FREE Computers for Visually Impaired Persons

TCVC 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.)

Our computer program provided 400 computers last year, for a grand total of 3,500 computers distributed
to date.

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.

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.

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. Read more.

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.

TCPI President, Bob Langford, cautions that learning to operate a computer is likely to be frustrating at first and requires , but past recipients all report great satisfaction as they patiently follow the furnished tutorials, master the computer, and move into cyber space. Tutorials are supplied on audio tape and also in large-type font for those who can read the monitor and use the mouse.

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.

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.

For more information about our programs or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact: Lee Mann, Treasurer Texas Center for the Visually Challenged 11330 Quail Run Dallas, Texas 75238 Tel: (214) 340 6328 Fax: (972) 495 5344 E-mail: boblang@airmail.net

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