Introduction to Computers for the Blind
In a world driven by screens, a non-profit organization in North Texas ensures that nobody is left behind. Computers for blind people, based in Dallas, open doors for people across the country who are blind or visually impaired. The non-profit organization renovates donated computers and equips them with powerful barrier-free software, making thousands of computers available to those who would otherwise do without them.
Transforming Lives
For Antoinette McDonald Ellis, receiving one of these computers was almost transformative. "I can send this email myself. I can think about myself. Whatever I have to do on this computer, I now have the ability to go in there and do it. And not just that, I have trust," she said. The organization’s work has a profound impact on the lives of people who are blind or have low vision, providing them with the tools they need to navigate the digital world with confidence and ease.
Enabling Independence
In an office in front of North Central Expressway, the shelves are lined with more than just machines – they are gateways to independence. The organization installs special software such as JAWS, which converts text into speech, and ZoomText, which enlarges the content on the screen. These tools enable users who are blind or have low vision to navigate the digital world with confidence and ease. "What they do differently is that they come equipped with software that either speaks the computer or enlarges the screen," said Marci Duty, a computer specialist for the blind who is completely blind himself.
Making a Difference
The organization has sent almost 22,000 computers, each of which makes a big difference in a person’s life. The impact of the program is not only in the technology – it is in the training and support that goes hand in hand with it. "When I opened it for the first time and turned it on and it spoke to me … I just felt like I had grown three or four inches," Ellis recalled. The mission of Computers for the Blind is about providing more than just hardware – it is about bridging the digital gap and providing a sense of community, creativity, and trust for people who are often underserved in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.
Empowering Individuals
With every computer shipped, Computers for the Blind brings more than just technology – it brings independence, opportunities, and a new sense of possibilities. "It gave me freedom," said Ellis. "It gave me the ability to feel like I’m part of this 21st-century world." The organization’s work is a testament to the power of technology to transform lives and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision. By providing access to computers and specialized software, Computers for the Blind is helping to level the playing field and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
