Getting Started
A Message from our Director
Whether your visual impairment is recent or long-standing, at the Computer Center for Visually Impaired People, we’ll help you “access your computer, so that you can access the world.”
If you’re new, come to the Open House and see what we have to offer.
Whether you’re a home computer user, looking for work, or going to school, CCVIP has the courses and instructors to help you succeed. This semester, in addition to our famous classes on pc-based applications, we’re offering training on Mac computers with Voiceover and ZOOM.
Classes difficult to fit into your busy schedule? Consider our opportunities for individualized training. If you’ve purchased any of the iProducts and would like some coaching to get you started, sign up for individualized training sessions for iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone.
If you’re a job seeker, consider the Career Checkup or Career Exploration and Job Search course. If you’re working and having problems with software, check out our Scripting service. If your favorite Web sites are getting you down, let the owners know about CCVIP’s Web Usability Testing service.
If you aren’t sure what all the talk of assistive devices has to do with you or your life, contact Gus Chalkias at CCVIP’s Demonstration Center for an individual appointment, 646 312-1422.
Finally, mark your calendar now for CCVIP’s fifth annual conference on Visual Impairment and Employment, Policy and Practice on May 11, 2012. Our theme this year is “Ever Upward.”
See you online or face to face at CCVIP.
Karen Luxton Gourgey Ed.D., Director
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About CCVIP Instructional Services
Our instructional staff includes teachers and tutors, who are available during class and scheduled computer labs to provide support and training.
Our classes have a maximum of nine students. We provide class material in large print, Braille, or on a CD depending on the needs of each student.
Continuing Education Units are awarded to students who successfully complete courses.
Classes and Seminars are also available upon request, as is individualized instruction, so please let us know if you don’t see something you want; we may be able to offer it if we have enough interested students. Call Judith Gerber at 646-312-1420.
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Enrollment Information
Tuition assistance: We encourage you to call us to determine your eligibility for free or low fee courses.
Seminar Payment: Full payment is due one week prior to the seminar date. However, payment is your registration, which is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Course Payment: A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot in a course. Full payment is due one week prior to the start of the course.
Seminar Refunds: Seminar fees are fully refundable one week before the seminar date. There is a $15 penalty for refunds requested less than one week in advance of the seminar.
Course Refunds: Course refunds must be requested in writing. Requests postmarked prior to the first class will qualify for the full course fee, less a $50 registration fee. Requests postmarked prior to the second day of class will be for 50% of the full course fee, less a $50 registration fee. If we must cancel a class, the full course fee will be refunded.
Contact: Please call Judith Gerber for entrance requirements, registration or classes and seminars, and fees at (646) 312-1420.
Please let us know if you’d like to receive CCVIP course announcements and updates via regular mail in Braille or large print, or via e-mail.
Courses are subject to change or cancellation.
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Earn a Certificate of Achievement
Students may mix and match any three courses in Microsoft business applications, such as Excel, Access or PowerPoint. The courses need not be taken within the same semester. Upon completion of three courses with at least a B+ average in each course, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
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Assistive Technology
CCVIP uses screen reading and large print software in all classes, depending on the preference and need of the student. These Assistive technologies are taught in each class; from the basics in Windows/Word, to more advanced features in our more advanced classes, such as MS Access. We feature JAWS or Window-Eyes screen readers, and ZoomText or Magic (with and without speech) large print software.
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CCVIP Learning Lab
CCVIP’s Learning Lab provides independent computer users and current CCVIP students an opportunity to practice and hone their skills. Staff is available to supervise the classroom and provide tutorials and course materials. The Learning Lab is equipped with an array of assistive technology designed to meet students’ needs and preferences. For information call (646) 312-1420.
Requirements:
If you have taken and successfully completed classes with us you are eligible. For New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) clients who have not taken classes at CCVIP, your CBVH counselor must refer you to take a hands-on assessment test to determine eligibility. For further information on the requirements for the Learning Lab, please contact Judith Gerber at (646) 312-1420 or email her at judith.gerber@baruch.cuny.edu
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Teacher/Organization Staff Training
CCVIP has trained New York City and State Board of Education teachers, and personnel from various organizations in how to use access technology with Windows applications. If your organization wishes orientation in access technology in the Windows environment, or training for trainers of visually impaired clients, students, or employees, please call Judith Gerber at (646) 312-1420. We would be happy to work with you on a consultant basis.
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Open House
Free Open House
Join us for a hands-on demonstration of computers equipped with large-print and screen reading (synthetic voice) software. See our training facilities and meet with instructors and staff. Held the first Wednesday of the month. Phone reservation required: 646-312-1420.
| Day | Date | Time |
| Wednesday | 11/2 | 1:30PM-3:30PM |
| Wednesday | 12/7 | 1:30PM-3:30PM |
| Wednesday | 1/5 | 1:30PM-3:30PM |
| Wednesday | 2/1 | 1:30PM-3:30PM |
| Wednesday | 3/7 | 1:30PM-3:30PM |
| Wednesday | 4/4 | 1:30PM-3:30PM |
| Wednesday | 6/6 | 1:30PM-3:30PM |
