Computer Labs for the Blind and Visually Impaired

A recent interview with a local radio station focused on the power of education and technology for the blind and visually impaired. Edwin, a beneficiary of the inABLE Computer Labs for the Blind Program, shared that the computer lessons boosted his dreams to pursue music. Using assistive technology such as screen readers (NVDA) and Talkback, he was able to learn how to play musical instruments, such as piano and guitar. Edwin would sometimes listen to YouTube videos that taught him how to play piano during the inABLE computer labs session. He confesses, “The computer labs were such a gate-away for me and luckily, I was able to understand the basics quickly. I was always interested in music and I really needed to know how to play the piano. For me, the computer classes were another chance for me to learn a few extra music lessons. I may have been cheeky, but that has really paid off in the end”.   

Edwin’s life is a true testimony to Benjamin Franklin’s saying that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. Today, despite being blind, Edwin is a musician who plays a number of musical instruments including piano and guitar, and he also enjoys singing. He now has his own personal YouTube channel to teach basic piano skills, as well as display his musicality with a music band he formed with a group of friends. 

Links:

• inABLE Graduate turned into a flourishing musician