Congratulations, Cheryl!

Congratulations are in order for Cheryl, who completed the Blind/Low Vision training program at EmpowerTech as of March 31, 2009.

Cheryl came to EmpowerTech in the latter part of 2008. Before losing most of her vision due to diabetic retinopathy, she had been employed as a data entry clerk, with additional light clerical and phone receptionist responsibilities. After becoming aware of assistive technology, she sought training first at Braille Institute, moved on to the Davidson Program for Independence (DPI) at Junior Blind of America, and came to EmpowerTech for additional up-to-date training in the use of the Zoomtext screen magnifier and Microsoft Office applications. Prior experience with Windows-based computers served her well, for it wasn't long before she quickly mastered the essentials of the Zoomtext screen magnifier and a keyboard-based approach to computer navigation. Her touch typing skills, which were good at the start of the program, became formidable and, as a fellow student once described, “absolutely awe-inspiring”. Like many of EmpowerTech's better students, she was
hard-working, diligent and focused, showing unusual initiative by going beyond the scope of the program's curriculum to explore more esoteric aspects of Word and Excel. She quickly realized the potential of computers and the Internet to free herself from the drudgery of performing a number of personal day-to-day paber-based tasks with only a magnifying glass and embraced the convenience and benefits of such things as online shopping and banking.
Though she has some apprehension about trying to rejoin the work force in today's tough economic climate, she's eager to go back to work as a customer service representative or receptionist/clerk with her newly-acquired skills. We applaud her efforts in this regard and wish her every success in all of her future endeavors.