Training a Child with Blindness on the Basic Use of Computer with the Aim of Internet Socialization; an Intervention Program.

Abstract

In the present intervention program an eleven-year-old student with visual impairments was introduced in the basic use of a computer for the first time. The key tools for achieving this goal were the screen reading software "NVDA" as well as the development of a well-structured educational program. The purpose of the intervention was to enhance the student's technological skills, to make him familiar with the use of assistive technology and to enable him to exploit these new skills for his internet socialization. The evaluation of the intervention program's results was completed on three stages: a) after testing the student's knowledge and skills in the basic use of a computer (pre- and post-assessment ), b) after measuring his social network, his self-esteem and the perceived social support, and c) after analyzing the content of the student's written speech based on a series of criteria. (pre- and post-assessment). The results showed that the basic use of a computer was acquired and internet socialization increased his level of self-esteem, his social network and simultaneously created a sense of belonging. Finally, there was an improvement in his writing.