New Horizons Un-Limited Inc.

Press Releases: 2012

New Horizons Un-Limited - Bridging the Technology Gap!

PROGRAM OFFERS CORPORATIONS SOCIALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS OPTION FOR DISPOSAL OF UNNEEDED COMPUTERS

Local non-profit breaths new life into donated computers and local disability community

Milwaukee "Since January 2004, New Horizons Un-Limited, a Milwaukee-based disability service organization, has offered Southeastern Wisconsin businesses an environmentally- and community-friendly option for the disposal of unneeded computers. Via their Computer Literacy and Access Program, NHU accepts donations of retired Pentium 4 and newer desktop and laptop computers (minimum 2 GHz processor and 1G ram), refurbishes them, and then redistributes them back into the community.

They have designed their program to minimize the amount of equipment that is ultimately directed towards landfills, in that they work with a local electronics recycler to responsibly dispose of any equipment that they are unable to use in their program.

It is estimated that more than 10 million computers are dumped into landfills every year. Many of these computers, though considered obsolete by industry standards, have years of useful life remaining. Computers that have been retired by corporations for example, can be a tremendous tool for those that would otherwise not have access to this technology.

While home computers have long been a staple in our daily lives, there remains a group of individuals that have not yet fully tapped into the power of this important tool, individuals with disabilities. As technology becomes more and more pervasive in every facet of our society, those who do not have access are being left behind. A contribution of retired computer equipment can ensure that our community members with disabilities are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in this technology driven world.

As a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, NHU grants computers with authentic Windows XP Professional and Windows 7 Operating Systems to eligible low income individuals with disabilities and their family caregivers. Every granted computer is upgraded to ensure compatibility with modern hardware and software and high speed internet connections. Much of this refurbishing work is completed by volunteers with disabilities who are pursuing a career in IT and wish to expand their knowledge base and experience.

To ensure each granted computer is used to its fullest potential, NHU provides applicants with basic training in computer, internet and e-mail usage and provides one year of cost-free technical support, a rarity among other refurbishing programs.

More than 700 individuals have received a computer since their program launch in 2004.

Many of NHU's program participants are pursuing education and employment, making access to a home computer that much more important. On a more basic level, however, computer access can offer those with disabilities a much needed means to communicate and connect with others.

Corporations that choose to donate their computers will benefit in a number of ways. First, there is an immediate cost savings benefit associated with donating retired computers, rather than paying an electronics recycler to dispose of the equipment. Second, corporations may be eligible to receive a tax-deduction, equal to the non-depreciated value of the items donated. Finally and perhaps most importantly, socially conscious corporations can have the satisfaction of knowing that their retired computers are being used to benefit their local community.

NHU will pick up usable equipment for no charge throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.