After losing his sight to an eye illness, Pastor Albert Taraya discovered how technology could help him navigate a world increasingly dependent on computers and digital communication. Now, he is sharing that knowledge with others, equipping educators, pastors and church volunteers to help people with visual impairments gain greater independence and access to digital resources.
Taraya, who leads a district of Seventh-day Adventist churches in northwestern Bohol, opened a three-part training program on Nov. 2 at Morning Star Christian Learning Center in Inabanga, Bohol. More than 25 participants from across the province attended the introductory session, learning how assistive technology can make computers more accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.
The initiative introduces participants to NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA), a free, open-source screen reader that allows users to operate Windows computers through keyboard commands and spoken feedback. The software reads text aloud, identifies on-screen elements and enables users to navigate documents, websites and applications without relying on a computer mouse.
For people with visual impairments, these tools can provide greater independence in education, employment, communication and everyday activities.
Turning Personal Experience Into Opportunities for Others
Taraya's experience with vision loss has given him a personal understanding of the barriers people with visual impairments encounter, particularly as education, communication and essential services increasingly move online.
Through the training, he hopes to help others recognize that accessibility is not simply about providing specialized technology but also about creating environments where people with disabilities can participate more fully.
The program is part of Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM), a ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that promotes inclusion, accessibility and meaningful participation for people with disabilities and other groups who may face barriers to community involvement.
"These skills will serve as an avenue to reach out to one of the seven groups identified by the APM: the blind or those with low vision," Taraya said.
The participants included educators, local church leaders and volunteers involved in community outreach. Organizers hope the training will prepare them to assist people with visual impairments, share practical digital skills and promote greater awareness of accessibility within their communities.
Learning to Navigate the Digital World Without Sight
During the opening session, participants experienced how ordinary computer keyboards can become powerful tools for digital navigation.
Using Windows laptops equipped with NVDA, they learned essential keyboard commands that allow users to move through computer menus, read documents, browse websites and receive spoken feedback while typing.
The training also introduced practical features such as navigating webpages through headings and links, reviewing text line by line and adjusting audio feedback to support different tasks.
Rather than focusing only on technical proficiency, the sessions encouraged participants to understand how people with visual impairments interact with technology and the challenges they may encounter when digital resources are not designed with accessibility in mind.
For Emma Jabutay, a teacher at Ubay Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School, the experience offered a new perspective on the possibilities of assistive technology.
"I am so amazed by the curriculum," Jabutay said. "Who would have thought that ordinary keys on a Windows laptop are actually wonderful commands that visually impaired individuals can use to navigate the digital world?"
Another participant, educator Eva Janet Bitol, said the introductory session increased her interest in learning more about the technology and its potential applications.
"I may have taken notes, but I am more eager to know the extent of this learning," Bitol said. "We are just starting, and I know there will be more to learn in the next sessions."
Their experiences reflect one of the program's objectives: helping people who may not have firsthand experience with visual impairment better understand how accessible technology can support independence and participation.
Building Communities Where Everyone Belongs
Church education and disability inclusion leaders said the training represents an important step toward expanding accessibility initiatives in Bohol and neighboring communities.
Ana Liza Facon, education director and Adventist Possibility Ministries coordinator for the Adventist Church in the East Central Philippines, said similar training had long been envisioned for the region.
The initiative moved forward following Taraya's assignment to the Bohol district, creating an opportunity to draw on his experience and technical knowledge.
"We really thank Pastor Taraya for sharing his talent and skill for the ministry," Facon said. "We pray that many will be reached out to after this training."
Facon emphasized that the program reflects a broader commitment to recognizing the abilities and contributions of every person, including those who face physical or social barriers.
Guided by the ministry's message that every person is gifted, needed and treasured, organizers hope the training will encourage participants to build more inclusive learning environments, congregations and communities.
"Every skill you learn today can become an opportunity to change someone's life tomorrow," Facon said.
Pastor Isaias Guisando, education director and Adventist Possibility Ministries coordinator for the Adventist Church in Central Visayas, also expressed appreciation for Taraya's willingness to share his knowledge.
"He is truly inspiring, and we hope to organize larger training sessions like this soon," Guisando said. "This way, we can give hope to people who are burdened by a sense of inadequacy."
Organizers hope the initiative will encourage more educators, volunteers and community leaders to recognize that people with disabilities should have opportunities to learn, contribute and participate fully in society.
Extending Accessibility Beyond the Classroom
The training will continue Nov. 30 and conclude Dec. 6, allowing participants to build on their introductory knowledge and develop more advanced screen-reading skills. Those who complete the three-session program will receive certificates recognizing their training.
Beyond the classroom, organizers envision participants sharing their knowledge with people who are blind or have low vision, helping them access educational materials, communicate online and navigate digital spaces with greater confidence.
The initiative also reflects the Adventist Church's commitment to serving communities through practical expressions of Christian compassion, recognizing that meaningful ministry includes listening to people's needs, removing barriers and creating opportunities for connection.
For Taraya, the training offers an opportunity to turn his experience into a resource for others. By helping more people understand accessible technology, he is contributing to a wider effort to make digital spaces more welcoming and usable for everyone.
As the program continues, its significance extends beyond learning a new computer application. It represents a commitment to ensuring that people with visual impairments have access to the tools, opportunities and relationships that support independent and meaningful participation in their communities.
The original article was published in the East Central Philippine Union Conference website.