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Tools for Life
2 Peachtree St.
Suite 35.415
Atlanta, GA 30303-3142
A Closer Look
An Assistive Technology Publication of Tools for Life,
Georgia Assistive Technology Project--Fall 1999
ReBoot is Georgia's Computer Recycling Project dedicated to promoting independence for people with disabilities.
In 1998, ReBoot recycled 578 computers for Georgians with disabilities.
In 1999 (through October), 713 computers have been recycled by ReBoot.
ReBoot
Microsoft is piloting a Lifelong Learning Lab at the ReBoot Equipment Depot. The grant is $15,000 and covers time for lab instructors, some top of the line CPUs and AT software/hardware.
Microsoft has also donated over $43,000 worth of software to ReBoot.
Microsoft is also sponsoring a fund-raising activity for ReBoot - so we can continue to sponsor many of our ReBoot participants to get CD drives, modems, memory upgrades.... at no cost to the participant.
Computer Currents in their August edition designed and printed a beautiful advertisement for ReBoot at NO cost! Computer Currents is the most popular "computing solutions magazine" in the United States, check it out at http://www.computercurrents.com.
ReBoot was asked to serve on the Governors Committee for Y2K Solutions.
ReBoot participants have "given back to their community," through ReBoot, over 12,185 volunteer hours!
ReBoot has received over 10,560 pieces of computer equipment.
ReBoot Equipment Depot staff have fielded over 2,200 phone calls since January 1999.
Of the 578 computers ReBooted, only 16 have been returned/replaced because they did not work. Most of our technology assist calls are due to user errors.
The Georgia Sensory Center and Department of Rehabilitation Services have clients "volunteering" at the ReBoot Equipment Depot learning work place skills such as: computer repair, computer disassembly, and database management.
ReBoot was spotlighted at the RESNA National Gathering for Recycling in Washington DC last March.
We continue to have visitors and requests for information from around the country and the world about how they can "ReBoot" in their own communities!
ReBoot is operated by a mostly volunteer staff - 85% of whom are people with disabilities.
ReBoot has grown to 14 Statewide ReBoot Partners. These Partners are Tools for Life, the Technology Resource Centers, Independent Living Centers, Literacy Centers, Group Homes, and Hospice Houses.
We continue to learn and grow!
Everyone Wins with ReBoot!
"Everyone wins with ReBoot!" one of our corporate donors proclaimed after setting up her next shipment of computer equipment. She explained, "Not only do we get to clean out our desks and closets of our older equipment, but, we get a tax deduction, we save the environment, volunteers get to learn about computer evaluation and repair, and Georgians with disabilities receive darn good computer equipment. What an idea!"
We agree. Thanks to our donors, statewide partners, volunteers, and participant/volunteers, these people are using ReBoot computers:
* a young man in Macon is using a laptop attached to his wheelchair to communicate with his teachers, friends and family;
* a twelve year old who is blind in Forest Park, is using a computer with screen reading software to complete school work;
* a woman in Savannah is now able to find the most up-dated information about her rare disease from the internet;
* a literacy center in south Georgia is now using computers to teach people with learning disabilities how to read; and
* a 13-year-old boy with brain cancer was granted his wish to have a computer that he could use to write letters to his friends.
Behind every computer re-utilized through ReBoot there is a wish granted, a goal met, and a story to be shared. From donor to participant and everyone in between - we all are winners indeed.
Adopt-A-Computer YES!
I want to help a person with a disability receive a computer
by making a donation of:
__ $15 __ $25 __ $50 __ $100 __ $250 ___ $____
Your donation is tax deductible.
Make Checks payable to "Touch the Future, Inc."
Send to:
Touch the Future, Inc., 176 Mountain Brook Court, Marietta, GA 30064
Voices
from ReBoot, Georgia's Computer Recycling Project
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you so very much for the computer! I cannot find the appropriate words to express my heartfelt thanks for your devotion to helping those of us who need help. Terry Altier also asked that I pass along his gratitude for the system he was provided by Tools for Life. Tools for life is a wonderful organization which proves the power of the human heart. Overcoming obstacles for the handicapped is a difficult task for any person to understand.
