Since 1970, I have been employed in the Information Technology field in various positions including computer programmer, systems analyst, business analyst and project manager. My current position is Business Systems Analyst with NSW Businesslink, supporting the SAP financial and human resources package, including development of in-house additions to the standard system. NSW Businesslink is a New South Wales State Government shared service organisation, providing Information Technology and other services to the Department of Housing, the Department of Community Services and the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Key Challenges:
I have not had any useful sight since my mid to late teens. The challenges for me include accessing printed material and accessing information on the computer. I have not experienced any direct discrimination because of my blindness, but I have applied for various positions over the years which I didn’t get. I believe my blindness was a factor in many of these, although this was never stated.
In the early days I required some assistance to read printed documents and computer printouts, but with today’s technology, I can operate fairly independently.
I use a PC with the JAWS screen reader software. I also have a scanner and the Omnipage OCR software. I use a Braille ‘n Speak notetaker for taking notes at meetings. I also have a Mountbatten Brailler which I connect to the PC to produce hard copy Braille.
The SAP product with which I am currently working is not particularly accessible with JAWS although I have found solutions which enable me to do most of what I need to do.
SAP will sometimes crash when JAWS is running, which does create some difficulties for me.
Regarding attitudes and misconceptions of blindness, I have found the best way to change attitudes is to demonstrate what is possible by example.
Educational Qualifications:
Diploma in Technology, NSW Institute of Technology (now University of Technology) plus numerous IT related short courses.
Contact Details:
Name: Barry Chapman
phone: (02) 9744 2225 (home)
(02) 9765 3198 (work)
0412 343 436 (mobile)
Email: barrych@bigpond.net.au