The Center of Reference in Technology for Inclusion (Certi) of Ceibal accompanies teachers in the search for strategies and technological resources that enhance the learning processes of students with disabilities. The objective is to reduce the gaps in access to education with the delivery of accessible devices, known as “digital ramps”, replacement of equipment and training for teachers.
The Certi emerged in 2019 as a pilot plan in four departments and this year it was extended to all of the country, through an alliance with the National Administration of Public Education (ANEP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef). .
In dialogue with Presidential Communication, this Wednesday 6, the head of Training at Ceibal, Martina Bailón, explained that the objective of the center is to provide inclusive technologies and accessible devices through the generation and delivery of “digital ramps”.
These are resources of the type hardware either software, to facilitate access and use of computer tools for people with disabilities and thus promote their inclusion, accessibility and learning, he explained. They can be an extended keyboard, screen readers, switches, mouse joysticks (mouse joystick), programs that allow you to modify the size or color of the cursor, keyboard or mouse emulators, and even eye-tracking devices.
He added that the Valijas Viajeras project, of national scope, seeks to facilitate access to Ceibal’s devices and favors in a timely manner those students who face motor, visual or cognitive barriers. The bags contain the different “digital ramps” and the ANEP representatives in the territory are in charge of determining which technology best suits the particularities of each student with a disability.
In addition, Certi works on training teachers through courses, online seminars (webinar) and talks. At the end of July, the Technology in Key to Inclusion course will begin, which offers contents and practices of inclusive education through the use of technology. It is hosted on the CREA platform and its modality is virtual, with a duration of 18 hours and an asynchronous format.
Bailón pointed out that both teachers and student or family referents can access Certi’s technical advice to determine the equipment that best suits their needs. To request the replacement of these for accessibility, the educational institution that the student attends must complete a form and attach a technical report (from professionals, teachers, doctors) that justifies said request, she indicated.
He also recalled that the Certi Ceibal group is on the aforementioned platform, for teachers and students of Teacher Training, with the aim of promoting a space for the exchange of resources, materials, strategies and experiences that allow knowing what actions are being carried out in public education in Uruguay linked to technology and inclusion. In addition, efforts are made to generate networks and links based on what has been published that make it possible to launch new actions.