If there is anything I can ever do for the organization or you in helping people please do not hesitate contacting me. It would be a pleasure to do anything that might help assist you and your organization. Mr. Altier asked that I speak for him as well in that regard.
Once again, many thanks,
Charles A. McMullen, Jr. Terry Altier
We Need You!
Volunteers are key to the success of ReBoot. Please, contact the ReBoot Center in your community (see page 5). Some of the areas we need assistance in are:
It's New - The Lifelong Learning Lab
One of the greatest challenges faced by ReBoot is helping their participants learn to use the computer they receive. To help meet that need Microsoft awarded a $15,000 grant and $43,000 of Microsoft (software) products to Touch the Future Inc. to start the Lifelong Learning Lab and that lab was officially dedicated October 26, 1999, at the Friends of the Disabled Adults and Children in Stone Mountain.
"Computer literacy is crucially important as a skill in today's world - ReBoot and Microsoft are closing the gap by helping Georgians with disabilities gain skills and tools to work, learn and live independently," stated Pat Hardy, Executive Director of Touch the Future.
The Lifelong Learning Lab will offer many types of classes. These classes will last one hour and be offered on several different dates. There will be plenty of lab time to continue the learning process begun in these classes. Some of the classes to be offered are: PC Hardware Basics, Macintosh Basics, Introduction to Keyboarding , Windows 95 Basics, Windows 98 Basics, Windows 98 Accessibility Features, Word 97 Basics, Excel Basics, Quicken 99, Internet Introduction, Building a Web-Site, JAWS for Windows (call to schedule with instructor), and Open Book Basics (call to schedule with instructor). In addition, two training sessions will be offered: Software for People with Learning Disabilities and Assistive Hardware/Software for Children. These two sessions will be two hours long.
Hours of Operations
Lifelong Learning Lab
Monday 11:00 am - Noon
2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 am - Noon
2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 am - Noon
2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Friday 11:00 am - Noon
2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Classes are scheduled from
10:00 am - 11:00 am or
1:00 PM - 2:00 p.m.
Lab time is available after classes
The Lifelong
Learning Lab Trainers
Kevin Rigs Mark Glass
Pat Hewitt Carolyn Phillips
Lamar Polly Tamara Rorer
Project ReBoot
Reprinted from A Closer Look, Spring 1998
Joy Kniskern and Christopher Lee, Tools for Life Project Managers
It is easy to say that Georgia's computer recycling program is not a new concept. For years, many Georgians with disabilities and various disability organizations throughout the state have shared in the dream of developing successful recycling services. Programs in Georgia, like Walton Options for Independent Living in Augusta, Earth Angels in Gainesville and Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODDER) in Stone Mountain have made major contributions to computer recycling in the Peach State. Without programs like these and others, ReBoot would not have been able to grow successfully at the rate it has in such a short period of time.
As Tools for Life examined the development of statewide recycling services, we saw that a recycling effort on a statewide scale would necessitate changes in organizational management, acquisition and deployment of equipment, evaluation and repair of equipment, training of participants, and ongoing evaluation of the program. These changes can be effected with careful planning, but the program still seemed to be missing a vital component, one that would lift recycling efforts in the state of Georgia to a new level and give the program clout with companies and agencies that are likely to be partners in our program. The search for the missing component did not take long; it was in front of us all along, but its realization came in the person of Carolyn Phillips, program manager for ReBoot. Through her insightfulness and persistent efforts, she has also forged working partnerships with groups throughout the state offering a simple solution to a complex problem. There was the key: partnership! We at Tools for Life would like to thank our new and future partners. We truly believe that the Georgia computer recycling services is about to make the history books under the title of ReBoot!
