Requests for computer donations from disabled individuals
Even though the IRS does not allow tax deductions for donations given to individuals, we urge you to consider making a gift of your recently retired computer to a person with a disability.
Your used computer (Pentium 4, or better - Macintosh G4, or better) could make a profound impact on someone's life and perhaps a tax deduction might not be the most important consideration.
Your gift could provide an opening to the outside world for a person with limited mobility or confined to bed. We've been told repeatedly disabled individuals are often the least able to afford computers even though they could benefit the most from the access to the outside world, family and friends a computer and the Internet could provide. Please think about helping someone in need.
California - Redding
Susan Harris writes: I am a 58-year old lady currently on disability for an unhealed leg fracture. I have been in the process of teaching myself several computer programs so that I will be able to re-enter the workforce and become a productive member of society again. My computer is having major connectivity and performance issues, and I desperately need a new one. I now have a desktop, but a laptop would be very helpful due to the fact that my leg often swells, and requires that I elevate it. I am also having extensive surgery in the near future, and a laptop would allow me to continue training while I am recovering. I am on disability and cannot afford to purchase a laptop. I would love to have a Pentium IV (or better) laptop, with Windows XP on it. It needs to have at least a CD burner, but I would prefer it to have a CD/DVD combo drive. It also needs to have ethernet (high speed) capability. Any help anyone might be able to give me would be greatly appreciated. I desperately want to re-enter the work force as soon as I am able to, and I need to brush up on my computer skills in order to do so. Thank you so much.
If you can help, please email Ms. Harris or call 530-243-1231.
California
Ms. King writes: We are seeking a computer for my son, Christopher, who is 13 years old and has autism. He is non-verbal and sign language requires that he looks at people to see how the words are formed. This he could not do. Watching the news one night I saw a non-verbal girl use her computer to speak. I had no idea something like this existed. The software is downloaded into the computer and the non-verbal become verbal. Nothing more in life would give a mom pleasure than being able to communicate with their child. Most of the times I get the jist of what he wants by his actions. But I would like for him to communicate with others, it seems more urgent as he grows older. Much as I hate to think about this one day I will be gone and he will need to communicate his needs to others. Please help Chris to voice his thoughts, needs and say, "I love you, Mommy."
We are seeking a Pentium 4 personal computer. If you can help, please e-mail Ms. King or phone 323-295-1715 Thank you and God bless for your help.
Colorado
Carrie Young, a teacher in Will Rogers Elementary School District 11, writes: I have a student in my third grade class who is one of two sons of a single mother. He was born in 1999 with a congenital birth anomaly resulting in no limbs. He has a partial foot on his left side with 3 toes. He is able to write in cursive, draw, and play video games with his toes. He is exceptionally smart and is involved in our gifted and talented program. He is above grade level in all academic areas. This school year he got on-line keyboard access and that has helped him complete work independently. He is able to use the mouse and scans and completes all his assignments. However, he is beginning to develop a curvature of his spine. It is currently at a 15% curvature. In order to utilize the mouse or a pencil with his foot he has to hold himself slightly tilted which is the cause of the spine deforming. If it gets worse he may have to have surgery and be less able to complete the tasks he can. Right now he is able to play on the playground and in gym by physically rolling around on the ground.
He works very hard to be as like everyone else as possible and has a phenomenal attitude. All daylong I hear him saying "I can do it! Let me do it!" I feel it is absolutely essential for this student to have access to a greater variety of assisted technology in order to prevent further spinal problems and to provide him with skills for his future. I am seeking the donation of a lap top computer with voice activation software. I believe it will improve his self esteem and allow him to complete his work at an independent level closer to that of his peers. Having access to this assisted technology could set him on the path to be a very successful, capable, young man and save him from becoming more physically disabled. It is essential that he get access to this technology. Please consider making a donation to our school or I would appreciate any information about organizations or individuals that may be able to help.
Seeking a PC laptop (Pentium 4 or better). Voice activation software and wheelchair attachment for laptop would be very helpful. If you can help, please email Ms. Young or phone 719-216-3468
Connecticut
Regina Salemma writes: I have multiple sclerosis for for 12 yrs. I have found the computer to give me back alot of my independence in 1997 I lost my mom due to complications of ms and I have founbd support by the computer learning all I can for the slowing down of ms. It helps me stay involved with becoming proactive with my society with advococy programs volunteer programs etc I would be of great appreciation to anyone who can help me with a donated computer. If you can help, please e-mail me.
Idaho
Anthony Bryson writes: I have been diagnosed with a serious heart disorder that cannot be repaired, and I have diabetes. I need a Desktop Computer with a larger screen because of my failing eye-sight. I would like to have a Pentium 3 or better, with Microsoft Mllinium or better, a CDRW-DVD drive, and a 3.5" drive, ample physical memory, and a 40gb hard drive or better. I will use the computer to keep in touch with my friends and family, and to do research on medical treatments for my heart disorder. Surfing the Internet is also fun, and keeps my mind busy. If you can help, please email Mr. Bryson or call 208-476-3514
Indiana
Mr. Parks had his leg amputed and 2 strokes. He is currently in the VA Hospital in Chicago. We have 2 small children in school and would like a computer. Our income is very limited and we're unable to buy a computer. Oldest daughter is in Junior High School and gets assignments regularly that have to do with Microsoft Word programs (which we do not have). We have a monitor so that is not needed. However, a PC computer that has Microsoft Word and possibly a printer would be a blessing to us. If anyone has one that they could spare please consider our family. If you could help, please e-mail us. I go to the library to use their computers so it would be helpful to receive a phone call at 219-362-3058.
