A Little About Us
Computers for the Blind (CFTB) is a Non-Profit, volunteer organization devoted to providing computers to persons who are blind or visually impaired. It is our hope that each person who is visually impaired may experience the information age in a positive and productive manner. We believe technology opens new worlds and creates opportunity for greater personal freedom.
We refurbish donated computers and provide accessibility software for our clients. If you or someone you know is interested in getting a computer, go to the next section to get quick information.
Potential Recipients
If you are in need of a computer, or are working on someone's behalf to order one, here are some quick notes to get you started.
- Our computers are available for any visually impaired individual in the United States
- Please familiarize yourself with our Before Applying Page as well as What We Provide
- If you have any questions, please contact us
How We Do It
We receive computers as donations from many sources. Our volunteers clean, rebuild, upgrade and set up the computers with software designed to give accessibility options to those who need them. Afterwards, the computers are packaged and shipped all across the country. It wouldn't be possible without all those who donate time and equipment to the cause.
Our Beginnings
Bob Langford was blinded in an accident at age 16. Instead of quitting, he worked hard to achieve many things. He graduated from high school, then continued until he earned a Doctorate's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation. Later in life, Bob 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.
Thoughts From Our Clients
Thank You!
I just wanted to thank you so very much for your expediency and the abilities that you have offered me over the years to provide me carefree computer use. Every time I call you, the work gets done. It's just a breath of fresh air working with you. Have a wonderful day, I look forward to talking with you in the future.
Ken L
01-2015
Photos
The Refurbishing Center
The storage shelves and work corner at the Refurbishing Center in Richardson. We use the drill press to destroy hard drives that cannot be used. Also visible is our air compressor, where we work to clean the machines before we ship them out.
A Bit of Time Off for our Volunteers
Our volunteers discussing something important (or not) while they take a couple minutes off from working on computers. We have volunteers that have been with us for many years, and others that have been working for less than a month, but it is always a great atmosphere!
Bob Langford and Pete Guild
Bob and Pete catch up at our Refurbishing Center during the presentation of the 6000th computer.
Refurbishing Center Full of Volunteers
During the summer of 2017 we even had students helping us while they were off from school. We had fallen behind on orders a bit when the summer started, but with their help, we were able to get ahead! We hope to see them again during holidays.
John Austin
Getting boxes ready to ship out from his airplane hangar. It took more boxes to ship the computers back then.
