Rebecca Ballard has been working as a computer trainer since the 1990s. She started in Local Government (an organisation then called the Southern Regional Council for Further Education). During that time she also did some part-time teaching at Reading College.
From there Rebecca worked for the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB), as a Technical Training Consultant. She was a initially a member of staff at the RNIB’s Vocational College in Loughborough, although based at the Head Quarters which was at that time in Great Portland Street, in London. For the latter part of Rebecca’s employment she was responsible for the computer training for the RNIB’s visually impaired staff.
In 1999 Rebecca was invited to join Blazie Ltd, a small company supplying software, hardware, training and other consultancy services for blind and partially sighted computer users.
In 2007 she started working as a freelance computer trainer, based in Cardiff.
In terms of qualifications here is a potted history of those that are relevant:
- City & Guilds Further and Adult Education Teachers’ Certificate (7307);
- Institute of IT Training, Certificate in Training Delivery Skill;
- British Computer Association of the Blind, Trainer Certification Scheme;
- Open University – The Fundamentals of Computing;
- Open University – Adult Learning: Education and Training;
- Open University – Education, Training and the Changing Nature of Work;
- Henter Joyce – Jaws Macro Writing Course;
- Henter Joyce – Customising Jaws and Script writing for Jaws;
- Deaf Blind UK – Awareness Training .
Rebecca has worked with a wide range of people using the following assistive technology (among others):
- Jaws (from version 2)
- Supanova
- Lunar
- Magic
- ZoomText
- Braille Displays
- CCTVs
- Kurzweil 1000
- OpenBook
- Dragon Naturally Speaking
- Connect Outloud
- Duxbury Braille Translator
Rebecca has written a number of books in the series “Windows Without the Mouse”. If you are interested in those take a look at www.WithoutaMouse.com.