Knowing How to Learn

At a recent Manufacture America conference, a variety of panels addressed topics that included growth opportunities, sources of capital, product development and innovation, internet marketing, connecting to tax incentives, and connecting to new skills workforce retraining.


The overall theme seemed to be human capital. Fewer people are required to do the jobs of several individuals as the economy has created a leaner employee base for many companies. Within the discussion about supply chain the panelists mentioned that talent acquisition and retention of a skilled workforce is necessary to maintaining a tight supply chain. One of the impediments to many manufacturers is innovation and the response of their employees to the newest technologies. To overcome that "bump in the road" we need a workforce trained in science and technology as well as young workers who are adept in soft skills - showing up to work on time and staying all day, showing a work ethic, and providing strategic thinking and thought leadership.

There will be a shortage of engineers, both mechanical and electrical in the United States. One way to overcome that is to promote technical schools and actively recruit for math and science in elementary and secondary schools.

The overall theme in the session on workforce retraining was as long as people "know how to learn" that manufacturers will be able to advance into the new technologies. For every 10 workers that were in the workforce, they are only being replaced with 3-7 workers. The people that are hired today are being required to have more and more skills to fill a "multi-function" position. The term "purple squirrel" comes into play with this. Employers are looking for those elusive purple squirrels - a singular multi-talented individual to fill one job that requires 15 skills.

The mention of soft skills came up in that same session. What employers want is someone who has the ability to spell, perform math functions, read and comprehend in English, be able to have a personal interface, possesses management and/or supervisory skills, be thought leaders, and be able to learn or know actual job skills.

Again, by exposing young people to what the manufacturing world has become, we may be able to compete globally with our workforce in the advancing technological economic climate.

Illinois workNet Centers have Assistive Technology

The Illinois workNet Centers in Elgin, DeKalb and North Aurora provide the following Assistive Technology equipment to assist job seekers with disabilities the ability to access the Internet, information and computer systems.

Sorenson Video Relay Service Phone – Benefits individual with hearing and speech impairment.   

Expert MouseTrackball – The Trackball is a simpler mouse for individuals with limited dexterity. 

Adjustable Keyboard Tray – This is a height adjustable tray for individuals using a wheelchair or has ergonomic concerns.

IntelliKeys Keyboard – This is an enlarged, programmable keyboard for individuals with impaired motor involvement and vision impairment. 

Large Monitor – This is a 21-inch computer screen for individuals with mild vision impairment.

Closed Circuit Television - An electronic magnification device for viewing printed materials.

Large Print Keyboard Labels – Adhesive labels that make the keyboard keys easier to read.

ZoomText – Is for individuals who require large print to read, certain colors to enhance reading, and speech output to assist in reading text. 

Open Book – This gives blind or visually impaired individuals the tool to read, edit, scan, and manage printed text as well as text that is imbedded in graphics. 

JAWS – Is a screen reading software that works with your PC to provide access to today’s software applications and the Internet for those individuals who are blind or visually impaired and have high reading and word processing skills.

Home Page Reader – Software that reads most web pages aloud for visually impaired or blind individuals.

Talking Books Tape Player – Plays and records both standard and “talking book” audio cassette tapes for individuals who are blind. 

Duxbury Braille Translator – Is a complete Braille translator/word processor for those individuals who are blind or visually impaired. 

Juliet Braille Embosser – Is a Braille output printer for individuals who are blind and use Braille.

Pocketalker – Is a simple sound amplifier for individuals who have a hearing impairment.

For more details about any of these items visit our webpage at www.kcdee.org/assistiveTechnology.html

Donka, Inc

Donka is a partner of the Illinois workNet Center in North Aurora that is a non-profit organization providing computer training and job readiness services to persons with physical and visual disabilities.  Through computers and Assistive Technology, our clients become more self-sufficient and independent members of the community.  Our primary goals are:

1. Provide a credible computer training program to people with disabilities
2. Provide adequate training and experience to enable students to pursue further education or see employment
3. Provide a way for people who are disabled to utilize their intellectual abilities, increase their self-esteem and become more self-sufficient, independent members of the community.

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.

Our curriculum prepares students for work.  Students learn while working through realistic business scenarios.  They work at their own pace and ability level.  Students learn through a variety of instructional formats.  We use easy to follow textbook with CD ROM tutorials for review.  Besides following textbook instruction, students are given independent projects.  Students work on these projects with 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
Assistive Technology assessment and training services are now available at your office, classroom, front door, or at the Illinois workNet Center.  Students from Kane County must have a fee for service contract with the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS).