The only school for the blind in the Philippines that specializes in computer access and information technology. With the use of adaptive technology, blind and sight impaired persons can now gain access to post-secondary education, mainstream employment, and similar opportunities.

Adaptive technology includes screen reader software that provides every stroke of the keyboard and click of the mouse with a vocal response. This allows the blind person to have confidence in word processing, e-mail and even Web surfing, knowing that whatever is on the screen will be spoken aloud for instant feedback.

To date, ATRIEV has directly and indirectly trained and empowered over 400 young blind adults who have gone on to higher education, who have become transcriptionists, computer instructors, web content writers, human resource personnel, researchers, entrepreneurs etc.

From the very words of our Chairman, Mr. Peter L. Wallace, excerpted from his message in the souvenir program of ATRIEV's benefit concert entitled "Stand by Me" held on October 22, 2009:

There are some things in life that are truly worth doing. And one of the most worthy is to help others, particularly those that are disadvantaged.

ATRIEV students and staff may not be able to see but they have a vision that goes way beyond sight. They can see. They deserve our support as they fight against the odds set up against them. I thank you all for that support, particularly our sponsors.

For those in business, I ask you to please consider these talented people for jobs. They've worked hard to acquire skills, they need a career. I appeal to you, help them to have one

ATRIEV HAS GIVEN HOPE AND A FUTURE TO MANY WHO THOUGHT THEY HAD NOTHING. TODAY, THEY HAVE A LIFE. Tomorrow ATRIEV WILL HELP MANY MORE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR SIGHT FIND A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

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ATRIEV Training Programs for 2010

Enrollment: On-going

ATRIEV, a computer school for the blind and visually impaired, announces the conduct of its computer training course for 2010. PC Operations with Access Technology (PCOAT) and English Language Communications (ELC).

PC Operations with Access Technology (PCOAT) provides basic computer literacy, especially in the use of a screen reader / magnification software in tandem with common Microsoft Office applications, instant messaging, and basic trouble shooting. The course also includes competencies in work ethics and quality standards.

Who can join?

1. Must be visually impaired
2. Must have completed high school, or two years of college or a graduate of a technical/vocational course
3. Must be highly motivated and willing to learn
4. Must pass our qualifying requirements

English Language Communications(ELC) course covers workplace communications including English grammar, reading / listening comprehension, written and verbal communications, including business writing, conversation, presentation, and public speaking skills.

Who can join?

1. Must be visually impaired
2. Must have completed ATRIEV’s PC Operations with Access technology (PCOAT) module or its equivalent
3. Must be highly motivated and willing to learn
4. Must pass our qualifying requirements

Class schedule:

• April to May 2010; Monday to Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• July to August 2010; Monday to Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• October to November 2010; Monday to Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  REQUIREMENTS:

  • Completely filled up application form available for download, or at the ATRIEV office
  • 2 pieces (1 x 1) ID photo
  • Personal interview by a member of the ATRIEV training team
  • Photocopy of diploma / certificates (whichever is applicable)
  • Photocopy of report card or transcript of records (whichever is applicable)
  • Consent of parent or guardian (for minors and those supported by parents)
  • Medical certificate for visual acuity
  • Income Tax Return (ITR)

  Registration fee: Php500.00 only
  Tuition fee: Php20,000.00
  Deadline for application: 28 February 2010
  REGISTER NOW!
  ONLY 15 SLOTS ARE AVAILABLE!
  LIMITED TUITION FEE SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WILL PASS THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.
  

  For more information, please call us at Tel. No. 725-4191 and look for Mr. Tony Llanes or Ms. Lourdes Borgonia of the Programs Unit. You may also e-mail us at info@atriev.org.ph and atriev.inc@gmail.com

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  Even Grounds and ATRIEV Collaborate for Web Accessibility Seminar in 2010

  Even Grounds, a Washington-based accessibility consulting company, and ATRIEV, the first and only computer school for the blind in the Philippines, will organize a web accessibility seminar on January 21-22, 2010. This event will be held at the APEC Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC) laboratory of the National Computer Center.

  Web accessibility refers to a set of principles and methods used in making web content more accessible and usable for persons with disabilities. More and more persons with disabilities are now having the opportunity and resources to access the Internet. However, websites that have poor design and inaccessible content may prevent these individuals from taking advantage of online information and services.

  With this in mind, Even Grounds and ATRIEV are inviting web development students from a number of colleges to this unique event. The two institutions believe that web accessibility should be instilled in aspiring web developers while they are still studying. This in turn enables them to create more accessible sites as they become professionals in this field.

  This two-day seminar will be spearheaded by Julius Charles Serrano, Even Grounds’ research director, and Rene Orense, ATRIEV’s project officer and web master. Both Julius and Rene have extensive knowledge in web accessibility, and have attended and conducted web accessibility seminars both here and abroad.

  About Even Grounds

  Even Grounds provides consulting services and solutions that make technology accessible for people with disabilities. The company works with government agencies and corporations to evaluate products for accessibility and assist with the life-cycle development and implementation of solutions. The company also provides accessibility training and helps organizations comply with relevant laws and regulations. Even Grounds is located in Alexandria, Va.

