Steve Kelley
"What's the best computer for someone who's blind or has low vision?"
I hear this question a lot, and it's usually from someone with low vision acquired later in life. It's often a question from someone who used a computer before their blindness or low vision and "gave it up" after losing vision because, no one told them computers, tablets, and smartphones are used everyday by people using a screen magnifier or screen reader.
This question usually leads to a conversation about computers and accessibility—how they are used with features like text to speech software like a screen reader, or screen magnification software, like Windows Magnifier. Inevitably, the Texas-based nonprofit Computers for the Blind is mentioned as a resource.
Why Computers for the Blind?
Computers for the Blind (CFTB) refurbishes desktop and laptop PCs and installs some of the most widely used accessibility software for users with blindness or low vision. One of the great features, particularly for someone new to blindness or low vision, or computers for that matter, is the CFTB bundles all the most commonly used software and features together in their PCs. Each computer comes with the Windows 10 operating system and basic productivity and accessibility software for personal and business use (see below). Both laptop and desktop models are available with a variety of additional options, like a larger screen, more RAM memory or larger hard drive, but the price for the basic models is $145 for the desktop PC, and $200 for the laptop PC. All computers are shipped Free Matter for the Blind, so there is no additional charge for shipping.
To make CFTB's computers even more affordable, they recently received a grant that will enable users on a low income, veterans, and students to deduct $150 from the cost of a laptop model, which brings the total price for the basic laptop to $50! Users are limited to only one computer purchase at a time over a period of time. For example, a customer who bought a computer a year a ago and wants to upgrade to another model is able to do so. Computers may also be purchased by organizations or agencies at full price as long as the computer is for client use, and not used for the organization's business.
CFTB Story
CFTB has been refurbishing computers for over two decades, and has shipped well over 16,000 computers to date. Their small army of staff and volunteers has streamlined the process, so computers are usually shipped out within two weeks of ordering and delivered by USPS within a week or two.
Computers for the Blind grew out of the Texas Center for the Physically Handicapped, founded by Dr. Robert Langford in 1995. Bob discovered computers later in life himself and shifted the focus of his nonprofit to providing computers for individuals with blindness or low vision. CFTB began as a collection of donated computers and parts in Bob's garage and has been growing ever since. For more on Bob Langford's story, check out Bill Holton's article from 2014 on Computers for the Blind.
CFTB Computers
The computers for CFTB are donated from a variety of sources, but many come from corporations that are updating their systems. In most cases the hard drives are removed before the computers are donated. Hard drives are then replaced and loaded with a standard set of applications for business and accessibility. Each computer comes with the following software installed:
- Windows 10 Pro Operating System
- Microsoft Office Home and Student 2019, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote
- Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox web browsers
- Various helpful programs: Project Gutenberg, Bard Express, Adobe Acrobat, and a demo version of Typio Typing Tutorial
- Various help files: Computer setup instructions, tutorials, training guides, and FAQ articles
- JAWS 2023 Screen Reader OR ZoomText 2023 Screen Magnifier/Reader. This Includes a one-year license to either program and access to the Home Annual License after the first year. This feature requires an email address to activate and for access to the Freedom Scientific licensing portal.
- The JAWS Training Bundle, which provides in-depth instruction for using JAWS.
Like other Windows computers, programs like the Chrome web browser and NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access), an open source screen reader, can be downloaded and installed on these computers although they are not shipped with them installed.
Computer Hardware
Most of the computers refurbished from CFTB come from donations in Texas. A quick look at the CFTB Computer Price Sheet provides a list of the many options available to customize computers. The basic desktop model available for $145 comes with 8 GB RAM, 250 GB SSD hard drive, a standard monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers. The low vision user, for example may want to add a larger monitor to this, and this can be added for another $50. Keyboards provided through CFTB are standard keyboards. Some low vision users may benefit from large print, high contrast keyboards, available from retailers like LS&S Products. The desktop model could be upgraded with a 1 TB SSD hard drive for $275, a large monitor for $50, and customized with extras like a Wi-Fi upgrade for $15 and wireless keyboard and mouse for $30. So, at the higher end, a "loaded" desktop could cost as little as $370.
Like the desktop models, the basic laptop comes with 8 GB RAN and a 250 GB SSD hard drive for $200 (or $50 with current grant discount), and can be customized considerably. At the top of the available upgrades, a laptop is available with 16 GB of RAM, with a 1 TB SSD hard drive for $450. Add a larger monitor for $50 and a wireless keyboard and mouse for an additional $30, for a "loaded laptop for $530 ($380 with grant discount).
CFTB Support
Each computer comes with help files and FAQs installed. If a user is new to the computer or accessibility software, there is an audio tutorial available over the phone from the CFTB customer support number at 214-340-6328, by selecting it from the menu tree. In addition, limited technical support is available Monday through Friday, and more extensive customer support can be scheduled as needed. CFTB suggested that for the inexperienced computer user, the best experience will come by adding additional local support from friends, family, rehab services, or private training.
CFTB also provides support for the computer hardware after the purchase as well. If needed the computer can be returned for repair, or replacement if if repair is not possible, by calling customer support to get a return shipping label sent out.
Getting Started
Since Computers for the Blind is a nonprofit specifically for consumers with blindness or low vision, purchasing one of the computers does require some documentation providing proof of loss of vision. In the case of the new grant, proof of low income, veteran or student status is required and this can be provided through medical professionals or rehab agencies. Additionally, individuals enrolled in a rehab program may also be considered to qualify for the grant. For example, CFTB reported that clients working with Lighthouse for the Blind are often encouraged to take advantage of their computers so they're able to practice computer skills at home between training sessions.
For the latest information on pricing and grant availability, check out the Computers for the Blind website or call customer service at 214-340-0870.
