A minimal estimate is that there are 1.5 million visually impaired computer users, including those who are blind.

Definition and Scope: The total number of people ages 15 and older with any "limitation in seeing", who report they have access to the Internet is just over 1.5 million (1,549,000). The number of people ages 15 and older, with a limitation in seeing, who use a computer regularly is a bit under 1 million (979,000). Of those, about 196,000 people with a "severe" limitation in seeing have access to the Internet, and about 102,000 persons with a severe limitation in seeing use a computer on a regular basis.

Data Source: The U.S. Bureau of the Census (1999) "Survey of Income and Program Participation" (SIPP). For further information, see "Who's Surfing? Internet Access and Computer Use by Visually Impaired Youth and Adults" by Elaine Gerber and Corinne Kirchner. (2001). Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 95 (3), 176-181.

Looking at these figures, keeping in mind that they are outdated, and have grown substantially, we need to also look at how many actually have the ability to use them.

This is why we are here. To provide this technology. The average disabled person can not afford this technology or the programs to use them. Training to work, for those who want to work, is also nescessary. We are here to provide these programs.

Benefits of employing the disabled are many

By ALLAN APPEL
Scripps Howard News Service
2005-08-19 00:00:00

Every aspect of business stands to benefit from employing and marketing to people with disabilities.

The U.S. Census Bureau says the disability community is the largest minority in the United States, about 54 million people. That's about 20 percent of the country.

Fully 29 percent of American families include someone with a disability. And these numbers do not include all those delivering services to people with disabilities, such as health care providers, lawyers and equipment vendors.

In terms of purchasing power, The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council estimates people with disabilities control $175 billion in discretionary spending. Yes, that's billion.

Let's also not forget the employment resources of people with disabilities. When someone with a disability is employed, a number of triggers occur. Again according to the Florida Council, for every dollar spent in making disability-related job accommodations, the employer saves $34 in Workers Compensation, insurance and training costs. If that worker was previously receiving public assistance, the community saves when that person is off the public rolls and working at a job.

The high motivation and productive nature of employees with disabilities is reflected as well in other aspects of employment. Fully 86 percent maintain above- average job attendance records. And 90 percent produce above-average job performance. Lower Workers Compensation and related costs also result from the 97 percent with above-average safety records.

All of these numbers and statistics add up to a real monetary benefit for businesses that employ people with disabilities.

Let's also remember the federal government's role in all this.

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit rewards employers for hiring people with disabilities in the form of tax credits. But this benefit expires at the end of this year, unless renewed by Congress.

The cost of removing architectural or transportation barriers may be deducted by businesses, up to $15,000 per year.

Each of these tax incentives has its own set of rules, so talk to a tax adviser before treading these waters.

And those two are just for openers. Many states also have business tax incentives for the employment of people with disabilities or to remove barriers in the workplace.

Reaching out to people with disabilities just makes good sense. Whether the goal is employment or simply marketing products or services, everyone wins.

(Allan Appel can be reached c/o Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, 800 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, FL 33458, or by e-mail at aappel223(at)yahoo.com.)

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.shns.com)

Our Full Services Provided:

Technology Items:

-Adaptive Technology

-Visual Aids

-Technology Access

Programs:

-Social Integration

-Self Advocacy

Other Programs:

-Vocational Training

-Office Skills

-Job Coaching

-Aid In Job Placement

-Placement

Future Help and Follow Up

On our premises we operate a store we our students learn working skills:

·        Doing Inventory

·        Stocking Shelves

·        Pricing Products

·        Packaging Products

·        Working With People

·        Running Cash Registers

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875 Derbyshire Road #72
Daytona Beach, FL 32117
Phone: 386-453-7039


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