January 2013

Do you know how to use your Windows or Mac PC and your screenreader? Are you curious about the hardware inside of your computer? Do you want to sharpen
your troubleshooting and computer maintenance skills? How about designing a website or running a Linux server? Perhaps you would like to build a computer
or home network of your own.
The Cisco Academy for the Vision Impaired enables blind students to enter the world of computer and Information technology whether for career advancement
or to pursue a hobby. We provide courses tailored for blind and visually impaired students around the world. We do this using live online lectures by blind
and vision impaired instructors, written lessons, and a community of students and instructors to network with even after students have graduated our courses.
The academy is currently taking applications for the first semester of 2013. We will be offering Computer 101 for Mac or Windows, IT Essentials, Intro
to HTML 5 and CSS, Audio Editing Fundamentals, Discovery 1 with Exploration 1, and Linux server administration courses starting the second week of February.
Computer 101 is taught as separate courses for Mac and Windows users. It teaches basic computer and screenreader skills including adjusting screenreader
options, working with files, chatting online, using email, and using web pages.
Intro to HTML 5 and CSS teaches blind people how to design attractive business and personal websites including graphics, audio, and video. It assumes no
prior knowledge of HTML.
Audio Editing Fundamentals teaches principles of audio including how to choose and place a microphone, single and multi-track editing using tools like
Goldwave and Reaper, and adding various effects to audio tracks.
IT Essentials is an introduction to PC repair including Hardware, installing and maintaining an operating system, Troubleshooting, portable devices, and
customer service.
Discovery 1 is focused on home and small business networking. It is being combined with our Exploration course to provide a thorough background in networking.
Exploration is a more in depth look at networking, both theoretical and practical for those students who wish to really get into building and designing
networks. After completing Exploration 1, students will have the skills necessary to take the CCENT exam.
The Linux Administration course introduces server-based Linux systems administration for vision impaired users. Students will learn how to install and
configure a Ubuntu server system and install and configure a number of server based programs such as a web server, Email and a wiki. The course aims to
take a student from asking, “what is Linux?”, to installing and using a Linux-based server system via SSH.
Each class runs for a total of six months, with online lectures. The classes are self-paced so you can finish them in a month, or take the entire semester
if desired. The cost for each course is 500 US dollars however; scholarships are available to students who are paying for their courses out of pocket that
lower the price to $150. Your eligibility for a scholarship will be assessed as part of the application process and payment plans are available. Students
are required to have good internet access skills and be familiar with their screen reader of choice, or be willing to teach themselves the necessary skills
as we go along. Students in the more advanced courses should be familiar with reading Adobe PDF documents, as they may be encountered while doing research
projects. Course content is online, so a broadband internet connection is highly recommended. Students should also have a working headset/microphone and
be willing to install Skype and Ventrilo, in order to attend lectures and communicate with instructors. Applications will be accepted until February 6,
2013.
For more information on any of our courses or to request an application, please email
[email protected]
or visit our website at:
www.ciscovision.org
Enrollment forms are on our Intake page at
http://www.ciscovision.org/2011/intake.php
If you are enrolling in the Computer 101 courses and need help enrolling, you can call 914-620-2284.
finally, we have a podcast about the CAVI program from our student’s point of view at:

We’re looking forward to hearing from you. Start learning new skills today.
Regards,
The CAVI Team