PC Support Report

Contents of the class. Making a postcard and experiencing Internet.

PC class for the disabled persons was held Techno Plaza Miyagi on October 26 and 27, 2000. In the morning of the first day, just as we do for the other classes, we installed Hagaki Studio and prepared for the class to start.

I had been informed that there would be 10 students in the class, of which 5 were able to type using both hands and 5 with only one hand and that one person was not able to speak. This was my first time supporting the disable persons so I was nervous whether I can support them and teach them.

At 1:00pm, students came into the classroom. There were 3 people with wheelchairs but others looked healthy and they all sat in their assigned seat. A young man sat in the seat that I will be supporting. I said, "Hello." and he answered my greeting with a smile.

But as the PC classes started, I found out that he was only able to use his left hand, and told him that I will change the mouse setting so he can use it more easily. But he just shook his head side ways and said that he will use it the way it is. It was only after a while that I learned that he was not able to speak.

Fortunately, although he was not able to speak, he was able to hear what I was saying. Because of his eagerness to learn the PC, I was able to lead and support him smoothly, putting my hand on top of his and moving the mouse together.

On day 2, when the postcard was finished, I yelled, "We did it!" and gave each other a hug.
His postcard addressed to his family had the message of "Thank you for everything".
He had a big smile on, and his wife had tears in her eyes. Seeing this touched my heart and made me cry, and made me realize this is what being a Supporter is all about.

>From all of these, I was determined to reach our goal that is "study together and master together".