TechACCESS of RI Celebrates Ten Years!

TechACCESS of RI has turned 10! Can you believe it? We've come a long way since the first RI TechACCESS conference in 1988. Not only do we continue to host the annual asistive technology conference, we have grown into an agency that has helped approximately 13,000 New Englanders last year alone!

Hard work over the last ten years has made TechACCESS a recognized leader in the field of assistive technology for people with disabilities. TechACCESS works to inform consumers, families and professionals about assistive technology through information and referral services, demonstrations, evaluations and consultations, therapy and training.

When TechACCESS of RI officially opened its doors in 1992, our first space was donated by the Department of State Library Services at 300 Richmond Street in Providence, RI. The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council awarded TechACCESS its first grant to become part of the national assistive technology network, the Alliance for Technology Access (ATA).

The agency started out with a part time operations director, a part time consultant and volunteers. When the center opened, resources were limited to 3 accessible workstations, 10 software titles and 20 volumes in the resource center. Assistive technology information was provided by phone and the Center hours were by appointment only.

Ten years later, TechACCESS is in its own space, centrally located in Warwick, RI. Our resources have grown to 11 accessible workstations, almost 400 software titles, 100+ volumes in our Resource Center, and a 300+ catalog library. The Center provides weekly public demonstrations, member hours, After School Tech Time, and a newsletter printed 3 times a year. The center receives approximately 300 information requests a month and currently has 8 employees.

On February 19, 2003, a luncheon will be held at the Radisson Airport Hotel in Warwick to honor all the people who have supported our agency over the last decade. We will take a look at where we started and where we are headed in the next ten years. Honorary chair of the event is Congressman James R. Langevin, who has been a strong supporter of TechACCESS and a leader in the field of equality for people with disabilities.

Won't you join us in marking this milestone? If you would like to attend the anniversary luncheon or would like information on how you can support this event, please call Beverly at 401-463-0202. Please RSVP by January 24, 2003. We look forward to celebrating with you!

TechACCESS of RI
Phone: 401-463-0202 (v/tdd)
FAX: 401-463-3433
In-State: 800-916-(TECH)8324
Contact: TechACCESS of RI | techaccess@techaccess-ri.org|

Last Revised: January 5 , 2003