in today's job market. ACE/SOS instructors feel that the virtual office is ideal for helping individuals succeed in the workplace.

In the simulated office, pupils are “hired” as trainees. They undergo an orientation, just like a typical office job. “In the orientation, you meet different people you are working with. You can listen to their biography online,” explains Margaret. ACE/SOS trainees access links to their virtual co-workers with the aid of Job Access with Speech (JAWS), a screen-reading program, and refreshable Braille displays, which convert words on the screen to Braille.

These simulated people, or “avatars” as they are commonly known, are the latest in corporate training. “Software like this is very cutting-edge,” exclaims Tim. “Many companies are starting to use these same sorts of programs to train new employees.”

Students receive work assignments through simulated faxes, emails, memos, and personal deliveries. A trainee may receive a memo asking her to recommend products and services to the company. Another may receive an email directing him to prepare and design an in-flight menu.

Many tasks will reference web resources and texts to aid trainees in their work. Once completed, students save them in their personal files.

Virtual office programs can be tailored to individual abilities. TruVision offers simple to complex instruction, while Hamilton Air works best for more advanced learners.

“TruVision provides basic instruction right down to ‘where do I find an icon?’ or ‘how do I create a document?’ They pace it for different students according to their needs,” Margaret comments. “If they are struggling in a certain area, then what we can do is put them in TruVision and they can work at their own pace. They can work independently to brush up on their skills.”

“TruVision really teaches the skills we teach: database, spreadsheet, presentation, Internet and email, computer operation, and word processing,” she adds.

Advanced students work with the Hamilton Air program, a simulated airline where virtual workers train in several different departments. They take self-tests before and after completing training to measure their progress. As they go through training, pupils receive tips and support in completing work.

“There are eight to ten different jobs [in Hamilton Air]. Students might find they are interested in a specific job,” Margaret remarks. “It’s such a great tool to show them what it might be like to work in a real office.”

So far, only a small number of ACE/SOS students have tested the virtual office, but Margaret and Tim plan on incorporating it into classes as the year progresses. “It’s so dynamic. I can’t wait to get it into classes. It’s a powerfully enlightening experience for all students,” says Margaret.

“Employment has become so involved in technology. For students who haven’t worked or haven’t worked with technology, it’s a big intimidation for them,” Tim points out. “This gives them the chance to try it out.”

“The challenge for new employees is to get the big picture [of a company],” he continues. “So much is required of a new employee up front. They’ve got to hit the ground running. We’re trying to give the students that practice and give them that experience.”

ACE/SOS provides the virtual office software through a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant designated to upgrade computer training labs. Tim is confident that by incorporating the virtual office into classes, people will be better prepared to meet the challenges of the workforce. “It’s going to help us help the students. Although it’s very demanding, it’s the next level up in the world of quality employment training.”

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