[IL-Talk] FW: Computer Class

Thu Sep 17 01:29:55 UTC 2026

Hello all:

All I am going to say is very interesting. Also, depending on the material, are they going to be able to teach it in a 6-week class. For BPN we used to have 6-week classes but then determined that 6-week classes were not sufficient for what we offer at Blind Professionals Network. Lastly, are the free computers going to have the appropriate amount of ram on them to run a screen reader/magnification software. I am very concerned about this class.

Best,

Mark R. Peters
Assistive Technology Instructor 
Phone: 309-338-8102
Email: mpetersats at outlook.com
Book a meeting with me! Assistive Technology Support-Meet with Mark

-----Original Message-----
From: IL-Talk <il-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Leslie Hamric via IL-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 1:58 PM
To: dan.tevelde at comcast.net; il-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Leslie Hamric <lhamric930 at comcast.net>; ICB-L at acblists.org; il-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [IL-Talk] FW: Computer Class

My concerns about this class or the following: if you get a free computer, would it be set up with the screen reader of your choice meeting Jaws or NVDA? Who is the person teaching this class and do they know what they're doing in terms of assistive technology? Maybe MOPD has resources that I'm not aware of.
Leslie Hamric
Cello and Braille Music Teacher
Vice-President of National Federation of the Blind of Illinois At Large  Chapter

> On Sep 16, 2026, at 1:51 PM, Dan TeVelde via IL-Talk <il-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> This might be of interest to people who live in Chicago. I don't need 
> the class so I didn't review the attached flyer. People might want to 
> contact MOPD directly if they have questions.
> 
> 
> 
> Dan
> 
> 
> 
> From: Maureen Reid <Maureen.Reid at CHICAGOLIGHTHOUSE.ORG>
> Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 10:28 AM
> Subject: FW: Computer Class
> 
> 
> 
> Wanted to share this in case it benefits you, or someone you know.
> 
> Please see below.
> 
> 
> 
> Maureen Reid
> 
> Job Placement Counselor | Scholarship Coordinator  | Employment 
> Services
> 
> Phone: 312.997.3655
> 
> Fax: 312.445.3640
> 
> <http://www.chicagolighthouse.org/> www.chicagolighthouse.org
> 
> <https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoLighthouse/timeline/?ref=ts>
> <https://twitter.com/ChiLighthouse>
> <https://www.youtube.com/user/chicagolighthouse>
> <https://instagram.com/chicagolighthouse/>
> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-chicago-lighthouse-for-people-who-are-
> blind-or-visually-impaired?trk=company_logo>    
> 
> 
> 
> From: Jocelyn Romasanta <Jocelyn.Romasanta at cityofchicago.org
> <mailto:Jocelyn.Romasanta at cityofchicago.org> >
> Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 10:05 AM
> To: Jocelyn Romasanta <Jocelyn.Romasanta at cityofchicago.org
> <mailto:Jocelyn.Romasanta at cityofchicago.org> >
> Cc: William Gevirtz <William.Gevirtz at cityofchicago.org
> <mailto:William.Gevirtz at cityofchicago.org> >; Latosha Haywood 
> <Latosha.Haywood at cityofchicago.org
> <mailto:Latosha.Haywood at cityofchicago.org> >
> Subject: Computer Class
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> FREE 6-WEEK BASIC COMPUTER CLASS + FREE LAPTOP!
> 
> MOPD, in partnership with Access Living, is hosting a free, 6-week 
> Basic Computer Skills class for Chicago residents with disabilities, ages 16- 59.
> Those who complete the class will get a free computer.
> 
> The class will be held in person at Central West Community Center, 
> located at 2102 W. Ogden Avenue.
> 
> Perks of the program:
> 
> *                  Free 6-week course
> 
> *                  FREE computer upon completion!
> 
> *                  *FREE year of hotspot internet (*based on benefit program
> enrollment)
> 
> Important Dates & Schedule:
> 
> *                  Registration Dates:
> 
> o        October 1, 2026: 10 am- 12 pm
> 
> o        October 8, 2026: from 10 am- 12 pm
> 
> *                  Class Schedule: meets every Thursday for 6 weeks
> 
> o        October 15: 10 am- 12 pm
> 
> o        October 22: 10 am- 12 pm
> 
> o        October 29: 10 am- 12 pm
> 
> o        November 5: 10 am- 12 pm
> 
> o        November 12: 10 am- 12 pm
> 
> o        November 18: 10 am- 12 pm
> 
> Location: MOPD Central West Community Center, 2102 W. Ogden Avenue
> 
> Eligibility:
> 
> *                  16 to 59 years old
> 
> *                  Live in Chicago
> 
> *                  Have a disability
> 
> *                  Skill Level: can use a computer to follow along with the
> basic lessons
> 
> Accessibility & Support:
> 
> *                  Accommodations for equipment and interpreters can be
> requested in advance. Please let us know what you need during your 
> screening.
> 
> If you have clients who would be a good fit, please have them contact 
> us to complete their screening:
> 
> *                  Phone:  (312) 746- 5773; prompt #3
> 
> *                  Email: MOPDCareerCenter at cityofchicago.org
> <mailto:MOPDCareerCenter at cityofchicago.org>
> 
> 
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> 
>  _____
> 
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> the
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> 
> <Computer Class Cohort 7.pdf>
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