Maui Economic Opportunity Maui Independent Living Center member Mikey Tomita watches a PowerPoint presentation during a Digital Readiness Basic Computer class held at University of Hawaii Maui College on June 21. — Photo courtesy Maui Economic Opportunity

Nine deaf members of Maui Economic Opportunity’s Maui Independent Living Center learned how to open email, use a mouse and refrain from banking at free Wi-Fi hotspots during a special basic computer class at University of Hawaii Maui College on June 21.

The free, three-hour Digital Readiness Basic Computer Class was a collaboration between UH-Maui College and the Maui Independent Living Center.

It was a first for instructor Ben Howard, who has years of experience teaching computer skills to hearing people with little to no computer experience. For this class, he relied on sign language interpreters and visual presentations.

The students learned what the “@” and “.com” signify and the hacking dangers of opening personal or financial data when using free Wi-Fi. Students peppered Howard with questions in sign language, including questions about their 10-year-old computers and how to keep them operational.

The Maui Independent Living Center provides access to resources, education and training to support independence for persons with disabilities. The center works closely with the deaf and hard of hearing community to provide services and to help them become advocates for themselves.

For more information, call 249-2990, email evalina. watanabe@meoinc.org or visit www.meoinc.org