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Southwest Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SWCDHH) supports programs serving the deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing community in the seven counties surrounding Vancouver, Washington. The recipient of an HP CTC grant in 2003, the SWCDHH Technology Center is now offering technology and specialized computer literacy training for the hearing-impaired community.
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Setting up the specialized lab represented a welcome opportunity to showcase HP's alignment and compliance with regulations in the accessibility area. Frank Mounts, SWCDHH Program Coordinator is pleased with the results achieved since the award of the grant. According to Mounts, the HP grant - including computers, printers and digital equipment - coupled with HP volunteers, catalyzed the early execution of SWCDHH's original vision of providing for:
- A 21st century community center;
- Life-long educational opportunities for everyone; and
- Promoting the productivity and full citizenship of the Deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing.
The results of the engagement were so remarkable that HP garnered awards from the center both for 2003 Company of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
"We are extremely pleased that the Southwest Washington Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing honored HP with its Company of the Year award," says Beth Quartarolo, Washington State Public Affairs Manager. "The award recognizes the volunteer efforts of our employees' and our donation of a computer lab for their hearing-impaired clients."
HP volunteer Lee Krusmark, who teaches computer classes in the new lab and also serves as director of the CTC, was named Volunteer of the Year at an awards ceremony in February.
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