Rising above blindness

MANILA, Philippines - Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) boasts of being the only school for the blind in the Philippines that specializes in providing access to computers and information technology for the visually impaired in order for them to rise above their physical handicap.

Since its inception in 1994, ATRIEV has taught over 500 blind and low-vision individuals how to use computers, thus producing several firsts for blind Filipinos.

The first blind medical transcriptionist, the first blind contact center recruitment center specialist, the first blind software analyst and the first blind Search Engine Optimization (SEO) manager, all took their computer training program at ATRIEV.

With these history-making efforts, ATRIEV has opened new possibilities for the blind that were unimaginable in the past. Through adaptive technology and hard work, the Filipino blind can now rise above their disability and face a brighter future.

The technology includes a screen reader software that provides a vocal response to every stroke and click that the students make. This allows them to gain confidence in doing word processing, making e-mails and even surfing the Web, all beneficial for them when looking for employment and in the conduct of their everyday lives.

With its innovative programs in training the blind and because of its pioneering spirit, ATRIEV has received both institutional and individual awards from the public and private sectors.

These include the TESDA Kabalikat award; Disabled Friendly Website Awards from the National Computer Center (now known as Information and Communications Technology Office) and National Commission on Disability Affairs; APEC Digital Opportunity Center Award; Samsung DigitAll Hope Grant Competition; Most Inspiring Persons with Disability from the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship; and the “Yes The Filipino Can!” award from RFM.

“First and foremost, we are human beings and our visual impairment should not be a hindrance in gaining access to technology,” said Carol Catacutan, ATRIEV founder and operations head.

Totally blind herself, Catacutan does most of the duties for ATRIEV in order to keep it going. She performs overall administrative functions, from overseeing the whole staff to meeting with organization partners and benefactors and the board of trustees.

“There are some things in life that are truly worth doing. And one of the most worthy is to help others, particularly those who are disadvantaged,” said Peter Wallace, chairman of ATRIEV’s board of trustees from 2002 to 2009.

“ATRIEV students and staff may not be able to see, but they have a vision that goes way beyond sight,” Wallace added.