Encouraging Quality and Training the Trainer
In 2005, BBACT embarked on a programme to support a number of individuals either currently working as self-employed IT trainers or people who were keen to establish themselves in this growing field.
In collaboration with The British Computer Association for the Blind, We have been supporting 2 groups of individuals through the BCAB Trainer Certification Scheme. The programme raises the standard of training available to users of access technology by providing training and a professional qualification for access technology trainers.
Those who''ve been participating with support from BBACT have a wide-range of experience and have been assisted by the charity in order to gain a recognised qualification to support their existing expertise or to benefit from the opportunity to develop their skills and businesses as new trainers.
As part of BBACT's work in the area of IT Trainer support, it has been collaborating with a number of individuals to establish a network of self-employed Access Technology trainers. This is a new initiative at an early stage and provides opportunities for collaboration and peer-group support.
Complementary Therapy Network
Assisting clients with similar interests and needs is one way in which BBACT aims to offer practical support. A number of BBACT's users run businesses offering complementary therapy treatments and have expressed interest in finding ways to share their experiences and knowledge through an active practitioner network. The network is open to anyone who would find it helpful to contact other therapists and over the coming months, we hope to support a number of events specifically aimed at this expanding group of professionals.
Franchising and structured business Opportunities
Concept Consulting was commissioned by BBACT and its partner Create to undertake some research around Franchising and consider whether there were opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
The resulting report is enabling BBACT to consider ways in which individuals might be assisted in this area and is an on-going project for the organisation.
Concept’s report is available to read either by following the link
Research into Franchising, or it can be requested by contacting our office.
Research around support for people aged 50+
Since 2002, BBACT has been one of the partners of Prime, an initiative supported by HRH the Prince of Wales that specifically focuses on the provision of support and advice around self-employment for people aged 50+.
As part of this, in 2005, we commissioned Ken Whittingham to undertake some research in Birmingham in order to gain a clearer picture into the specific problems faced by this group of people and to outline some of the priorities that would enable more individuals to achieve self-employment.
To learn about our findings, you can either read the
Research report here or request a copy from BBACT’s office.
