Carrier, herself once a recipient of a Computer Banc computer. “One of my clients had never turned on a computer before.”
While her clients are people with disabilities, many of whom live below poverty level, they face problems similar to those of their non-disabled friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, some of the adults who might need a computer most cannot afford the $100 fee.
“We’ve had a few people who couldn’t afford the $100; we’ve had trouble coming up with that for them. Ninety percent of my clients are low income, many of them very low income,” Carrier said.
“One client is blind and wants to be a medical transcriptionist. She is an excellent keyboardist but she needs screen-reading software that visually impaired people use. I am working on getting a computer for her, so she can get training at home and work at home.
“I have another young woman with ADD, who writes. She is an excellent writer. I’m trying to get the money together to get her a computer. She is homeless right at the moment, but will have a public housing apartment next week. So I will be getting her a computer.”
When asked if the people who get Computer Banc computers are better off afterward, Carrier’s reaction is spontaneous, explosive.
“Absolutely!” she said. “It improves their quality of life. A lot of the people I work with need community resources. They need to have a way to see where they need to go. That’s all online.
“The big thing for me is that they can apply for jobs online. I train people how to register online, fill out online applications to apply for positions with different companies. And to research jobs. As an employment specialist, I need them to be doing these things almost on a daily basis.”
Cheap computers?
Fowler said that recent high-profile sale advertisements create the false impression that cheap computers have finally bridged the digital divide.
“One of the arguments going around is that $50 or $100 isn’t a lot of money. Well, yes it is, for the low-income population. The other thing you will see are new computers on sale for $200-$250. First, you are probably getting a low-quality computer. Second, some of those deals require money up front with the rest sent as mail-in rebates. Our clients can’t wait 30 to 60 days to get the difference refunded. Those $200 offers are not as good as they look.
“But, finally, if somebody is having trouble finding $100, $250 is the opposite end of that world,” Fowler added. “Out of the question.”
Fowler said college students are calling Computer Banc in need of laptop computers.
“A college student can’t take his CRT into the classroom,” he said and laughed. “At the moment we don’t have laptops. It’s been a void. I am looking at a grant for some seed money to start a laptop program. A laptop, for instance, is a requirement for accounting classes, just to walk in the door. If there is any new program I feel a sense of urgency for, it’s that… and the grandparents raising grandchildren program. I think there are a lot of businesses out there with laptops they could be donating to us.”
Although Computer Banc already works closely with social service agencies, a recent development should cement that relationship: As of July 1, the nonprofit became a United Way member agency.
“I think that speaks to the credibility of the organization, when you are recognized as a valuable service, as a footprint, in the community,” Fowler said. “We have had a number of other member agencies as well as the director already offer their services, expertise and advice to help us jump-start fundraising. We want to work with other agencies, give them computer labs, and they can provide the training to their clients, and referrals.
“The United Way feels strongly about our 10-year history in the community. We had been on track to give away 600 computers this year … it’s very encouraging to the board and this organization to be part of the United Way, both mentally as well as financially.”
In times of economic uncertainty, government funding tightens and many families must forgo “luxuries” in order to pay for “necessities.” But as the rules for survival change to meet the demands of the digital age, the definition of what’s necessary might need to be re-evaluated.
“We debate this question internally. How to put this tactfully? We appreciate that funds need to go to food and clothing and shelter but you have to feed the brain in order to break the cycle of illiteracy and poverty,” said Fowler.
“That is part of the digital divide that Computer Banc can eliminate through education. We feel we are a player in breaking that cycle.”
Contact Rick Wade at [email protected].
Contact Computer Banc at 528-9506 or go to www.computerbanc.info.
