Computer training for blind deaf and disabled people in their own home

Tutor Seminar - 18/03/2002

Tutor Seminar held on 18/03/2002 12:20:10 at 16 Porchester Terrace

Present:
Anthony Wigram, Sally Wigram, Avril Hanning,Tracy Pernice, Cliff Docherty, Gabriella Gatward, Chris Fredericks, Rachel Sullivan, Sally Fonseca, Michelle Delgado, Daniel Gilson, Shofi Ahmed, Paul Oamen, Patricia Webb, Mary Sullivan, Tracey Fawthrop, Keith

Apologies:
Natasha Murray, John Adepoju, Debbie Brixey. Chris Baker, Kevin Frost,John Howlett, Simon Smith, Gillian Kearney

Minutes:
1. Name change to U Can Do I.T.

We discussed WAACIS name change to U Can Do I.T. Cliff said that the name change should be in effect from the 2nd of April 2002.Patricia said that it was a good idea and all the tutors said that they felt that the name change was a good idea.

2. Administration

Avril spoke about lesson reporting and we discussed the new lesson report format. We have agreed that some changes need to be made to the headings and the box formats. This was very useful and the tutors are happy with the changes that have been made.

The tutors agreed that the final lesson report was fine and that it covered most of the topics. The changes on the lesson report will be made.

The tutors agreed that if they needed to include something for an individual student they would insert this and state what else the student has covered during their lessons.

Avril also reminded the tutors about the end of the financial year and that it would really help the office if tutors could send in their invoices as soon as possible at the end of March.

3. Student Recruitment

Cliff Docherty went through what he has been doing the last few months in regard with recruitment.

Cliff spoke about Dial a Ride and that this was probably one of the best mailings for WAACIS. Action for Blind people, and the SRB Partnership have also helped us with many application forms being sent to the office from these areas. He also stated that 900 leaflets have gone out to Disability Action in Barnet.

Cliff also spoke about magazine coverage and asked all tutors to help him in regard to photographs for publicity. He also mentioned that he would be willing to take these pictures in North London area and was willing to lend his camera to tutors who would like to take some pictures. Anthony also explained that he would like the photographs to be taken from a certain angle with the student and the computer working on the computer during the tutorial.

Cliff mentioned that the minicom system is set up at the office for anyone with a hearing disability.

The Annual Report was also mentioned and tutors were asked whether they could contribute any stories, letters or photographs for this.

Cliff passed the photo album that he has compiled so far as well as the new leaflet that has just been made up.

4. Buddy System

Patricia Webb told everyone that in her experience many of her students do not know anybody and are very isolated. She felt that students should be more interactive. She suggested that we have a Buddy system in which all the students can have someone to send an email to. She suggested that this be done at specific times through the website. Chris said that Microsoft Internet Messenger would be a good idea for this. Rosemary said that this was a good idea but that we should implement a time system so that people would know what time to log on. Nuala also stated that in her experience MSN messenger was also very useful. Everyone agreed that this was a good idea. It was agreed that we would check with Chris Baker in regard to this project, as to whether he could set this up on the website.

5. Chris Frederick- Fundraising

Chris spoke about his fundraising for the charity and how challenging he was finding it. He has asked for the support from the tutors with regard to highlighting the profile in regard to fundraising. He also stated that Anthony and himself are doing a 5-year business plan in regard to fundraising.
Anthony also stated that the information that we are developing from the database with regard to the information we need on all our students is quite important for fundraising, as this is what the funders want to know before assisting us financially.

6. Tutor Training

Patricia Webb spoke about the Jaws training which she does on a one to one basis with the tutors at her home. She encouraged all tutors to do the training and said that they should give her a call.

Mary Sullivan had agreed to do the course with her next week.

7. Learndirect

Daniel Gilson spoke about Learndirect and the courses which they cover. It was agreed that he would speak to Anthony about this and everyone agreed that it would be a good thing for postgraduates. He also handed out a number of leaflets about Learndirect and the courses which they offer.

8. Website

Cliff stated that the changes to the website will be happening shortly and because there are so many changes to be made, that if anyone saw something which was incorrect to let him or Chris Baker know about it.

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