Goodwill Receives Grant To Provide Assistive Equipment And Technology

Nov. 4, 2009 - PRLog -- Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. (http://www.goodwillswfl.org) has received $10,500 in grants from the Florida Alliance for Adaptive Services and Technology (FAAST).  A portion of this grant will be used to acquire and repair adaptive equipment, which in turn will be loaned to people with disabilities.  The remainder will be used to provide assistive computer technology in Goodwill's Job-Link centers.

Adaptive equipment available through Goodwill includes items such as wheelchairs, crutches, shower seats, walkers, canes, and quad-canes.

These items are available at Goodwill’s North Fort Myers headquarters, at 4940 Bayline Drive.  

“Items like wheelchairs and walkers can be expensive to rent or purchase,” explains Bob Haenggi, Goodwill’s Vice President of Career Development Services.  “Our FAAST program is a cost-free service for individuals with disabilities.”

The remainder of the FAAST grant is being used to provide assistive technology at Goodwill’s Job-Link offices.  Goodwill has refurbished existing computer equipment to accommodate job-hunters who are sight- and hearing-impaired.  These computers may be used by individuals to access employment resources, apply for public assistance benefits, or create a resume.

“Working with people who have vision and hearing impairments, as well as other disabilities, is a significant part of our mission.” says Haenggi.  This grant has allowed us to expand the scope of individuals we can serve.”

The mission of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. is to help people with disabilities and other disadvantages to overcome their barriers to employment and independence.  

Computers equipped with assistive technology are currently available for use at Goodwill’s Job-Link Center in the agency’s North Fort Myers headquarters.  By the end of the year, these computers will also be available for use at the Bonita Springs United Way house and the Port Charlotte Job-Link Center, located in the Port Charlotte Goodwill Store.  A list of Goodwill's Job-Link locations is available at the agency's website at http://www.goodwillswfl.org.

For more information about Goodwill's programs and services, including adaptive equipment and assistive computers may call (239) 995-2106 ext. 231 or visit the agency's website at http://www.goodwillswfl.org.

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Goodwill operates 24 thrift stores in SW Florida to support its mission of removing barriers to independence. Programs include income-sensitive housing, career placement assistance, the L.I.F.E. Academy Charter School, Four Wheels for Work, and others.