The following is a blog post from Freedom Scientific's blog. For
reference, the Web site for Computers for the Blind is
www.ComputersForTheBlind.net
Freedom Scientific partners with Computers for the Blind to give the
best computing experience to those who need it
Jonathan Mosen June 11, 2018 0
Introduction
Nothing pleases us more than to learn how our technology has assisted
our customers to realize their potential on the job, at school or in the
community. We also regularly give back to the community by partnering
with organizations serving the blind community who make a difference.
So, when we had the opportunity to partner with an organization that
makes a difference by putting empowering technology in the hands of
people who may otherwise not be able to obtain it, we thought it was the
perfect fit.
That’s why we’re pleased to tell you about our partnership with
Computers for the Blind.
Common beginnings
Our organizations have similar beginnings. The company responsible for
the creation and early development of JAWS, Henter-Joyce, was founded in
part by a blind man, Ted Henter, who was blinded in a car accident. He
decided that a future of possibilities lay in computing, and ultimately
started his own company and screen reader to help make the world a more
accessible place.
CFTB was founded by Bob Langford. Like Ted, he was also blinded in an
accident, but at an earlier age. He was just sixteen. Bob earned a
Doctorate’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation.
Eventually, he received his first computer and discovered how computers
could overcome many obstacles. He wanted to share this gift with others
and started what would become Computers for the Blind.
What CFTB does
CFTB is a Non-Profit, volunteer organization devoted to providing
computers to blind or visually impaired people. Inspired by the mission
of their founder, they hope each person who is blind or visually
impaired may experience the information age in a positive and productive
manner. They believe, as I’m certain do those reading this blog, that
technology opens new worlds and creates opportunity for greater personal
freedom.
They refurbish donated computers and provide them pre-installed with
Fusion for their clients. This means that when a CFTB computer arrives,
it’s all ready to plug in, switch on, and get started right away with
the best screen reading and magnification options available, JAWS and
ZoomText.
Any blind or visually impaired person in the United States can apply to
CFTB for a computer, using the application form on their website. The
process is clearly explained, and fact sheets are available.
David Jeppson, the Executive Director of Computers for the Blind says,
“CFTB is very appreciative of Freedom Scientific for their generosity in
donating such exceptional software to our consumers.”
Specifics of our partnership
As stated above, all computers now shipping from CFTB have Fusion
preinstalled. This means you can run JAWS and ZoomText individually or
separately depending on your requirements. The computers run Windows 10,
so they can keep up-to-date with all the accessibility updates rolling
out regularly.
We’ve enrolled CFTB as a partner in our Home Use program, meaning it
will be easy for CFTB clients to keep the software current. Here’s how
it works.
When you turn on your PC from CFTB, you have a one-year fully functional
license for Fusion, meaning you can run JAWS, ZoomText, or both at no
cost for a year. After the first year, recipients will automatically be
enrolled in our Home Use program and be able to purchase updates.
If you choose not to purchase updates after the first year, you can
still run the products in 40-minute mode.
Once you’re enrolled in the Home Use program, you are a full customer of
the product you purchased, able to install your copy on multiple computers.
More information
If you know of someone who doesn’t yet have a computer and could benefit
from one, you can find more information on the Computers for the Blind
website.
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David Goldfield, Assistive Technology Specialist WWW.David-Goldfield.Com