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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
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Visually Impaired to Enter Cyberspace

Client Henry Smith (left), works away at the new computer as Rotarian Richard Grant and WAPA Personnel Manager Douglas Canton look on.Clients with disabilities at the Center for Independent Living now have five new computers to enrich their lives, compliments of Rotary Club of St. Croix Mid-Isle and Rotary Club of Huntsville Lake of Bays in Canada.

Thursday the Rotarians unveiled the computers to around 20 clients on hand at the center located in Sion Farm.

Henry Smith, who is blind, set up and gave a demonstration on one of two computers equipped with the Jaws Pro Reading software, Open Book for the Blind, Scanners and Talking Typer. The other computers will be used by clients as educational tools, accessing the Internet and as a vehicle for research.

“I am so glad we have the computers here at the center,” client Angel Barry said. “Now I can learn to use the computer and do things I wouldn’t normally do.” Barry said he will speak to his children in Connecticut on Skype and get involved in the stock market online.

“I am excited, knowing that clients on St. Croix now have the opportunity to use the computers and get into the 21st century,” said Felecia Brownlow, director for the V.I. Association for Independent Living. She said the association’s aim is to start training clients by mid-January. She added if anyone has experience using the software she would appreciate training assistance.

The computers, which cost more than $11,000, were funded by the two clubs, Rotary District 7020 (Northern Caribbean) and a grant from The Rotary Foundation.

Eldon Providence, Mid-Isle’s community service chairman, brought the project to the club’s attention after Kimarie Lang, who is visually impaired, told him about the need for the computers at the center.

“Kimarie planted the seed that will make life easier and better for the disabled here,” Providence said. “It was the power of one making life more meaningful.”
The center is a resource for more than 200 people that are blind, visually impaired, and physically or mentally handicapped. Individuals get assistance, advice, referrals, instruction and counseling at the center.

"This is a classic case of Rotary clubs working together in providing humanitarian service and opening up a realm of opportunities for individuals with disabilities," said past District Governor Richard Grant.

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