East Tennessee Technology Access Center

Hey everybody,

We recently had a terrific visit with Lois and Lorrie from the East Tennessee Technology Access Center. They take items and use technology to make the item accessible to folks with disabilities – everything from children’s toys to computer keyboards to even something as simple as a spatula.


They work young, old, and everyone in between. They just use technology to better people’s lives.

Lois told us a story about one gentleman they worked with who was totally dependent on his family. He walked in there with three dreams: he wanted to read, he wanted to get a job, and he wanted to live on his own. Now he’s working in a library, and he’s out on his own. How good a story is that? And it’s not like someone’s out there just constantly helping him – he’s doing all that by himself now. And the Technology Access Center gave him the tools he needed so that his disabilities were no longer disabling. At the end of the day, that’s probably the best story I’ve heard yet. They took someone who was totally dependent and made him totally self-sufficient, and that’s what life ought to be about. And that’s what United Way is all about.

I also got the chance to meet with Tommy who works for ETTAC as a sign language instructor.


He is hearing impaired and has lost most of his sight, but with the help of a computer I was able to have a conversation with him. Now that was one of my favorite things we’ve done so far on these tours. We were just sitting there having a conversation, and it was just very heart-warming to me that we were able to do that. And I wasn’t even thinking about the technology. I was just enjoying sitting there talking to him. It’s like the technology wasn’t even there, and we were laughing via the keyboard. Of course, with my big mouth, I’m talking to Lois while I’m typing to Tommy, and I somehow got the computer all screwed up! Then Tommy had to turn around and tell me to get my hands off the keyboard so that he could fix what I did. Me and my big mouth!

Lois also told us about an Equipment Recycling Program where they take in equipment and can modify it for the disabled. If you have a piece of technology that you’re getting rid of, instead of taking it to the dump, take it to ETTAC, where they can modify it to assist somebody with a disability and get the item back out to the community to someone who could really use it.

This week is Deaf-Blind Awareness Week, and this visit sure did make me aware. To celebrate, they’re inviting all families out to:

KIDSFEST: A Celebration of Children’s Art and Music

It's gonna' be this Saturday at Ijams Nature Center from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and it ought to be a blast.

Have a good one, y’all.

Blog you soon,
Dave Bennett