Centre Offers A Chance To Learn
8 July 2011
Richard Askew and Ian Barke with Keith Fearn at the opening of the centre
A new social enterprise is helping disadvantaged people in the Peak District gain skills that will help them get into work.
Cromford Learning, a non-profit making organisation based in the Karten CTEC Centre in Cromford Mill near Matlock Bath, officially opened on July 8 2011, and is already up and running, providing courses to adults from the local community and throughout Derbyshire.
Specialist facilities are available for disabled and disadvantaged learners and members of the older generation, who can all benefit from the range of 'How to' IT and digital media courses including Microsoft Office 2010, using a digital camera, manipulating images and videos and social networking. As the courses are designed around an individual's needs the centre can provide training to adults of all ages, abilities and skill levels.
The Cromford Centre has a range of assistive technologies and facilities which enable people with disabilities to use computers - such as 'Jaws' which is used by the blind. Workshops will be run to enable people with disabilities learn about these devices and the benefits they offer.
Richard Askew, Director of Cromford Learning said: "Our staff have over ten years' experience delivering courses at the Karten CTEC Centre, and we are all glad to be able to continue helping the community as Cromford Learning. We would like to thank the University of Derby who have provided us with considerable support in establishing the business, not least through the donation of the assistive technology equipment."
As well as delivering teaching, Cromford Learning will also have a unique retail element where work experience and employment opportunities will be offered to disabled students.
Ian Barke, Director added: "Our aim is to improve the quality of life and independence of many local disadvantaged people, we are doing this by providing opportunities for them to gain skills needed in the workplace, and relevant work experience."
Keith Fearn, aged 68, began his relationship with the centre four years ago as a blind student seeking help using computers and the internet. After gaining the skills he needed using the centre's assistive technology for blind people - which converts the letters that he types on the keyboard into synthesized speech, and a screen reader to read aloud content from the screen to him - Keith now has the confidence and ability to use the internet daily. He is now one of the Directors of Cromford Learning.
Keith said: "Once I learned how I could use the computer and the internet I began to use it everyday, for organising my walking group, emailing friends and family, and organising holidays away.
"The training that the centre provides for disabled people is marvellous, and benefitted me so much that I wanted to get involved and encourage more people to access this training and get to grips with some new technology."
Dr Peter Dewhurst, Dean of the University of Derby Buxton said: "We are delighted to see Cromford Learning open its doors, ensuring that disadvantaged learners in the area will continue to receive specialist learning support. We wish them all the best for their continued success in the future."
For more information about Cromford Learning or the courses on offer call the centre on 01629 826285.
