DonorTec Impact | Connecting the blind to the world

ABWA provides clients with the individual help that they need, like learning how to move safely around their home, workplace, local shopping areas and using public transport.  They provide guide dogs for clients as well as a wide range of white canes, navigation equipment and other new technology as it becomes available to help with mobility.  

They also provide specific services to children and their families to help them as they cope with growing up, going to school, socialising and getting involved in sport and leisure.  At the other end of the spectrum, they help people who are approaching their twilight years, by ensuring that they do not become isolated and that they can participate in life, despite vision loss.

Throughout all the activities at the Association, one of the key issues is access to information, including the ability to read and write.

And that’s where DonorTec has come in.   This unique service has assisted ABWA to upgrade its technology training rooms and library to bring them into line with current industry standards.  Liz Macilhone from ABWA says “We received copies of Microsoft Office 2007 at an incredible price, and this freed up some resources to then let us purchase upgrades to the assistive technology used by our clients.  The assistive technology we require to provide a person with vision impairment, with access to a computer. Without this, our clients and particularly our young children coming up through school and into tertiary education would be disadvantaged compared to other West Australians.” 

Who are they?
The Association for the Blind of Western Australia

Where are they?
Based in Victoria Park, WA, and serving WA

What do they do?
They provide a wide range of services to people who are blind or are have a vision impairment.

What did they receive?
Microsoft® software packages and licensing.

The outcome?
“Our vision is about equal quality of life – thanks to Microsoft and DonorTec for helping us in our mission
- Liz Macilhone
www.abwa.asn.au