If you are blind or have low vision, getting access to a fully accessible computer can be a financial burden. Apple offers computers that are accessible out of the box, but you will have to pay a premium price. And even though there is now a very good free screen reader for Windows, sometimes the cost of the computer itself is still too much. This is where Computers For The Blind steps in. For the last 24 years, the organization has been giving computers to people who need accessible software in order to use a computer successfully.
Those who are interested in receiving a computer from Computers For The Blind will need to have an internet connection to receive training on how to use their new technology and to donate $100 to the organization for the computer itself. The organization believes that this money is an investment in the person's future and that spending money on something means that you'll be more likely to spend the time needed to learn how to use the computer.
"There is such a great need for affordable computers and I wanted to help fill that need," commented company CEO David Jeppson. "As I travel around the country, I see that government funding is getting tighter and their ability to add new staff to meet the needs of this growing population is very limited. Many states have hiring freezes and tight budgets which result in long waiting lists or the inability to purchase computers for consumers, especially for those who are not working."
All of the computers that are provided to the blind are donated to the organization. They have a set of minimum requirements to ensure that the access technology will run smoothly. Programs such as demos of WindowEyes and ZoomText, NVDA, Open Office, and the Windows 7 operating system are installed on each computer.
"Since joining this wonderful organization I have heard from many clients and service providers about the wonderful impact the computers have had on their lives", said Jeppson. "Having an accessible computer means everything to them. It opens up a whole new world of opportunities. They tell me that the computers are used to help them with such things as communicating with family and friends, reading, paying bills on-line and finding information on the internet."
For more information, send an email to info@computersfortheblind.net or call 214-340-6328.
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For the past three years Alena has been a feature writer for the online magazine Matilda Ziegler. She has also been a contractor for the Oregon Commission for the Blind, helping blind adults learn to use adaptive technology. She is studying to be a teacher of the visually impaired at Portland State. You might also recognize her from the Serotalk podcast Triple Click Home.
