[Njtechdiv] Freedom Scientific partners with Computers for the Blind

[Mario Brusco]

hot off the press...

This is pretty cool. For those of us who already have Jaws, it's 
probably not a big deal, but still. The more who are able to get access 
to a quality screen reader, the better.
And yes, I am aware of NVDA.

Once you get past the initial purchase of Jaws, if you price out the 
SMAs, it’s basically a $5.00 monthly subscription anyway.

Freedom Scientific partners with Computers for the Blind to give the 
best computing experience to those who need it
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/cftb/

Jonathan Mosen
June 11, 2018

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.”

the rest of the blog is found at the above URL.