A software engineer in Nigeria is teaching digital skills to people who are blind or have low vision. He aims to show that in the digital age, a disability no longer means exclusion from the workforce.
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00:01Elizabeth Abiodun is on her way to AccessTech.
00:04This tech center was founded in Lagos, Nigeria.
00:07It helps blind people learn to use computers and software.
00:11Founder Opeoluwa Akinola knows from personal experience just how difficult it can be to
00:16find a job with a disability.
00:18As a young graduate back then, I wanted a job, I had good qualifications, but nobody
00:24was employing me because they believed then that blind people could not work in a standard
00:29office.
00:30And I found out that technology could break that barrier.
00:33The course combines traditional aids with modern technology.
00:37Participants practice using screen readers, bright note takers and voice recognition software.
00:43This enables them to work independently.
00:45They can learn programming, data analysis or working with word processors.
00:50As a student, honestly, it just gives me this confidence that once I get there I'll be able
00:57to deliver would not be inferior to my fellow students.
01:02Digital skills are vital during studies and for all kinds of careers.
01:06Former participants are now helping others to learn the skills.
01:10Last year I came here to learn Python programming for data analysis and at the end of the program
01:18I was retained and I was employed as a training facilitator.
01:24Anything digital skills training, I facilitated the web development, Python programming, Excel
01:31for data analysis, Office, Microsoft Office suits.
01:36The course empowers graduates to combat the prejudice and take the job market head on.