Generally you press the clutch pedal with your left foot - it has a spring / hydraulics so that the pedal comes up as you lift your foot off - similar to the brake pedal.

I suppose certain vehicles for handicap use can have hand levers - is that what she was talking about on the show??

The best way to learn shifting -
Sit in the car and practice doing it thru all the gears - with the motor off
press the pedals, pretend the engine is revving up, do a shift to the next gear- learn where they are etc - get the feel of everything...
Then-
It's really best to go to an empty parking lot and actually demonstrate & then let the trainee practice driving & shifting in a safe open area.