ReBoot Statewide Training Centers
Bridging the Gap
The ReBoot statewide partners are bridging the gap by taking this project from the state level to the local level. This localization provides for more effective service, a better use of resources, and building a sense of community. The training centers are responsible for:
" accepting applications;
" deploying equipment; and
" training participants.
Each center is building its training program to fit the needs of its community. They all offer computer basics and some software training. Some are able to offer more advanced training. Augusta, for example, offers an extensive course on JAWS for Windows.
Our evaluations conclude that our most satisfied participants are those that are active in their computer education. ReBoot Centers support such initiatives.
Metro Atlanta, Stone Mountain
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC)
770-491-9014
Coordinator: Joanne Willis
Augusta
Walton Options for Living (WOIL)
706-724-6262
Coordinator: Kristal Singletary
Macon
Disability Connections, Inc.
912-741-1425
Coordinator: Jerilyn Leverette
Conyers
TECH-ABLE
770-922-6768
Coordinator: Carolyn McGonagill
Rome
Sara Hightower Regional Library
800-201-5757
Deana Wallace
Statesboro
Georgia Southern University
912-681-5961
Sylvester
Connecting Point
912-776-8236
Coordinator: Karen Simpson
Equipment Lending Library
Bainbridge
Bainbridge Advocacy
Individual Network, Inc. (BAIN)
912-246-0150
Coordinator: Virginia Harris
NW Georgia
Tri-States Resources and Advocacy Corporation, Inc. (TRAC)
800-868-8724
Coordinator: Judy Beardon
Gainesville
Access Center for
Independent Living (ACIL)
770-534-6656
Coordinator: Stephanie Wells
Savannah
Living Independence
for Everyone, Inc. (LIFE)
912-920-2314
Coordinator: Pamela Hodge
Q & A about ReBoot, Georgia's Computer Re-Utilization Project
Q: How do I apply to receive a computer through ReBoot?
A: Contact the ReBoot Training Center nearest you and request an application.
Q: How long does it take to receive a computer if my application is approved?
A: At this time it takes about 4-5 months. As you know, our project is based upon donations of equipment. Most people only upgrade their PC. This creates a situation where we have enough PCs and keyboards, but a shortage of monitors, mice, power cords and assistive technology. Also, please, keep in mind that we do have a waiting list. Our volunteers are working as quickly as possible to meet the requests. Your patience is appreciated.
Q: Are there any requirements for participants?
A: Any person with a disability in Georgia is eligible to participate. The participant is asked to complete 20 hours of volunteer work as a way of contributing to the program. The participant must agree to participate in computer training and/or pass a basic computer skills evaluation. Please, consult with your local ReBoot training center for details.
We also ask that all participants have a goal or a purpose for requesting a computer.
Q: How can I volunteer?
A: We need volunteers! See the announcement below for a listing of possible opportunities. Contact the ReBoot Center nearest you.
Q: Does any software come with the computer?
A: We have licensed software that we load on each PC. The New Deal software is an excellent package similar to Windows 3.1. It contains a word processor, database, spread sheet, calendar, file manager and some games. It costs $20.00 with a manual.
Q: Do the participants pay for the computer equipment?
A: At this time we do not charge for anything other than the software package/manual. Because we do not charge, we are not able to purchase mice, printer cables, printer ribbons, assistive technology and many other supplies. If you have any suggestions of ways to solve this problem - let us know. We do welcome any and all donations!
Q: May I receive additional hardware or software?
A: ReBoot is dedicated to placing computer equipment into the homes/hands of people with disabilities at no to low cost. We also want to best meet the needs of our participants in a timely manner. As you know, most of our equipment is donated. Often the CD ROM drive, modem, sound cards, speakers and memory are removed from the computer by the donor. Thus, our waiting list for systems with these requirements is extremely long. If you need any of the items listed above and would like to purchase them through ReBoot you may. Check with our local ReBoot Center for prices.
