Nattiq conducts advanced IT training for the blind at UAE University

The training was conducted on April 16th and 17th.

The UAE is witnessing an emerging group of talented blind nationals which is systematically demonstrating that the gap can actually be narrowed between blind users and their sighted counterparts through modern assistive technology tools. UAE University recognized this emerging group of talented blind users and as a part of its social responsibility efforts decided to offer them a high level IT training course.

Four advanced blind users went through the training after phenomenally succeeding in mastering required IT skills during the last few moths. Nattiq's top training expert conducted the training at the University.

Turning on a computer, navigating Windows® and accessing some application packages independently were great achievements for blind users, but in order to actually narrow the gap, blind user require many more skills. Hal® screen reader offered by Nattiq Technologies is a powerful tool many blind users in the Middle East came to discover during the last few years.

Hal®, screen reader used by the trainees, is making a substantial difference in helping blind users gain their independence and privacy in accessing standard computer systems. The training covered subjects important to blind users who are hoping to acquire employment in the IT sector. Conducting internet research, gathering work related information and accessing PDF files are some of the high priority tasks requested by advanced blind users.

The ability to read graphics and charts has become one of their top priority goals too. Most importantly, they expressed interest in accessing CD titles which are not accessible by design. Nattiq addressed such requirements throughout this high level training at UAE University.

"Our goal is to raise awareness in the community about how the gap may be narrowed which will eventually allow blind candidates to obtain employment in the IT sector," said Auda Hazeem, Nattiq's CEO, " with such high level training, talented blind users will feel more confident in applying for IT jobs competing with their sighted counter parts."

Nattiq continues to offer high level IT training courses to blind users throughout the Middle East. Trainees from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan travel to the UAE to attend training sessions conducted by Nattiq. The company is also expected to hold high level IT training in Oman, Saudi, Bahrain and Jordan during the third quarter of 2006.