Hello Cappers,

This is the first issue of many to come updating you on the exciting things happening around the province through the Community Access Program. So far all of the networks have at least some youth workers hired, and we expect that September will be a busy month for hiring and getting started in many regions. Overall, this summer has been very productive with many sites running exciting cybercamps and useful computer training sessions. This issue will feature an in depth look at 3 youth interns working hard and delivering interesting and exciting camps and workshops. Also, this months feature resource will be an examination of assistive technology which is something we at the OLA would like to see the CAPsites actively trying to incorporate into the program. Many youth workers have been hired and are working hard at sites around the province so be sure to check the CAP wiki and webboard (both accessible through http://capstats.ocl.net) for great ideas and additional resources.

Youth Hired to Date: approximately 71

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SUMMER SUCCESS STORY: Haliburton County
Youth Intern: Aaron Berning

Aaron Berning a Youth Intern for CAP has had a really successful summer session with cottagers in and around his community. Although many of his patrons require little assistance, as they are using the CAPsite for simple tasks, such as email and surfing the internet, he has been able to help some clients with specific issues. One client came in with a hardware issue, which Aaron addressed and diagnosed. He also helped a woman set up her new ibook in preparation for the fall semester. Finally, he was able to learn new skills and help an individual work with complex webdesign for his own business. Being located in a tourist network means that Aaron had to make the most of his busy summer and try to get the program off to a running start. Overall, he has shown great dedication to the job and has cited some of his work with CAP as a chance to learn new skills. Keep up the good work Aaron and thanks for sharing your success with the rest of Ontario! :)

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: RESOURCES

Definition:
Software or hardware that has been specifically designed to assist people with old web browsers, slow internet connections, different operating systems, those who speak other languages, people with limited vision, hearing, and movement, those who have difficulty with reading and comprehending text, those who are not able to use or don’t have access to a keyboard or mouse, those people working in loud environments etc.

Why it is Important:
The Web is an increasingly important resource in many aspects of life: education, employment, government, commerce, health care, recreation, and more. It is essential that the Web be accessible in order to provide equal access and equal opportunity to people with disabilities. An accessible Web can also help people with disabilities more actively participate in society.

Helpful Resources:
Industry Canada has compiled a list of helpful webbased resources which can be found at http://www.at-links.gc.ca/db-01E.asp. Office Accomodations specific to Ontario can be found at http://www.pwd-online.ca/pwdlist.jsp?&lang=en&fontsize=0&cat=2_51&geo=6

Canadian Government Article: A Place For All: A Guide to Creating an Inclusive Workplace. http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/discrimination/APFA_UPPT/toc_tdm-en.asp

Access for All Through Technology: Toward an Accessible and Inclusive Information Technology Environment. http://www.psagency-agencefp.gc.ca/ee/pmp/promo/access2_e.asp

Example through CAP:
Youth Intern: Amanda VanAaken

Amanda, a youth intern in Goderich, has been using a program called Zoomtext. This program is for individuals who have limited vision. Amanda has been using this program with an individual who is legally blind. Zoomtext magnifies the screen to different degrees and it can help clarify different fonts once magnified. It also enables you to zoom in only on the parts of the screen that are of interest to you. The program can add different enhancements to the cursor and text to make it easier to see. There are screen readers that can help individuals who have difficulty seeing to locate what they are looking for or even read them entire documents or pages. In Goderich Amanda has downloaded a free version of Zoomtext for 60days. Please check out the website below to receive your free trial of Zoomtext if you think any patrons at your capsite could benefit from this program.

http://www.aisquared.com/index.cfm

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Simpsonized Cybercamp
Youth Intern: Brent Coleman

With the release of the new movie "The Simpsons", Brent Coleman, a youth worker in Clinton and Zurich network, was able to run a very successful cybercamp which he dubbed the "Simpsonized Cybercamp". This proved to be a popular activity and helped create awareness about the CAP site in his community. The camp was run through the simpsonized website. You start by simply uploading a photo of the person to be "simpsonized." This is likely only for comparison purposes, so it is therefore not necessary to upload a new photo for every person. You are then asked to fill in certain information about the person to be simpsonized. After the "simpsonization", you can change attributes of the character. When the "simpsonization" modification is finished, you can send this to your own, or your friends emails.

http://simpsonizeme.com______________________________________________________________

Stats: From April 2007 until Sept. 1 2007

Number of People who Visited a CAP site: 15,141
Number of Computer/Internet training sessions held: 305
Number of people who received computer and internet training: 965
Number of Assistive Technology Training Sessions Held: 163
Number of People who Received Assistive Technology Training: 479
Total Number of Cybercamps Delivered: 88
Total Number of People Registered for Cybercamps: 332

Total Number of Camps Conducted for the Following Groups:

Seniors: 9

Have a success story? Take a minute to share the great programs that are taking place at your CAP site with the rest of Ontario, send your stories and photos to your Regional Co-ordinator. Stories and ideas will be shared, space permitting, in the upcoming Newsletters.

Find a great resource? Share it with your Regional Co-ordinator.

The Government of Canada provides funding for this initiative.