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Memphis Center for Independent Living launches Computer Resource Lab for training

Facility opens with support of Microsoft TEC Grant, federal and local funds

(Memphis, Tenn. – April 12, 2002) The Memphis Center for Independent Living (MCIL) today announced the Thursday, April 18th opening of its new Computer Resource Lab made possible in part through a grant from Microsoft Corporation’s Technology Enriched Community (TEC) grant. The Microsoft grant is supplemented with contributions from federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Education, and local agencies including the United Way.

MCIL is a community-based, 501(c)3 non-profit independent living center that facilitates the full integration of persons with disabilities into all aspects of community life. Microsoft’s TEC grant, totaling over $48,000 in cash and software, will benefit MCIL’s clients by providing them training in and meaningful hands on access to computers, thereby promoting MCIL consumers’ progress into mainstream society. 

“We are thrilled with Microsoft’s generous support, which was the major enabler for this project,” stated MCIL Systems Manager Michael Heinrich. “This technology, like MCIL, supports personal choices in decision-making and self-directed lives for all of our consumers.”

According to Heinrich, Microsoft’s TEC grant purchased enough networking hardware and software licenses to update the MCIL’s main server, outfit the Computer Resource Lab equipment and provide consumer training on the new technology.

Two of MCIL’s four new Computer Resource Lab workstations have specialized features for use by people with different types of disabilities. While one workstation is equipped with software and a larger monitor for people with impaired vision, another runs software that eases computer use for people with decreased manual dexterity. The remaining two computers run Microsoft Office Professional and offer Internet and email access.

“Microsoft is excited to partner with MCIL, an organization doing so much to open up doors for people with disabilities,” said Mid-America District General Manager Scott Suhy. “We’re proud to provide the tools for this facility and help people to participate with, and contribute to, the community in which we live.”

MCIL’s target populations are people with the most significant disabilities, nursing home residents and people with new injuries. Heinrich said that setting and meeting a goal of using the Computer Resource Lab will require that these individuals learn and exercise new life skills. Consumers will learn mobility skills such as riding the public bus system to and from the MCIL, and assume increased control over their lives by scheduling rides, and setting appointments.

The lab will officially launch at 3:30 p.m., followed by an open-house to the public until 6:00 at the facility’s 1633 Madison Avenue , Memphis, Tenn. location. 

About Memphis Center for Independent Living (MCIL)
Founded in 1985, The Memphis Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is a community-based, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose primary mission is to facilitate the full integration of persons with disabilities into all aspects of community life. 

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.

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