[Trainer-Talk] Training on Mac verses Windows: Urgent request for feedback

[Gatton, Tonia (OVR-LV)]

I'm eager to hear from everyone but especially those of you providing center-based AT training.  How are you handling requests for Mac training when Windows is still being used in the great majority of workplaces?  Do you teach both? Do you share the pros and cons of each platform and let the student make an informed choice?  Do you strongly encourage them to learn Windows with JAWS if their vocational goal would most likely require the use of a Windows computer?  How do you proceed if they do not have a definite vocational goal or if their goal is perhaps self-employment, and they are adamant that they want to start out with or only learn the Mac?  What if they don't have their own equipment, they can't afford to purchase and it's doubtful the rehab counselor will assist unless they're going to college or have an actual job offer?

I guess you could say our Center has been somewhat bias toward training on Windows with JAWS since that would tend to open up more employment options for the client.  However, with the popularity of Apple products, we continue to have more and more clients requesting Mac training regardless of their vocational goal.  Due to budget constraints, in recent years, we've primarily only been serving category one clients.  Training on both platforms has therefore not been a practical or realistic option in most cases.

I'm reaching out to the list for thoughts and experiences of other trainers in preparation for a meeting where we plan on exploring new training approaches and philosophies.  So your feedback is much appreciated.

Tonia


"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."  Winston Churchill

Tonia Gatton
Assistive Technology Specialist
KY Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Division of Blind services
Charles W. McDowell center
8412 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
(502) 429-4460
(502) 429-7101 (fax)
Tonia.gatton at ky.gov<mailto:Tonia.gatton at ky.gov>