Did you get a new gadget for Christmas or did you recently upgrade your phone when a new model came out and are now looking for a worthwhile thing to do with your recently retired gear?
The IT Services team of the Camp Bowen Division of the Canadian Organization of the Blind and DeafBlind connects blind and DeafBlind Canadians from across the country and those with other disabilities in our home town of Bowen Island with the adaptive technologies we need to live life independently. Adaptive technologies such as talking computers, smartphones, Braille displays, and other pieces of tech can be out of reach for many people who are blind, DeafBlind, or have other disabilities, and the lack of access to these technologies can often be a barrier to obtaining the independence and financial stability needed to purchase newer equipment.
Inspired by programs like the Bowen Island Public Library’s Med shed, this program connects blind and DeafBlind Canadians, as well as people with other disabilities in our home town of Bowen Island, with refurbished assistive technologies to bridge the gap and break the cycle of a lack of access to assistive technology and thereby increase opportunities for employment, entertainment, quality of life, and community access. The program loans refurbished assistive technologies at no cost to participants for as long as they need the adaptive technologies. When a person no longer needs a particular device, it is returned to us and, if it is still viable, it will be reissued to the next person.
How does it work?
Donations of gently used computers, smart phones, and assistive devices are accepted through this program if they meet the below criteria. Tax receipts are issued based on the assessed value of the devices donated and the devices are then added to the loan bank.
Blind and DeafBlind Canadians from across the country, as well as people with other disabilities on Bowen Island, are able to request specific assistive technologies and they will be paired with the most appropriate technologies for their needs.
To find out more, arrange for a donation, or request a piece of assistive technology, please contact us.
Criteria:
As we want to make sure that the devices we are circulating are useful to our program’s participants, we ask that donated devices meet the below criteria:
- iPhone 8 or newer (iPhone SE 2016s are still accepted)
- Android phones capable of running Android 10 or newer
- Mac laptops from 2008 or newer
- Mac desktops from 2006 or newer
- PC laptops from 2014 or newer
- PC Desktops from 2017 or newer
- Flat-screen displays/TVs (24 inches or larger)
- Smart speakers of any vintage
- Apple TVs 3rd Generation or newer
- Braille displays of any vintage (including units for parts)
- Braille embossers of any vintage (including units for parts)
- Digital Talking Book players of any vintage (excluding those that only play CDs)
- CCTVs and magnifiers (please contact for specifics)
- Other adaptive technologies (excluding personal devices such as hearing aids)
If you have any questions on the suitability of a donated item, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for helping us to bridge the technelogical gap.
