---- Original Message ------
From: "Lenny McHugh" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [blcompusers] Free computer technology assistance for
visually impaired people
Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2006 13:15:20 -0500
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2006
Contact:
Dominic Calabrese
312/997-3662
Chicago Lighthouse Sets Up Assistive Technology Computer Help
Desk
CHICAGO -
In an effort to accommodate people with visual impairments in
need of
technical support, The Chicago Lighthouse has established a
telephone
assistive technology support line.
The toll free number for the new service is 888 TCL (825) 0080.
"We're excited to have an opportunity to make it easier for
people with
visual impairments to take advantage of the many technological
advancements
that are now more readily available," said William Bielawski,
program
manager for adaptive technology and office skills training at The
Lighthouse.
Bielawski noted that any blind or visually impaired person could
call the
support line regardless of what product they're using.
"It can be any hardware or software relating to assistive
technology as long
as the customer is visually impaired," he said.
"We also encourage calls from teachers and other individuals who
work with
people who are visually impaired as well as other interested
parties."
Servicing the calls is Ray Campbell, a former engineer with
Lucent
Technologies who now works in The Lighthouse's Adaptive
Technology program.
"Our intent is to offer a one stop place where people who are
blind or
visually impaired can get the assistance that they need," he
said.
"I can listen to what JAWS or WindowEyes is saying and walk him
or her right
through their problem."
Campbell added that if he can't resolve the issue over the phone,
he will
schedule an on-site visit as long as the customer resides in the
Chicago
metropolitan area.
The program was made possible when The Lighthouse successfully
matched
a $41,000 grant from the Boeing Company Foundation.
"We're tremendously grateful to Boeing for their support and we
intend
to use the help desk in strengthening our level of customer
service and
showcasing The Lighthouse as a national leader in adaptive
technology,"
Bielawski said.
Celebrating its centennial this year, The Lighthouse is one of
the oldest
social service agencies in Chicago. It is regarded as the most
comprehensive agency of its kind in the Midwest and a model
agency
nationally.
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