[NFBWATLK] Fwd: Access Technology's New Direction

[Marci Carpenter]

> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: "Al Yardley" <accesstechnology at q.com>
> Subject: Access Technology's New Direction
> Date: January 1, 2017 at 9:38:14 AM PST
> To: "'Marci Carpenter'" <mjc59 at comcast.net>
> 
> Hi Marci, <>
>  
> First let me say Happy New Year and thank you again for meeting with me last week. 
>  
> I really appreciate your insight on what your federation is doing here in the State and across the nation as well as helping me to understand the fundamental mission of your organization.
>  
> As we discussed my company, Access Technology, has focused its resources and energy serving clients of the Department of Services for the Blind for the past 16+ years. This has been a great partnership, but it has left me little time to help others who don’t qualify for State services. In many cases assistance was not provided just due to time constraints and workload. 
>  
> For the past 2+ years I have developed, implemented and managed a “state accepted” training program for new assistive technology “trainers”. Two of these trainers have now reached the level where they are ready to fill my shoes and support the needs of the Department of Services for Blind. 
>  
> With these new trainers taking the lead with Department of Services for the Blind, I am now free to assist/work/train others who have the “need” but not the “way” to seek computer training (PC) and assistance with their assistive technology and IPhones. My goal now is to help this group outside of DSB services and offer the assistance/training at a reasonable cost. I want to make it affordable to everyone. No job is too small.
>  
> I am not a technician, but really more a “trainer”.  My areas of expertise are: JAWS, Window Eyes, Zoom Text, Zoom Text Fusion, Magic and Open Book. I have worked with System Access and NVDA as well. Within the Microsoft community I train: Windows 7 and Windows 10, Microsoft Word, WordPad, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Internet Explorer.
>  
> I am hoping you can spread the word with your members. Give them my phone number and email. If I can help I certainly will. Thank you again for your time and all that you do within the community and the state of Washington.
>  
> If there is anything I can assist with in your endeavors please don’t hesitate to call our email. Thanks again.
>  
> Sincerely, 
>  
> Al Yardley
> Access Technology
> (253) 223 2069
> Email: accesstechnology at q.com <mailto:accesstechnology at q.com>
>  
> Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s 
> about learning to dance in the rain.
>  
> From: Marci Carpenter [mailto:mjc59 at comcast.net <mailto:mjc59 at comcast.net>] 
> Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2016 2:30 PM
> To: Al Yardley <accesstechnology at q.com <mailto:accesstechnology at q.com>>
> Subject: Re: Can I stop by for a quick visit next week?
>  
> Hi Al,
>  
> I am very familiar with your work and have heard many compliments of you by Mike and others. I would be happy to meet with you this week. I am available on Tuesday (12/27) or Friday (12/30) in mid morning or mid afternoon. There is an Uptown Espresso near where I live in West Seattle. It’s at 4301 SW Edmunds St and it is a great meeting spot. Let me know what works for you.
>  
> Marci
>> On Dec 23, 2016, at 12:41 PM, Al Yardley <accesstechnology at q.com <mailto:accesstechnology at q.com>> wrote:
>>  
>> Hi Ms. Carpenter,
>>  
>> My name is Al Yardley, Access Technology, and I don’t believe we have ever met. 
>>  
>> I have been a one on one trainer in assistive technology (primarily PC) here in the State for the past 16+ years. 
>>  
>> I know this is a busy time of year, but I was wondering if I might get about 15 minutes of your time next week after Christmas is over? I want to share an observation (training need) that I’ve seen across this great state and get your ideas.  
>>  
>> I won’t be available on Wednesday, December 28th but will be all of the other days next week. I will come to you where ever that is to meet you in person. 
>>  
>> I have worked with several members of the Washington Federation for the Blind over the years. They can vouch for my credibility if needed. Those who come to mind quickly are Mike Mello and Jim Portillo.
>>  
>> I want to let you know I met with Steve Fiksdal two days ago and spoke to him about this same observation. He actually gave me your email address. 
>>  
>> Anyway let me know your thoughts. If we need to wait till the new year, we can do that as well but would like to meet sooner if you are available.
>>  
>> Looking forward to meeting with you.
>>  
>> Al Yardley
>> Access Technology
>> (253) 223 2069
>>  
>> Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s 
>> about learning to dance in the rain.