Jim lives in a rural part of Knox County with his wife and two children. Over the years, Jim gradually lost his eyesight, which lead him into a dark place of depression, low self-esteem, and dependence on his wife. When Jim sought help, his family was referred to Tech: Assist for People with Disabilities program at the East Tennessee Technology Access Center (ETTAC).
ETTAC’s Tech: Assist for People with Disabilities program improves the quality of life, increases literacy levels, expands employment opportunities, and stabilizes individuals with disabilities, such as Jim. Their services include loan and donation of adaptive and medical equipment, specialized accessible software, ongoing technical support, and training to individuals, family members, teachers, and other support staff.
Through Tech: Assist for People with Disabilities program, Jim gained access to technology that would help him reconnect with the world and regain his self-confidence and independence. Jim qualified to receive a computer, screen reader, and adaptive equipment at no cost. The staff members of the ETTAC assisted him on a weekly basis, instructing him on how to use the technology.
Today, Jim is a fluent computer user. With additional training, he is now qualified as an approved vendor by the State of Tennessee, which means he is self-employed. He says that he has gotten his life back, and is thankful for the technology provided by the ETTAC.
United Way of Greater Knoxville is proud to support Partner Agencies like the East Tennessee Technology Access Center that help people in Greater Knoxville. Together, we fight for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in our community. Change doesn’t happen alone. To live better, we must LIVE UNITED.