On Site Training in the UK.

Introduction.

At Hartgen Consultancy, we have become well-known for the products we sell, our JAWS or ZoomText Fusion scripting services and our online training courses. A strand of our business which is being frequently used however is our on site training facility. We thought it was time we wrote a little about how that works.

How It Works and Where It Happens.

We can visit you at your home, place of study or place of employment to train you in all aspects of using JAWS for Windows or ZoomText Fusion. While there used to be a raft of such companies available offering training, these seem now to be few and far between. In any event, people who purchase training from Hartgen Consultancy will receive the very best level of training and support. That is why a number of companies selling access technology products do not deliver training in their use. They commission us to do the work for them instead.

What We Offer.

So, why choose us for your JAWS or Fusion training needs?

• First and foremost, we are visually impaired. That is critical. Not only do we know these products inside out but we're used to both talking to people and listening to screen-readers. When you're blind, effective communication is key to everything. If JAWS is not speaking using your preferred voice, or it is not reading information you are expecting to hear, we truly understand not only why this is essential, but, more importantly, how to put it right. Maybe you are upgrading your copy of JAWS or Fusion or migrating to a new computer. Speech rate, typing echo and other settings need to be honoured when that happens so you feel comfortable using the new hardware or software. When working with us, that is something which is taken into account as a matter of routine.
• We are Braille users. If Braille is essential for you, you want to be trained by people who not only understand how Braille displays function but who can also read it! Anyone can connect a Braille display to a computer and say, "OK", great, it's working". But is it really? Is it using your preferred Braille code? What about the large number of Braille preference settings? Is the output as you expect? You could tell someone training you that it isn't right, but because we are fluent Braille readers, we have the ability to confirm what you are saying.
• Our trainers are well versed in using JAWS with all manner of different applications. These range from those focusing upon word processing, Email, web browsing, through to using programs such as Microsoft OneNote, PowerPoint and creating complex audio projects. When we receive a booking, we make a decision as to who is best suited to deliver the training so you receive the highest quality tuition available.
• Again, when a booking is taken, we'll find out about your previous experience with JAWS or Fusion and what you would like to achieve. If you need to use an application with which we are unfamiliar, we'll do our best to research how it functions, how JAWS interacts with it and necessary shortcut keys prior to visiting site. The last thing you want is for someone training you to be unsure how the program functions with a screen-reader. That doesn't exactly inspire confidence. During training, we'll also try to teach you about aspects of JAWS or Fusion you do not know about. In that way, you come away with something above and beyond your initial expectations.
• Whether you need someone to train at your bedside as you are too ill to move, in a school classroom or in an exceptionally busy office environment, we are very experienced and used to working in those situations. We pride ourselves on dressing appropriately for the environment in which work is being delivered and adopt a professional manner at all times. Where possible, we also arrive equipped with replacement hardware and software which can be used during training, such as headsets, headphone splitters, speakers, keyboards, offline installers for various packages, etc. In short, anything we anticipate we may need to ensure the training runs smoothly.
• During training, many people prefer to make their own training notes. They find them easier to digest and refer to at a later time. However, we have the facilities to create training notes in text or audio formats: plain text, Microsoft Word format, MP3 audio, DAISY or a BRF Braille file.
• Over the years, we have built up an impressive library of training courses in MP3 audio format. Anyone who purchases training from us is able to have two of these courses at no additional cost. For example, if you were being taught how to use Microsoft Word, obviously our Word training course would be a good candidate, serving two purposes. First, it reinforces what has been taught. Second, you are likely to learn topics which the training time did not allow for. Moreover, anyone who purchases training in the use of our J-Say voice recognition software will benefit from our audio training class which is regularly updated. We know of no other access technology training company who offers anything remotely similar in this regard.
• Are you part of a group of people requiring training in the use of JAWS or ZoomText Fusion? Again, that is something we can assist with. Having delivered online presentations, training sessions to small groups, through to large audiences at international conferences, we are used to tailoring the training to your specific requirements. What's more, when demonstrating important screen-reading concepts, we ensure if necessary that they are demonstrated both from a visual and auditory perspective. For example, when explaining how access technologies interact with web pages, seeing individuals need to be able to hear the spoken output while appreciating the visual content simultaneously.
• Finally, we always try to be on time for the training. Indeed nine times out of ten, we are at least 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled start time.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss on site training in the UK.

In summary, training is very important when working with access technology. It always helps if someone is sitting alongside you, who is knowledgeable concerning what you are trying to achieve, giving you the confidence to do what you need to do. We have the skills and experience to provide an excellent training experience. And, above all, we want you to enjoy using the technology we're so passionate about!