Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the visually Impaired, Inc. (ATRIEV) is a nonprofit organization that was put up by a group of blind computer enthusiasts to break barriers and go beyond the so called limitations of persons with visual impairment. Through assistive technology, we’ve opened paths for blind and sight-impaired to access higher education and mainstream employment. In 25 years of implementing our transformative programs,<(>,<)> we’ve produced many first for the visually impaired. But with all honesty, can you even imagine a blind thriving in the field of information technology? Well, to solidify thesestatements, just view the profiles of the first software developer, first search engine optimization manager, first medical transcriptionist, first recruitment specialist, first blind computer trainers, contact center agents, virtual assistants, cross-sell agents, sales associates, and content writers. All that became possible through our quality computer education, but technology is only a tool. ATRIEV also focuses on what’s inside the blind person when we conduct life skills workshops, personality development workshops, and work ethics. With us, as the world of technology advances, no blind will be leftbehind! Vision To be the leading innovator and champion of technology-based education for persons with visual impairment and other disability. Mission To initiate, implement and facilitate programs, projects, activities and services for the empowerment, rehabilitation, and inclusion of persons with visual impairment.

Project Title: Disability Inclusion in Digital Economy The COVID pandemic has underscored the importance of technology in accessing information and resources due to its restrictions. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are further left behind in the new normal. ATRIEV, an assistive technology-focusedorganization, was able to transcend to the new normal andmaximized assistive technology to provide persons with disabilitieswith the skills to earn and survive. As early as 2018, ATRIEVrecognized the role of social media to promote businesses online. Using the Android platform, ATRIEV developed a training program centered on using Facebook Marketplace for PWD micro-entrepreneurs nationwide. With assistive technology, participants were taught photo editing apps, Facebook posting, and online branding. In 2020, ATRIEV revised the social media training to include financial literacy, pricing, and costing of products and services and renamed the training to Digital Business basic training (DBBT). Since most businesses shifted online, the training also included the use of e-payments, delivery services, and access to online shopping sites. using video conferencing platforms, ATRIEV’s visually-impaired trainers redesigned DBBT for online training customized for PWD Android users. In 2020, the majority of the150 DBBT training participants engaged in online selling of food, ready-to-wear apparel, herbal products, and e-loading services. However, because of the evolving technology trends, most online sellers and buyers shifted to the use of Instagram for business, Online live selling using Facebook live and YouTube videos as add-ons to the social media business package. For this project, ATRIEVwill revises its DBBT course content to include Instagram for business, video creation, and putting up a YouTube channel. Communication and presentation skills modules will also be added to the course. Customized marketing training will also be included to focus on actual sales techniques. Aside from the skills development of PWDs, ATRIEV will also connect them to access resources from government institutions like the Department of Trade and Industry(DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority(TESDA), and Department of Social Welfare and Development(DSWD). ATRIEV will train these agencies inaccessible document production and online facilitation. ATRIEV will also conduct accessibility audits of their websites for remediation to ensure that all of the government tools and processes are inclusive. Finally, ATRIEV will build a site where PWDs can learn, find jobs, sell online and earn. While government agencies have online tools, most of these tools are either not accessible or not appropriate for beginners in using technology. Together with ATRIEV’s accessibility experts and a website firm, a fully accessible platform will be developed that will help PWDs transition to the mainstream of the digital economy. The site will have a Learning Management System (LMS)that will host all the skills development training programs, a time log, and monitoring system for ATRIEV trainers and employees to track their work performance, a repository of profiles of employablePWDs and their portfolio, a directory of employers and their job vacancies, and an online shop where PWDs can upload, share and connect their businesses. This all-encompassing site will be known as the Disability Inclusive Digital Economy Platform.