Congratulations to the BAS and Bakersfield ARC (BARC) staff for a first place finish in a national tech survey competition! The Arc of the United States hosted a contest to encourage clients to fill out tech surveys designed to discover how individuals with developmental disabilities (I/DD) are using technology in programming. BAS staff have been using and teaching BARC clients on computers for many years.
“The BAS partnership that we enjoy has been very innovative and supportive with computer programs designed for our clients.”- Jim Baldwin, President/CEO BARC
According to BARC, the collaboration with KHSD is what assisted in winning the contest. It was through the Learning Center operated by KHSD that created the staging ground for inputting each I/DD adult survey into the on-line system, which explored how BARC clients use everyday technology products including websites, apps, smartphones, and laptops.
“The primary purpose behind winning the Tech Challenge was to prove to ourselves that we could be the best in the nation for the sake of the clients BARC serves. The secondary purpose was to bring the spotlight on the Arc of Bakersfield as a worthy provider of services for developmentally disabled adults.” – Gilbert Garcia, Resource Development Specialist, BARC
BARC will receive the first place prize of $3,000 for improvements directly benefiting BARC and may include new classroom furniture and equipment. Ten local clients who took the survey challenge also won a $50 Amazon gift card for participating. Because of this national recognition, there may be additional grant funding opportunities for BARC education and skills training programs.