Your Old Computer Can Give New Life!
We need working 486 or faster computers (desktops and/or laptops), monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, accessories, and software. You can drop off equipment or ship directly to FODAC - ReBoot's Equipment Depot and repair shop, located in Atlanta, Georgia. We are able to pick up some equipment. Your contribution is tax deductible.
Ship to:
Carolyn Phillips / ReBoot
c/o Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
4900 Lewis Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
If you need more information, please contact
Carolyn Phillips, ReBoot Project Leader
Phone: 770-491-0198
E-Mail: carolynpphillips @mindspring.com
Those Who Have Contributed
Your donation has helped us significantly in our efforts to promote independence for people with disabilities in Georgia. You are a part of the ReBoot Family and you have made a difference!
Thank you for giving ReBoot the opportunity to assist people through computer technology to: communicate, graduate from college, earn wages, write poetry, find up-to-date research on a rare disease, design web-sites, compose music, e-mail the President, and turn a dream into reality. Tools for Life would like to extend appreciation to these groups and individuals for their support and the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates who gave technical advise, inspiration and guidance.
Lydia Adams Stone Mt. Atlanta Journal and Constitution Atlanta PC User Group Sean Austin Atlanta Barbara Bruner Atlanta Don Calhoun Stone Mt Liz Calvert Atlanta Henry Chalmers Atlanta Christmas in April Ruth F. Claiborne, P. C. Atlanta Computer Currents DeKalb Community School Decatur Computer Currents Cox Publishing, Randy Cox Atlanta Pat Coye Lawrenceville Sandra Daroo Stone Mt Rod Derener Atlanta Helen Diehl Marietta Nancy Douglas Atlanta Randy Faigin Atlanta First Baptist Church Avondale Estates First Presbyterian Church, Marietta Shawn Foley Atlanta Michael Gallagher Buford Betty Garner Snellville Georgia Project for Assistive Technology (GPAT) Thomas Harris Atlanta Hewlitt Packard Michael Hewson Roswell Reginald Highsmith Lithonia Tim Honig Stone Mt IBM Craig Holch Info Trends Research Group, Inc. Boston William Johnson Atlanta Dept. Juven Services Walton Court Services Office Monroe Department of Juvenile Justice Decatur Juvenile Services Athens Court Services Athens Keith Hyams Theresa King Atlanta Eileen Knauft Atlanta Joy Kniskern Atlanta Kathy Yocca Kraft Foods Norcross Nancy Lawson Avondale Estates Merry Ledbetter Duluth Christopher Lee Atlanta Lockheed Martin - Marietta Audrey Lowe Decatur Pete Lueders Decatur Charles Lumsden Conyers Wesley Lyons Snellville Helen Malone Clarkston MetaMor Microsoft Dr. Andy Walters New York Mary Nolan Atlanta Sandy Nunnally Stone Mt Rachel Owens Atlanta Pusiauet Peo Atlanta Web Printers, Inc Stone Mt Philip Morris Bob and Frances Phillips Marietta Jennifer Pounds Atlanta Steve Pusey Dunwoody Donna Quagliata Stone Mtn Paul Raines Tucker Walter Reeves Decatur William Reeves Atlanta ReMax David Rensberger Decatur Vemal Ribendry Clarkston Ringgold City Deborah Robinson, H. Conyers Sam's Club Carol Scotten Decatur Sears Atlanta Shephard Spinal Center John Shuck Suwanee Sara Silvio Conyers Mary Slaughter Decatur Dottie @ Southern Polytechnic State University State of Georgia Bob Stewart Decatur The Caribiners Atlanta The Flying Biscuit Paula Thompson Tucker Tish Weidman Joan Turner Hinesville Kelly Ward Atlanta Gold'n West Surplus Corona Zelda White Atlanta Herb Williams Atlanta Web Printers, Inc. Stone Mt Margaret Yokoi Tucker Paula Young Duluth