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Return to P.H.I.R.S.T.LINK Computer Programme Main Page
P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK Chronology
The value of computer technology in our society has been firmly established. The potential which the computer offers to extend oneself in time and space is of particular benefit to physically disabled people. The technology presently exists to expand the capabilities of a disabled person in the areas of communication, education, vocation, environmental control, and recreation through the use of computer technology and adaptive input/output devices, specialized software and environmental control units.
As many people with disabilities are constrained both physically and economically, access to this vast field of technology becomes a major issue. What adaptations have to be made to equipment designed primarily for the non-disabled population? Is there special software available to meet the requirements of people with physical restraints? Is there funding available to help provide such equipment?
K-W Services for the Physically Disabled was active in the community promoting the use of computer technology and sponsored the first community-wide seminar on "computer technology" and its implications for physically disabled people in July of 1983. This brought together representatives from TASH (Technical Aids for the Severely Handicapped), M.O.D. (March of Dimes), V.R.S. (Vocational Rehabilitation Services), the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, The Waterloo County Board of Education and other interested members of the community.
We identified at that time that physically disabled people and the organizations that work with them are confronted with a number of difficulties when attempting to make computer and technical aids accessible:
- Accessing current information on devices and systems available.
- Modifications and individualization of equipment.
- Proper assessment for devices.
- Training in the use of systems and devices.
In response to these needs, a proposal was submitted to the Employment Development Branch of Employment and Immigration Canada to fund a project to hire one full-time project manager to develop a computer and technical aids information resource service, linking people with resources that exist but are hard to find and to develop resources as individualized needs are identified. This proposal, the Handicapped Persons' Information Resource Service, was funded for 48 weeks beginning March 25, 1985, and on June 5, 1985, Madame Mercedes Chartier-Gauvin, Executive Director of the Status of Disabled Persons Secretariat officially opened P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK (Physically Handicapped Information Resource Service on Technology).
Initially P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK was mandated to provide the following services:
- Individual or group tutoring on the use of computers. Providing hands on experience with computers for people with physical disabilities. Instruction ranging from basic computer literacy to more sophisticated applications relating to the individual's potential to utilize technology in:
- Activities of daily living such as various environmental control applications and communication
- Establishing and pursuing educational and vocational goals.
- Information on Technical Aids and Devices. Assessing, assembling and updating a library of information on computer and technical aids for use by physically disabled persons.
- Special Projects. A resource network of individuals with computer and technical skills to work and consult on the assessment, development and modification of computer and technical aids.
The concept of P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK grew out of the union of an identified need within the membership of K-W Services for the Physically Disabled and an awareness of the potential of computer technology to meet this need. The resounding support of other service providers and organizations working with physically handicapped people in the community and the initial success of P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK further served to reinforce the accuracy of our perception of this need. While other organizations and groups in the province offered similar individual services, no one else offered the breadth of services of P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK. For this reason P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK was looked upon as a model for service delivery across the province.
On June 2, 1986, K-W Access-Ability opened in its new location in the Lower Concourse of Waterloo Town Square and P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK officially began operation. The overall programme objectives of P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK are to facilitate physical independence, normalized social-recreational activities, and educational and vocational opportunities for physically disabled people throughout the Waterloo Region.
It became apparent that the services offered needed to be enhanced and expanded in order continue to meet the ongoing vocational, educational, and personal needs of physically challenged computer users.
Return to P.H.I.R.S.T.LINK Computer Programme Main Page
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