MCIL and Microsoft offer TEC to bring people with disabilities into the community

Crowd at the Microsoft Memphis office open house

Deborah Cunningham, the Executive Director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living, accepted a check for $15,000 to fund the program, which was accompanied by an additional donation of software that is valued at over $33,000. Jeff Lear presented MCIL with the check at the opening of Microsoft's permanent Memphis office at the Colonnade Building 1661 International Place on Wednesday. Mr. Lear, Microsoft's managing consultant for Tennessee, said he was excited about the new office and that it would help Microsoft stay in closer contact with the Memphis community. "We're going to be scheduling some technical conferences and events out of this area," Lear said.

Michael Heinrich talks with Jeff Lear

Michael Heinrich

"This grant will take MCIL's Outreach Program to an new level," said Michael Heinrich, a volunteer at MCIL who helped write the grant. "In MCIL's new lab, people with significant disabilities will be able to use computers for Internet access, e-mail, and Web Based Training. Lab users will have the latest Microsoft software packages, including Office XP Professional, FrontPage, Project, Visio, Works, Encarta, and Visual Studio."

Microsoft Open House Buffet

and shop from home, but the Center wants to use the accessible computer stations to get persons with significant disabilities out into civic events. MCIL sees the accessible computer lab as a carrot to entice people into the community rather than bringing more of the community into isolated environments and institutions.

"By providing an opportunity for training in basic computer skills," said Sandi Klink, the Program Director of MCIL, "we are opening doors to greater community integration for people currently institutionalized or isolated by their environment."

- Tim Wheat