Computer Training Program

Our computer instruction focuses on the common business applications. Our training is intensive and individualized, with a goal of student driven success. Donka believes that strengthened personal confidence combined with marketable computer skills yields a more productive person.

List of Disabilities Served

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Back & Spinal Cord Injuries
Blindness- Partial or Total
Cerebral Palsy
Closed Head Injury
Diabetes
Paraplegia
Macular Degeneration
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Quadriplegia
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Severe Carpel Tunnel
Spina Bifida
Stroke

Cost of Services

Every student who is a DuPage County resident is served free of charge. Students from Kane County must have a fee for service contract with the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS).

Any graduate of the Donka program from either DuPage or Kane county who seeks job placement services will need a fee for service contract and must have an open case with ORS.

We estimate the total cost for training and operation of the computer lab to average approximately $5000 per student. We encourage our students, family members and their friends to support Donka by contributing to our program to keep it cost free for those who need it.

Eligibilty

Minimum standards for inclusion in Donka’s computer training program include:

  • Average or above average cognitive ability.
  • Reading (vocabulary and comprehension), spelling and math achievement of at least 8th grade.
  • A physical disability which compromises the probability of success within a regular classroom.
  • An interest in learning various computer applications with the goal of improving occupational and/or educational opportunities.
  • Adequate emotional and mental health for participating in a busy classroom setting where success depends on self-discipline and personal initiative.  The atmosphere is similar to that of a working office filled with people talking and moving about.
  • Adequate physical health for participating in 1 ½ hours of sustained classroom instruction.
  • Be at least eighteen years old and a resident of DuPage County or a resident from Kane County with an open ORS fee for service file case.
  • Blind students must have basic keyboard knowledge.

Candidates for admission to Donka may be subjected to any or all of the following assessment events:

  • Personal interview.
  • Referral interviews and examination of appropriate personal records; i.e., school, medical, psychological.
  • Formal testing; both subjective (writing samples, reading demonstration, and typing demonstrations) and standardized (Slossen, VMI, John’s Oral Reading Inventory, WRAT, and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test).
  • A determination, through applied class work activities, of special computer input needs.
  • Up to three weeks of demonstration training as needed for difficult to assess conditions; i.e. long term memory, concept integration, study skills.
  • Staffing conference.

* Donka will provide a written report if requested. In addition to test and interview results, we would include a summary of special equipment requirements (hardware, software and/or positioning apparatus) as well as an expected level of computer mastery and possible employment areas. We will also provide assessment for other clients. They need not be eligible for Donka. There is a charge for this service.

Curriculum

Our curriculum prepares students for work. Students learn while working through realistic business scenarios. They work at their own pace and ability level. Frustrations are reduced as there is always an instructor nearby. The instructor to student ratio is 1 to 2.

Students learn through a variety of instructional formats. We use an easy to follow textbook with CD ROM tutorials for review. Besides following textbook instruction, students are given independent projects. Students work on these projects without step by step assistance from the textbook. These exercises reinforce learning while helping students identify performance gaps.

Students are tested as instruction for each computer program is completed. After completing the Donka training program, students will be able to:

  • Operate and manage computer equipment and assistive devices.
  • Use Windows to run programs, manage files, toggle between programs, and get help
  • Write letters, create reports, copy and delete files, produce form letters, mail merge lists and labels
  • Create a database, add data, search for information, create forms, create labels and merge mail lists
  • Demonstrate an understanding of spreadsheets, set up a variety of spreadsheets utilizing functions of the program
  • Use Internet Explorer to conduct research in specific areas of interest.
  • Use Microsoft Outlook to send and receive e-mail

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