Since 1893, services & solutions
for people with disabilities.

NEAT Blind Vocational Services

NEAT finds employment, provides computer instruction, adaptive equipment, assistive technology and work site assessments.

Assistive Technology Tuition Grant Form
for Courses Provided by the Vocational Center for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Steve Famiglietti, Vocational Services Manager, teaching a class on JAWS at The NEAT Marketplace

Photo of our computer lab and software that we use during our trainings

Computer Training

Being computer-literate and proficient is an important part of many jobs. In many cases, training can have a huge impact on your employment success. We offer personalized or group training on the following adaptive software programs:

Computer Training Programs

Introduction to computers (Windows and the Internet)
JAWS is screen reading software which enables persons who are blind access to popular computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.
During the Training participants will learn:
- The proper installation and configuration
- Using the keyboard to navigate around the computer screen
- Using screen reader software with a Word Processor, Outlook, Outlook Express, and Internet Explorer
Window-Eyes is screen reading software which enables persons who are blind access to popular computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.
During the Training participants will learn:
- The proper installation and configuration
- Using the keyboard to navigate around the computer screen
- Using screen reader software with a Word Processor, Outlook, Outlook Express, and Internet Explorer
Zoomtext is a screen magnification software program which allows people with low vision, access to popular computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.
During the Training participants will learn:
- The proper installation and configuration
- Using the keyboard and mouse to navigate around a computer with Zoomtext
- Using Zoomtext with a Word Processor, Outlook, Outlook Express and Internet Explorer
Magic is a screen magnification software program which allows people with low vision, access to popular computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.
During the Training participants will learn:
- The proper installation and configuration
- Using the keyboard and mouse to navigate around a computer with Magic
- Using Magic with a Word Processor, Outlook, Outlook Express and Internet Explorer
Openbook is a scanning and reading software program which allows people who are blind and have low vision the ability to scan and read aloud important print documents. Such documents may include textbooks, bills, daily mail, brochures, fliers and important notices.
During the Training participants will learn:
- The proper installation and configuration
- Using the keyboard to navigate around a computer with Openbook
- Using Openbook to scan, read, organize and save important documents.
Kurzweil 1000 is a scanning and reading software program which allows people who are blind and have low vision the ability to scan and read aloud important print documents. Such documents may include textbooks, bills, daily mail, brochures, fliers and important notices.
During the Training participants will learn:
- The proper installation and configuration
- Using the keyboard to navigate around a computer with Kurzweil
- Using Kurzweil to scan, read, organize and save important documents.
Microsoft Office (productivity suite)

All of the above computer software training is available by appointment on an individual basis. Please call Steve Famiglietti at (860) 285-3100, toll free at (866) 526-4492, or via email at famigliettis@ciboakhill.org.

LEEP

Oak Hill’s Low vision/blind Educational Employment Program (LEEP) is a program that enables students, ages 15-23 who are blind or have low vision, the opportunity to live on a college campus with Oak Hill staff and to meet with admissions counselors, learn about computers and assistive technology, learn job interviewing skills, enhance daily skills and much, much more. There is no cost to the student, however space is limited.

LEEP operates for one week during the summer and students are housed, along with Oak Hill staff, at a local college or university. For further information, please call Karin Agritelly, Coordinator of Oak Hill Centers, Blindness Related Supports at (860) 286-3105, email: agritellyk@ciboakhill.org or Steven Famiglietti, Blind Services Vocational Manager at (860) 286-3100, email; famigliettis@ciboakhill.org

Adaptive Technology Evaluations

At The New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Center at Oak Hill, you can be evaluated for suitability of equipment such as:

Electronic magnifiers

Man using a Electronic Magnifier to read nutritional facts from a food package

Scanning and reading machines

Photograph of a Scanning Reading machine

Portable note takers

Photograph of a Portable Note Taker

Bar code readers

Photograph of a Bar Code Reader

Computer with Adaptive Software

Man using a computer with adaptive software

And much more!

Job Skills Assessment

The trained staff of the BSVI will assist clients in assessing job skills, resume writing, interview techniques, review of prior employment history, assistance with future employment endeavors and suggestions for the use of assistive technology available for individual needs.

Professional, Organizational and Employer Training and Awareness Services

Training seminars and workshops for large or small groups can be designed to meet organizational and professional needs. These workshops will

address the many issues surrounding blindness, low-vision and employment.
provide Information and hands-on experience with a wide variety of assistive technology, both low and high tech, that is currently available.
include success stories from individuals currently employed in the work force.
Provide strategies in locating and hiring individuals who are blind and have low for their organizations.

Assistive Technology Demonstrations

Assistive technology demonstrations are available by appointment at the NEAT Center or by special arrangement, at your own facility. During these demonstrations, people will experience hands on demonstrations and learn of the impact assistive technology can have in the lives of people who are blind or have low-vision. Equipment demonstrated can include computers with adaptive software, video magnification systems and various pieces of equipment designed to increase independence and productivity on the job.

Steven Famiglietti, is the Vocational Services Manager for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired. Legally blind since birth, Steve has spent many years working with adaptive technology and has seen first hand how it can play a major role in allowing people with low vision or total blindness to have the same opportunities as their sighted peers.

Photograph of Steve with a student working on a computer with adaptive software. At his side is his guide dog.

“Working full-time has provided me with so many benefits - self confidence, intellectual stimulation, socialization, and independence,” says Steve. “I am excited and eager to work with you in finding part-time or full-time employment.”

For more information, to discuss how employment would affect disability income, or to receive this brochure in an accessible format, please contact:

Steve Famiglietti, Vocational Services Manager at (860) 286-3100, or email at famigliettis@ciboakhill.org.

Karin Agritelly, Coordinator of Oak Hill Centers, Blindness Related Supports at (860) 286-3105 or email at agritellyk@ciboakhill.org.

This program was established through a generous donation from
The Gibney Family Foundation.

Tuition Grant Form (.DOC)

Request Information (.DOC)

Blind Services Brochure (.PDF)

Vocational Services for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired
at the
The New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Center at Oak Hill
33 Coventry Street
Hartford, CT 06112-1589
(click for map and directions)

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