[blindlaw] general input please

[Scott C. LaBarre]

Greetings:

Last April, the National Association of Blind Lawyers conducted a training session with a WestLaw representative who knew JAWS and assistive technology for the blind/visually impaired.  Many of us found the training extremely valuable because we were working in an accessible computer lab and the instructor could give us JAWS specific ways to access the information.  Of course, it was also very helpful that we could hear exactly what she was doing.  

We are contemplating similar and expanded efforts in the future.  These efforts would not only include additional training on technology based aids like Westlaw or Lexis but also how to manage litigation using alternative techniques and assistive technology.  We could also offer some training for non-litigators who are involved in more regulatory or transactional work.  One way to think of this is a series of training academies for blind/visually impaired attorneys.  Of course, CLE would be an important part of any of this.  

So, before we plunge forward, I wanted to gage a sense of potential demand for such training.  Assuming CLE credit would be offered and participants would be trained how to maximize their efficiency using assistive technology and other techniques, would your organization/employer pay for such training?  If you are a solo/small firmer, would you pay for it?  It would also make sense to offer this training to law students so that they could gain valuable skills prior to even setting foot in the legal profession.  I suspect that voc rehab agencies could be convinced to pay for such blindness specific training.  

I know that the next question is how much?  The truth is we don't know exactly.  There could be a wide variety of programs offered differing greatly in scope.  If, for example, we offered a NITA like trial training course using assistive technology and teaching effective, nonvisual litigation techniques, the training might be a week and would probably cost something similar to courses like NITA's.  One or two day seminars emphasizing legal research would, of course, be much different in scope and cost less.

Any way, I am seeking general input and thoughts about potential training programs.  Not only am I attempting to gage demand, I am also seeking ideas about the type of training folks would find useful.  I thank you in advance for your help.  Please feel free to send me a message directly or respond generally to the list.  

Scott C. LaBarre, Esq.

LaBarre Law Offices P.C.
1660 South Albion Street, Ste. 918
Denver, Colorado 80222
303 504-5979 (voice)
303 757-3640 (fax)
slabarre at labarrelaw.com (e-mail)
www.labarrelaw.com (website)

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