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FREE Computers for Visually Impaired Persons
TCPI provides computers, free
of charge (with a $100 donation) to visually impaired persons.
(Note: This service is available to residents of the United States
and Canada.) We ship an average of 350-400 refurbished PCs per year,
for a grand total of 2,800 computers
distributed to date.
Our computer program provided
400 computers last year, for a grand total of 2,800 computers distributed
to date.
Last November, we delivered the
2,000th TCPI computer
in an award ceremony. See
photos of the event.
The donated computers are refurbished by
volunteers. This work has been done for many years by John Austin
(shown left, below). More recently, volunteers from the North
Texas PC Users Group (shown right, below) have joined in the
refurbishing operation.
We are grateful for the generosity of:
- GW
Micro, who contribute the Window-Eyes
screen reader demos that are installed on the computers we distribute.
Please note that the active screen reader installed is NonVisual
Desktop Access (NVDA), for which we also furnish a print and audio
cassette copy of the user manual and a "hotkeys" list.
- Ai Squared, who donate
a registered copy of ZoomText
for each computer, a program that magnifies screen text for the
low-vision user. If you like the trial version, Ai Squared will
allow us to send you a registered copy of ZoomText, provided evidence
can be furnished that the low-vision user can use this software.
We are an official Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher
(MAR).
Our work includes in-depth discussions and research
on synthesized voices, screen enlargement and scanning programs
so that the equipment can be used with ease by visually impaired
persons. We are also constantly seeking donated computers that we
can refurbish and equip with the software to make them useful to
the visually impaired.
Due to postal expense and the obstructive
practices of some authorities in foreign countries, we are unable
to ship computers directly to patrons outside the United States.
However, several Computer Centers for the Blind have been started
through the combined efforts of
public and private organizations and caring individuals who personally
take computers abroad as carry-on baggage for personal delivery
to recipients. As a result, Computer Centers for the Blind have
been established in Vine del Mar, Chile, Trujillo, Peru, and two
in Lima, Peru. Soon we hope to have additional ones in Cuba and
Nicaragua. Read
more.
We are happy to report that computers have been
sent to most states, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Bhutan, Pakistan,
Malaysia, and Zimbabwe.
Who is eligible?
If you are a visually-impaired person in
the United States who is serious about learning and is willing to
listen to several audiocassettes to learn the basic steps for using
a computer, then now is your chance.
Is there a charge?
There is a $100 charge to cover packing,
shipping, and replacement parts. Otherwise, everything is free.
You will receive a computer, monitor, keyboard, CD-ROM, modem, speakers,
and the necessary software.
What software is included?
Your computer will come loaded with all the
necessary software to get you started on an exciting adventure:
- A screen reader with a voice synthesizer will
read aloud the information on the computer screen.
- You can explore the vast quantities of
information on the Internet and communicate by e-mail with millions
of other computer users. PLEASE
NOTE that you must first subscribe
to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). All ISPs provide access
to the Internet and e-mail, but their services and monthly fees
vary widely, so each user must choose an ISP appropriate to his
or her needs and preferences.
- You will be able to write letters and
maintain records of your investments, insurance, and other pertinent
data.
How do I learn to operate the computer?
We provide each computer user with six audiocassette
tutorials on the use of Windows XP and Window-Eyes. Spanish tutorials
are available.
Here is your opportunity to obtain a computer
that will enable you to do many things that you have wanted to do
by yourself. Keep in mind that it will require much reading and
study, but through this program you can learn to surf the Internet,
get a paying job, or fulfill many other dreams that you now have.
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Click HERE
to read two examples of our mission in action.
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Donors receive tax deduction
We are sorely in need of used computers to refurbish and equip for
use by the visually impaired. We are a 501c3
nonprofit organization and will provide donors a receipt so that
they may obtain a tax deduction.
Needs:
- Computer Systems (Pentium III (600 MHz or better),
Hard Drives (4 GB or larger), Memory (128 MB or larger), modems
(56K baud only), CD-ROM drives, sound cards, video adapters, keyboards,
and mice. We also need 17" and 19" monitors.
- We
also need volunteers with hardware and software experience in
DOS and Windows.
Your tax-deductible contributions of money
are also welcome. Your donations, large or small, help us carry
on the work of making life easier and more fruitful for the physically
impaired.

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For more information about Computers
for the Blind or to make
a tax-deductible contribution, please contact:
Robert Langford Ph.D., President
Texas Center for the Physically Impaired
11330 Quail Run
Dallas, Texas 75238
Tel: (214) 340 6328
Fax: (214) 340 0870
E-mail: boblang@airmail.net
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Web site designed by McJohnson
Communications
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