Ohio
Cara Washington writes: I am the mother of a 12 year-old girl who has developmental delays. My child would benefit greatly form the regular use of a computer system to use with her learning programs, which address her delays and social skills. If someone has a Windows computer system they are no longer in need of, I would greatly appreciate your assistance. Thank you.
Seeking a Pentium 4, or better, PC. If you can help, please email Ms. Washington or phone 513-946-1759
Massachusetts
Gina Utegg writes: I am fully disabled and cannot work, and am on disability income. I have multiple multiple bodily injuries and 3 traumatic brain injuries and can not read/understand written text. I have cognitive impairments and low vision, get lost all the time, and have memory problems and traumatic brain injury issues that need queuing for medications and other memory assistance. I am able to use computers quite well as my previous job was very technical and I have had a technical assessment through Easter Seals who made technical equipment recommendations that I am a great candidate for computer assistance, but I do not have the money and I am Easter Seals no longer supports my town, so I need help to get some equipment that I can not afford and the state cutbacks in funding have made funding low priority. I have to burden family members and friends by having them take me to medical and legal appointments, because I do not understand written text and long written text puts me to sleep. Text to speech is less taxing on my brain and will help me with independence and quality of life. I am a victim of a drunk driver and have had many accidents post this first injury and would be happy to take some stress off myself, my family and friends by doing some things myself. Technology equipment would help me with this and help me gain some confidence and independence. I appreciate any and all assistance. Please help. I am humbly grateful for any assistance.
I am looking for a Pentium four, or better, PC or laptop and a smartphone (with GPS, Camera with high megapixels for text-to-speech, speech recognition, and storage for phone numbers) donation so I can gain independence and can do more for myself in and outside of the home. Nokia N95 has a 5MP camera (and I am sure other smartphones also do this, but I am not sure which ones), Kurzweil makes a smarphone and any PC is great. My equipment is old and I have no mobile device that can help me with my being able to "read" through text-to-speech and have to bring people with me to help me understand forms. If you can help, please email Gina Utegg or phone 978-397-2249
South Carolina
Lesley Arline writes: Hi, I am enrolling my children in Connections Academy which is an on-line school. The oldest two who will be in 6th grade have Learning Disabilites and ADHD. The baby is 4 yrs old is Autistic and will be in Kindergarten at the Academy . Using the computer is one of few things that have captured his interest. He taught he learned how most of his basic education via the computer. He also learned to read from the website Starfall.com. I would love a laptop for the youngest so he can take it with him to Child Care. My dream would be a laptop for all Three so they can have portable access to their online school. If not I will be more than happy with a Laptop for the 4yr old and a computer for the household to use for the Academy.
Seeking either PCs, Pentium 4 or better, or G4/G5 Macs. If you can help, please Lesley Arline or call 803-699-7590
South Carolina
Debbie Hilton writes: I am totally disabled from a rear end car accident 12-31-98. I suffered severe whiplash resulting in Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, AKA Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It's been a long, hard road; I don't recommend it to anyone :) I received no money from the car accident. I paid all my savings to doctors. I am living hand to mouth on SSDI. There is currently no cure for this rare neurological disorder. Globally there are therapies and medications people are trying and I want to know what's helping and what's not. A lot of research. I can't sit comfortably in an upright chair long enough to get very far on a PC. I would love to have a lap top computer with WI-FI so I could recline and work without the pain. My ultimate goal is to find a way to keep the pain at bay enough so I can work, support myself and be a productive part of society again. I am single, 46 and just not ready to give up! Asking for help is hard but I need a hand getting back up. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Ms. Hilton is seeking a laptop with WI-FI. If you can help, please e-mail Debbie or call 864-963-8334
North Carolina - Elkin
Amy Martinez writes: As a single mother of three, I am having a terrible struggle right now. My 14-year-old has ADHD, learning disabilities and developmental delays for which she receives disability. I am unable to provide a computer for her or her sisters to use for school work and I am trying to find someone who might give us a relatively new laptop. Along with my eldest child, I will be taking classes myself in January and the computer would benefit all of us.
Our only income is my 14 year old SSI check which is only $583 a month. I wrecked my car and totaled it a few weeks ago and I am going to be laid up a while and can not work. Also we have to use the neighbor's computer all the time which is sometimes impossible to get to and the library is 20 minutes away and we have no way to get there now and could not afford the gas even if we had a car and I sure can not afford to hire anyone to take us all. It is just not feasible for us either way and we really do need it so badly. I would so LOVE to give it to my girls for Christmas present.
If you can help, please e-mail Amy or call 336 366-2254
Tennessee - Nashville
Mariah Ministries: Center for Family Counseling. Damaris Conrad PhD, is helping locate a donation of a desktop PC with 1-2 Mhz processor for Sheila Patterson, a recently widowed student with multiple disabilities, including MS and vision problems due to the loss of an eye. A recently-retired, internet capable system with a large display would be especially helpful. If you can help, please e-mail Dr. Conrad or call 615 904-0858
Note: the counseling center can provide a donor with a receipt for tax purposes for this donation.