Richardson Edition | May 2024

Nonpro t

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

Marci Duty works with the nonprot as a customer service representative and instructor.

Volunteers such as Marty Vigezzi replace laptop batteries and hard drives and check keyboards and mouse tracks to ensure they work properly before installing one of the two assistive softwares.

PHOTOS BY DUSTIN BUTLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Computers for the Blind helps the visually impaired

Computers for the Blind ships laptops with assistive software to the visually impaired across the country.

as part of the Texas Center for the Physically Impaired but became a separate entity in 1995. Looking ahead Board member Dan Youman said the organiza- tion’s target this year is to ship 2,000 computers to those in need. Board President Keith Landau said the organi- zation partners with businesses to donate large volumes of computer equipment. This allows Computers for the Blind to customize and ship laptops across the country. “We’re trying to get these companies to say, ‘It would be a better use of our property ... than just recycling them or trashing them,’” Mignardi said.

Local nonprot Computers for the Blind works to ensure those with visual impairments can access computers. Giving back The nonprot customizes refurbished laptops with software that allows individuals with visual impairments to use them. It also provides training on how to use the software, which helps with reading, screen navigation and magnication. The backstory The organization was started by Robert Lang- ford, who was blinded in an accident when he was 16, Executive Director Tanya Towndrow said. According to it’s website, it was founded in 1988

1201 S. Sherman St. Ste. 206, Dallas www.computersfortheblind.org

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