History
The Computer Center for Visually Impaired People (CCVIP), established in 1978
at Baruch College, CUNY, was one of the first organizations to use computers
to help equalize opportunities for people with severe visual impairments. For
a quarter of a century, CCVIP has used computers equipped with the latest assistive
technology: speech synthesizers, print enlargement, and braille printers - to
help visually impaired people achieve their educational, professional and personal
goals.
CCVIP offers a range of challenging non-credit
computer classes in a college environment for beginners and experienced
users. The Center provides information and training on assistive computer
technology for professionals and the business community, and conducts research
to explore innovative ways of using the computer to improve the quality
of life for visually impaired people.
CCVIP
programs and services are supported by the technical resources of
the Baruch College Computing and Technology Center, the largest facility
of its kind within the City University of New York. CCVIP maintains
accessible offices, computer laboratory areas, and a specially-equipped
microcomputer classroom which features a range of adaptive systems
and software within a networked environment.
In
1996, CCVIP became part of the Division of Continuing and Professional
Studies at Baruch College, offering computer courses with a difference.
Our courses in Windows 2000, Word, Excel, Internet and others, feature
assistive technology that allows these popular packages to be used
by people who have trouble reading the standard screen. A maximum
of nine people may enroll in a course; each course is taught by an
experienced instructor, assisted by tutors. The environment is ideal
for anyone who would like to move at a slightly slower pace, or who
would appreciate extra individual attention.
