[Iabs-talk] partnership with VFO and computers for the blind

[David Meyer]

I received the following message from Dick Scholl and thought it might 
be useful for some of us.

-----Original Message-----
From: Glen Schroeder [mailto:ka9yiu at gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2018 10:24 PM
To: Glen Schroeder
Subject: FW: [otr-discussion] Freedom Scientific partners with Computers for
the Blind



-----Original Message-----
From: otr-discussion at groups.io [mailto:otr-discussion at groups.io] On Behalf
Of Larry Gassman
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2018 1:54 PM
To: OTR Discussion List <otr-discussion at groups.io>
Subject: [otr-discussion] Freedom Scientific partners with Computers for the
Blind

         Jonathan Mosen posted: "Introduction Nothing pleases us more
than to learn how our technology has assisted our customers to
realize their potential on the job, at school or in the community. We
also regularly give back to the community by partnering with
organizations serving t"


New post on Freedom Scientific Blog


Freedom Scientific partners with Computers for the Blind to give the
best computing experience to those who need it

by <http://blog.freedomscientific.com/?author=4>Jonathan Mosen


Introduction

Nothing pleases us more than to learn how our technology has assisted
our customers to realize their potential on the job, at school or in
the community. We also regularly give back to the community by
partnering with organizations serving the blind community who make a
difference. So, when we had the opportunity to partner with an
organization that makes a difference by putting empowering technology
in the hands of people who may otherwise not be able to obtain it, we
thought it was the perfect fit.

That's why we're pleased to tell you about our partnership with
Computers for the Blind.


Common beginnings

Our organizations have similar beginnings. The company responsible
for the creation and early development of JAWS, Henter-Joyce, was
founded in part by a blind man, Ted Henter, who was blinded in a car
accident. He decided that a future of possibilities lay in computing,
and ultimately started his own company and screen reader to help make
the world a more accessible place.

CFTB was founded by Bob Langford. Like Ted, he was also blinded in an
accident, but at an earlier age. He was just sixteen. Bob earned a
Doctorate's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation.

Eventually, he received his first computer and discovered how
computers could overcome many obstacles. He wanted to share this gift
with others and started what would become Computers for the Blind.


What CFTB does

CFTB is a Non-Profit, volunteer organization devoted to providing
computers to blind or visually impaired people. Inspired by the
mission of their founder, they hope each person who is blind or
visually impaired may experience the information age in a positive
and productive manner. They believe, as I'm certain do those reading
this blog, that technology opens new worlds and creates opportunity
for greater personal freedom.

They refurbish donated computers and provide them pre-installed with
Fusion for their clients. This means that when a CFTB computer
arrives, it's all ready to plug in, switch on, and get started right
away with the best screen reading and magnification options
available, JAWS and ZoomText.

Any blind or visually impaired person in the United States can apply
to CFTB for a computer, using the application form on their website.
The process is clearly explained, and fact sheets are available.

David Jeppson, the Executive Director of Computers for the Blind
says, "CFTB is very appreciative of Freedom Scientific for their
generosity in donating such exceptional software to our consumers."


Specifics of our partnership

As stated above, all computers now shipping from CFTB have Fusion
preinstalled. This means you can run JAWS and ZoomText individually
or separately depending on your requirements. The computers run
Windows 10, so they can keep up-to-date with all the accessibility
updates rolling out regularly.

We've enrolled CFTB as a partner in our Home Use program, meaning it
will be easy for CFTB clients to keep the software current. Here's
how it works.

When you turn on your PC from CFTB, you have a one-year fully
functional license for Fusion, meaning you can run JAWS, ZoomText, or
both at no cost for a year. After the first year, recipients will
automatically be enrolled in our Home Use program and be able to
purchase updates.

If you choose not to purchase updates after the first year, you can
still run the products in 40-minute mode.

Once you're enrolled in the Home Use program, you are a full customer
of the product you purchased, able to install your copy on multiple
computers.


More information

If you know of someone who doesn't yet have a computer and could
benefit from one, you can find more information on
<https://www.computersfortheblind.net/>the Computers for the Blind website.


<http://blog.freedomscientific.com/?author=4>Jonathan Mosen | June
11, 2018 at 1:54 pm | Categories:
<http://blog.freedomscientific.com/?taxonomy=category&term=fusion>Fusion,
<http://blog.freedomscientific.com/?taxonomy=category&term=jaws>JAWS,
<http://blog.freedomscientific.com/?taxonomy=category&term=zoomtext