On one trip, they will meet a blind woman who runs a computer help desk at Unisys Corp. in Reston, which donated the computers for the Lighthouse camp. The technology sessions, which began July 10 at the Fairfax Library's Access Services Department at the Fairfax County Government Center, build on the Lighthouse's experience with Camp Lighthouse 2000, a three-week summer camp for area blind and visually impaired children. Now in its 41st year, that camp features swimming, hiking, drama, music, living skills and more. You see the speed immediately. If desired, the software can also work with a fascinating Braille display tool that runs along the front of a regular computer keyboard, popping up small plastic tabs to form the Braille alphabet as the user types.
Users can double-check the text they've typed by running fingers along the Braille reader.
And then there's Internet access and e-mail. It is my turn. Keystrokes move the user through the cells and drop bombs and missiles on hidden destroyers, patrol boats and more. Ok admits the game-playing sessions of Battleship, Black Jack and Simon Says have helped to keep the computer camp interesting and fun. But he's quick to point out that the advanced Windows skills he's learned thus far will be vital in the workplace.