Tuesday@REI May 10, 2005
Topic: "CAP: A Collaboration that Bridges the Digital Divide"
Computers Assisting People Inc. (CAP)
Visit: http://www.capinc.org
CAP is improving the quality of people's lives by empowering them with technology. CAP aims at breaking down the Digital Divide by suggesting to local businesses that computer hardware be recycled back to the community and back into the hands of the community, keeping equipment out of the landfills and eliminating disposal costs. We'll talk about success stories, and how the CAP model is being replicated across the country. Let's take it to the next level by connecting with civic organizations across the region.
The information technology age is rapidly dividing the world into two separate classes - the technology "haves" and "have-nots". Information is power and computer technology is the means to acquiring that information and hence, that power. Employment opportunities and even everyday life are becoming increasingly dependent on computers.
The mission of CAP Inc. is to reach people in communities who may not have the opportunity to benefit from the technology that many of us take for granted. The focus is in assisting organizations (schools, churches, community centers, etc.) that deal with children, seniors, the poor, the disabled and others that can really be empowered by computer technology.
Besides the many obvious benefits to the individuals and the non-profit organizations, there are numerous benefits for the community. Corporations get a secure, inexpensive way to upgrade their hardware, avoiding landfills and waste fees. The city runs more efficiently as more citizens are able to take advantage of e-government and other services and employers have a skilled labor pool.
Leader: Dan Hanson
Participants: Dan Davenport, CAP Hardware Coordinator; Dan McMillan, Teacher Glenville Schools, CAP volunteer & Cisco network Academy Regional Instructor Manager for the City of Cleveland.
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