HandyCapable Network

Description

HandyCapable started nearly 10 years ago out of a program funded by the ARC of Greensboro to put computer learning labs in group homes for developmentally disabled individuals. Realizing that these individuals could do more than just search the internet, our founder, Barbara Davis, taught these individuals - whom she later named "HandyTechs," how to take apart donated computer desktops and replace hard drives, upgrade memory, and diagnose other computer issues. The program grew to include 12 HandyTechs and soon the computers they were refurbishing were being redistributed back into the community to low-income families and individuals, mainly identified through the school system. Today, HandyCapable has distributed more than 5,500 computers to low-income individuals in our community, but the need for affordable technology still exists.

HandyCapable has also recycled more than 50 tons of metals and plastics that normally would end up in landfills, harming our environment with their lead content and other harmful materials. Money from recycling goes directly back into our program to fund our mission.