John has been with IAT since its inception 11 years ago in 1985. IBM was responsible for starting a nation-wide project which produced the IAT and other similar training programs. Their curriculum has evolved as the technology has advanced and industry requirements have changed. There is a limit of twenty students. Each student spends his or her day sitting at a Pentium PC and performing the programming functions being discussed.
Builder still pose a major problem for the speech or braille user.
IAT students receive broad-based training in computer programming, with an emphasis on learning and utilizing concepts. Exposure to mainframe and microcomputer environments prepare IAT students for employment in a variety of positions. Skills necessary to deal with the human relations aspect of the business world are developed, and mock interviews are conducted to prepare students in their search for employment. The IAT has a mentoring group made up of representatives from area businesses which provides career development activities, resume development, assistance in identification of career goals, and regular and consistent outside contacts with other career support services. Students are matched with mentors who offer them support and professional guidance in their career quest.