November 2009 is the month when Adaptive Technology for the Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired Inc.’s (ATRIEV) call center is fully operational supported by visually impaired call center agents.  A first in the Philippines, the site has special call center software to translate displayed text into speech, whereas some are magnified for those who are partially blind.

With the support of several government and private organizations, this center has indeed opened a lot of opportunities.  Not only has it created jobs, this proves that the country is ready to provide advanced technology to a different employment base.

It was reported that there are about 6 people being groomed as trainers for the facility.  With their support, the site envisions to train agents to be as efficient as call center agents who have sight.  I believe they will move closer to this goal faster than expected, as I expect these agents to be more motivated and enthusiastic.

They are currently screening applicants to join their call center training course on November 4 and 6, starting at 10AM.  The center is located in the ATRIEV office in E. Rodriguez Boulevard, Quezon City.

Image courtesy of DFA-PISU