Program Components:

Outreach/recruitment/marketing

Academic/remedial support

Beth Vierson, Alternative Media, Technology Center Specialist

Yvonette Powell, Coordinator, DSSP

900 Rancho san Diego Pkwy

El Cajon, CA 92019

(619) 660-4576

beth.vierson@gcccd.edu   yvonette.powell@gcccd.edu   

beginning computer skills using adaptive techniques, and to reduce fear and build

confidence in students with disabilities. The course takes place for 16 weeks, once a

week. For two hours.. It is taught Fall and Spring semesters. Students can repeat the class

but the curriculum is not self-paced. Included in this curriculum is online learning,

“blackboard,” Web CT, and computer research. The curriculum is flexible as each

semester’s students are vastly different

The program is staffed by a coordinator, lab assistant, and work study students when available.

Equipment includes: Computers, Kurtzwile, Readers, Inspiration software, Destination – skill

building for learning disabled, Clarity – for vision impaired students, JAWS, Zoom Text.

There are 8,000 students at Cuyamaca College with 340 identified as disabled. To

increase visibility of the class and services, fliers are sent to counselors, one-sTop, and

students on campus. Additionally, phone calls are made to students as possible. The

program was funded by a VTEA mini grant.

Students who participate in the program have shown a decreased fear of online courses,

basic proficiency in software packages and internet research ability, and a basic

understanding of adaptive computer tools.