  About ATRIEV

  Established in 1994 by a group of blind computer enthusiasts, Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) is a not-for-profit organization that specializes on information and communications technology training programs for visually-impaired persons. It is the only IT-based school for the blind that facilitates access to post-secondary education, mainstream employment, and similar opportunities through the use of adaptive technology in the country.

  
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  ON-THE-JOB TRAINEES, NEEDED

  Are you a graduating student of any of the following courses?
  

  • B.S. Accountancy
  • B.S. Computer Science
  • B.S. Computer Engineering

  ATRIEV, a computer school for the blind, can be your training ground to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned in the classroom in an actual school and office setting.

  We can accept you as on-the-job trainee upon completion of the following requirements:
  

  1. Letter of Intent addressed to ATRIEV stating your willingness to be an OJT
  2. Letter from your Dean or instructor/professor stating the requirement of your OJT
  3. Your resume

  Email your requirements at info@atriev.org.ph or atriev.inc@gmail.com or fax to 725-4191.

  Welcome to ATRIEV!

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  First Call Center Facility for the Blind Launched

  The Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) Inc, the organization that pioneered computer training for the blind in the Philippines, recently received a much needed boost from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC) based in Taiwan, in partnership with local funding agencies, and the private sector. Please click NEWS AND EVENTS for more details.

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  OUTSOURCED TRANSCRIPTION WORK

  If you need print or digital copies of your medical dictations, conference recordings or business meetings, let ATRIEV do the job for you. ATRIEV is an NGO that has done transcription work for media fora, en banc meetings of government agencies and private businesses since 2002.

  We transcribe:
  

  • One-on-one interviews (in English, Tagalog or Taglish)
  • Focus group discussions (FGD) (in English, Tagalog or Taglish)
  • Conferences, meetings, seminars or workshops (in English, Tagalog or Taglish)
  • Voicemail messages (in American and British accents)

  We can also translate your interviews or FGDs from Tagalog to English.
  We have a pool of dedicated, hardworking and experienced transcriptionists to meet your transcription needs.
  We guarantee continuously improving ACCURACY, reasonable TURNAROUND TIME, and CONFIDENTIALITY with respect to the contents of your material. Of course, we also guarantee COST-EFFECTIVE RATES!
  

  Contact us now for your transcription needs.
  Email us at info@atriev.org.ph or atriev.inc@gmail.com
  Or call 725-4191 or send SMS to +63922-564-4353
  Please look for Carol Catacutan for inquiries.

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  MESSAGES FROM ATRIEV'S PARTNERS

  From Michael Davies

  (Former CBM Regional Representative, South East Asia and Pacific Region)

  CBM -- which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is happy to have made a small contribution towards getting ATRIEV up and running, and helping to meet some of the essential operational and training costs. ATRIEV is a very good example of a not-for-profit programme combining good governance, good management and good income-generation, in support of the challenging task of enabling visually impaired people to develop marketable skills, and get work.

  One hundred years ago, the German Pastor Ernst Christoffel started CBM's work when he opened schools for blind children in West Asia. From these small beginnings, CBM has grown to be a major international agency working with local partners to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in over one hundred countries, using a twin-track strategy of technical and financial support for service delivery, together with advocacy for the right of all people with disabilities to be included in all aspects of life and work.

  Thanks again to ATRIEV for its tremendous work, and for helping CBM to commemorate its centennial. As CBM's strapline proclaims - "Together, we can do more!"

  Michael Davies OBE

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  From European IT Service Center

  (excerpt from the message of Mr. Dominick Sabado, Executive Director of the European IT Service Center to ATRIEV's benefit concert 2008)

  We congratulate the Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) for its dedication to empower persons with disabilities and to provide them career opportunities through training in information technology (IT).

  We are convinced that the sector of Information Technology in its widest interpretation has become one of the sunrise sectors for the Philippines.

  The IT sector has grown substantially in recent years, but the full potential of the Philippines as a hub for IT and IT-enabled services has still to be developed. The challenges to be addressed by both government and the private sector in a public -- private partnership range from effective marketing of the skills available in the country to creating the manpower resource to be able to catch the available business opportunities in all regions of the world.

  ATRIEV is evidence that persons with disabilities can contribute and play a role in the growing IT industry. We share its vision of changing the lives of the blind through the use of computers.

  Dominic E. Sabado
  Executive Director

  
  
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  DONATE NOW...

  Would you like to help blind persons go to computer training at ATRIEV? You can donate any amount and it will go to tuition fees, transportation, board and lodging, and related expenses.

  ATRIEV Bank Accounts:
  Banco De Oro	Cubao - Gen. Araneta Branch
  Account Name:	ATRIEV
  Account Type:	Dollar Savings Account
  Account Number:	397-0033777
  Account Name:	ATRIEV
  Account Type:	Current Account
  Account Number:	397-8004546
  Metrobank	Cubao - E. Rodriguez Branch
  Account Name:	ATRIEV
  Account Type:	Peso Savings Account
  Account Number:	007-265-513081

  
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  ATRIEV on YouTube

  
  

  Check out ATRIEV's New YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ATRIEV.

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