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For a CyberPal, a computer can be their lifeline.
Located in the Pathways office on Mineral Springs Drive, CyberPals receives donated computers from businesses and individuals. Volunteers, like retired IBM programmer Howard Papke, refurbish the computers, which are then placed in the homes of people with disabilities.
"Right now, in our seven-county area, we have a waiting list of 90 people ready to receive computers, but we only have about five on hand. Our need is great," said Cogdill.
Pathways concentrates mainly on IBM compatible computers, at least a 486 or above, with a 28K or better modem.
Papke equips the computers with e-mail and Internet access through the Mountain Area Information Network. Reduced fees are available to those who cannot afford the $150 per year connection fee.
"Being a CyberPal gives me the opportunity to feel independent by being able to talk to people all over the world. There really are no limits or barriers in Cyberspace," said one user.
One barrier in the program, however, is due to the variety of disabilities. It is difficult to bring a large group together for classroom training on computer use, Cogdill said.
"We've found that one-on-one training works best, however that can be time consuming and we really are short on volunteers willing to train consumers to use Windows 3.1."
Another problem that Cogdill is working on is, due to the grade of computers being donated, "we are unable to provide computers to those with visual or hearing impairments as they require special software programs to aid them with using the computer. Our computers just won't handle such software.
"We don't have the money to buy special equipment, so unless we get it donated, like large monitors and large print programs for those with limited sight or talking programs for the hearing impaired, we simply can't meet that person's needs," she said.
Pathways is a non-profit agency, which receives its funding from grant sources. It can accept monetary donations, which are tax deductible.
Communicating with Cyber-Pals is not the only way the consumers use their computers. They also learn skills like budgeting money, researching their disabilties, and keeping informed about disability rights.
"Several on our network have saved to buy bigger and more powerful computers, hoping to start their own home-based computer businesses," said Cogdill.
A big issue now, she said, is disposal of used computers. "Because of elements like lead, mercury and cadmium, many landfills refuse to take computers because those elements can seep into the water table. Being next door to a staffed recycling center makes us really conscious of that, especially since Jackson County has no guidelines for such dumping," said Cogdill.
"Recycling computers like we do not only helps our consumers with disabilities, but saves landfill space," she said. "So this Christmas if you are getting a new computer - for yourself or as a gift - think of us when you dispose of your old one."
How YOU can help CyberPals
1. Donate your used, but working, IBM compatible computers, at least a 486 or above, with a 28K or better modem.
2. Volunteer your time to help refurbish computers or train others in computer use.
3. Make a monetary donation.
For more information, contact:
Anita Cogdill Program Coordinator CyberPals
525 Mineral Springs Drive
Sylva, N.C. 28779
phone: 631-1167
e-mail: acogdill@pathwayscil.org
All donations to this non-profit agency are tax deductible
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