Philippines

Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) in collaboration with IBM Philippines concluded the 8th National Computer Camp for Blind Students. Twenty (20) visually
impaired students from high school and college levels gathered for a week-long basic training in computer literacy – computer applications,
such as keyboard skills, word processing, web page creation, social Internet networks (Facebook & Friendster), and the use of adaptive software that enable
individuals to use computers regardless of blindness or visual impairment. This year’s participating students came from various schools across Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao.

The training took place at the IBM Plaza, the computer giant’s headquarters located in Eastwood City Cyberpark in Libis, Quezon City last November 2-6,
2009. More than 170 visually impaired students from all over the country were trained under the program since its introduction in 2001. The Computer Eyes
training program is an exemplary model showing how technology has been bridging the gap for the visually impaired and the digital divide in the Philippines.

Right after the web accessibility workshop in Malaysia, we conducted another web accessibility seminar, this time in the Philippines. This event was a joint effort of Even Grounds and ATRIEV Computer School for the Blind.

Accessibility in the Philippines is gradually being recognized by more and more groups in the country. Through events such as this, we aim to further establish web accessibility as a standard and help present and future web developers create more accessible websites.

We are getting ready to teach an accessibility course in the Philippines. To provide more information about the country, read the situation about accessibility. As a developing Asian country, the Philippines realizes the importance of accessibility to its disabled citizen. In this blog post, we will take a look at the present situation of accessibility in this country.