People with Disabilities in Ireland
4th Floor Jervis House
Jervis Street
Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 87 21 74 4
Fax: 01 87 21 77 1
Email: info@pwdi.ie
The National Training and Development Institute (NTDI) is Ireland's largest non-Government training organisation with over 50 training and employment centres nationwide. Yet, a recent survey showed that only 38% of those surveyed were aware of its existence. Richard Gibbons was a trainee of the Galway Institute and was only aware of its existence as a result of a conversation with a friend.
Richard took part in distance learning and received a qualification in ECDL as a result of which he feels his life has greatly improved. He has been a wheelchair user since 1973 and had never thought that an opportunity existed for him to study. Due to the nature of Richard's disability, attending a college on a daily basis was not a consideration.
" My family bought me a computer for my birthday and it remained untouched until I heard about the NTDI distance learning. To say what followed made a difference to my life would be an understatement. In fact, I now have a whole new set of interests and have gained so much as a result," he says.
The 24-month programme provides students with a nationally recognised information technology qualification including ECDL from their own homes. Students are provided with equipment including a computer and printer as well as any supporting software required. Students also receive online support and individual assistance from instructors in their own homes, thus eliminating the need to physically attend college. The course is available to those with disabilities who want to learn but may be unable to attend a college on a daily basis. Students are, however, required to attend one monthly group meeting, as well as having a tutor call to their homes on a regular basis.
There are many people with disabilities who may feel excluded from learning and are unaware of distance learning programmes designed to meet their needs. Richard is a good example of this. Once he found out about the programme new windows of opportunity opened. His advice is:
"If the opportunity arises, grab it with both hands because it has been a great help to me, especially in winter. It's incredible to look back and think I was once afraid of this! I was convinced I would never be able to use a computer but I was given so much support and now I don't even think about turning it on and, believe me, if I can do it then anyone can," he says.
A keen fisherman, one of the big advantages of his new skills is the regular contact he makes with angling clubs throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom, by email. He has also put together information on Corrib fishing, which he has sent to these clubs containing such information as the type of fish, and what is required to fish the Corrib in the form of equipment and licences. In some cases Richard has arranged accommodation for the club members who visit Galway, something he could not have imagined doing before gaining his qualification.
Distance learning is just one of the courses on offer at the NTDI Galway.
Supports available include:
. Individually tailored training
. Literacy and Numeracy support
. Psychological support
. Work experience
. Personal skills development and training
. Information technology skills
. On the job support
. Opportunity to obtain a nationally recognised qualification
For further information on the NTDI and its services please phone: 091 756650, fax: 091 752342, email: galway@ntdi.ie or visit the centre at Horizon Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway.
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