Multi-sensory technology goes to Braille users in Central America
The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit arm of the Organization of American States (OAS) has appointed Estela Landeros, originally from Mexico, as Manager of its Program for People with Disabilities. Her efforts will be directed towards raising the literacy levels and job opportunities for blind people in Central America.
A keen advocate of Braille literacy and IT support for disabled individuals, Ms. Landeros has sought support from suppliers of the latest technology for training and loan from her OAS base in Washington, DC. As a result, an Australian company Quantum Technology, the manufacturer of the Mountbatten, an electronic multi-sensory braillewriter, has donated a Mountbatten with recorded Spanish. This will provide voice feedback to typed input, warnings and commands.
The OAS program focuses on identifying needs and offering support by way of training trainers, providing loan equipment and enlisting the support of organizations such as Rotary International. The aim is to develop Information Technology skills of people with disabilities and help place them in employment. "During decades people with disabilities have faced discrimination which reduces their opportunities to achieve their goals," said Ms Landeros. "In Central America, people with disabilities have had less access to educational and training programs suited to fulfil their special needs."
Estela Landeros presenting the technology to Dr. Cesare Gaviria, General Secretary of OAS. This photo was taken during the Annual Meeting for the Board of Directors of The Trust for the Americas at the OAS Headquarters, Washington D.C.
In early April Ms. Landeros presented the portable Mountbatten Braillewriter to government representatives from Ecuador and Nicaragua. Taking the Mountbatten to a meeting with the First Lady of Ecuador, Ms. Maria Isabel Baquerizo de Noboa, who acts as an ambassador for people with disabilities in her country, Ms Landeros indicated, "It is important for us to show government officials the potential of the adaptive technology and what can be done to improve the lives of people with disabilities."
A constant fundraiser, Ms. Landeros is passionate about the program. Recently she spoke at the Worldwide Rotary International meeting in Texas, while in May, she received a donation of equipment from Microsoft.
For further information, please contact:
Estela Landeros
Trust for the Americas/OAS
1889 F Street, N.W.
2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202-458-6315
Fax: (202) 458-3526
ELanderos@iacd.oas.org
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