Free & Low Cost Computer Resources
*This list is provided for informational purposes only. Washington Access Fund does not endorse any particular assistive technology device, vendor or manufacturer. Please send updates, suggestions or information about other computer related resources to info@washingtonaccessfund.org.
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Computer Bank Charity
Computer Bank Charity is a nonprofit that provides computers to non-profits and low income individuals and people with other special needs. Hours: 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Saturdays (except 2nd Saturday of Month).
- Areas Served: Washington
- Types of Computers Available: Pentium IV's and above
- Waiting List: Yes
- Application Procedure: Please send a letter or email explaining why you can’t afford to purchase a computer.
- Cost: Low cost and free
- Warranties/Post Purchase Support: 30 day warranty
PO Box 55441
Seattle, WA 98155
Phone: 206-214-7779
Email: compbank@hotmail.com
Easter Seals of Washington Computer Recycling Program
Free Computers.
- Areas Served: Washington
- Types of Computers Available: Surplus computers from colleges and other agencies; almost exclusively desktops.
- Waiting List: Yes (months).
- Application Procedure: Fill out application and provide letter from Professional stating that person has a disability by a professional and describing how they will benefit from computer. Identify a mentor who can help with use of computer.
- Cost: Free unless the person resides outside Spokane and then they pay shipping of about $45.
- Warranties/Post Purchase Support: None.
- Number of Computers Placed Per Month: 10 – about 7 of those in the Spokane area.
Steve LaPointe or Jessica Graham
Tel: (509) 326-8292
Mailing Address: 606 West Sharp Ave, Spokane, Wa. 99201
InterConnection
Free and low cost computers.
Hours: 10am - 6pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 10am - 3pm
- Area Served: Washington state
- Types of Computers Available: Desktops & Laptops including Pentium III’s & IV’s. Free computers are available to individuals who spend 30 hours volunteering in a computer hardware training program. Pentium 4 desktop computers are available for about $135 for low income individuals. They are loaded with Microsoft XP, Office 2003 Suite and nocharge.com which is a free Internet service. Interconnection also has a retail store where it sells low cost laptops and desktops.
- Waiting List: No
- Application Procedure: Check website or contact Interconnection by phone for more information.
- Cost: Free for volunteers, $135 for a desktop computer and about $200 for a laptop.
- Warranties/Post Purchase Support: 30 days
- Number of computers placed per month: 300-400
2222 N. Pacific St.
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: 206-633-1517
Toll Free: 1-866-621-1068
Email: info@interconnection.org
RECA Foundation
The RECA Foundation offers refurbished "beginning" and "internet ready" computers to low income individuals and individuals with disabilities. Also provides training and repair services.
- Area Served: South Central Washington and NE Oregon
- Types of Computers Available: Beginning computer for first time users, young kids, and those with mental disabilities. Security system makes them “kid proof”. Internet ready computers for Internet access and other programs – comes with Windows 2000 or XP, Open Office or Office XP, other free programs such as typing tutors, anti-virus and anti-spyware.
- Waiting List: No
- Application Procedure: Referral from social service agency or direct contact
- Cost: Beginning computers range in cost from $75 to $100. Internet computers cost between $200 and $250.
- Warranties/Post Purchase Support: Free tech support including repair or replacement for two years
- Number of computers placed per month: 20
5210 W. 4th Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99336
(By appointment only)
Phone: 509-543-2910
Email: directors@recafoundation.org
Seattle Community Network:
Offers no-cost and low-cost internet-ready computers to folks who need them.
- Area Served: Seattle & King County
- Types of Computers Available: Pentium IV and above desktops. We occasionally get Macs adn very seldom, laptops. We currently have funds to help clients purchase laptops from Interconnection. We pay 50% of the cost.
- Waiting List: frequently a very long waiting list!
- Application Procedure: email requests to ti.locke@yahoo.com
- Cost: free -- unless we are helping purchase computers or monitors from Interconnection -- then it's 50/50.
- Warranties/ Post Purchase Support: if we supply computers via Interconnection, a warranyy is offered.
- Contact Information: Ti Locke (email only) ti.locke@yahoo.com
Wilderness Technology
Provides refurbished computers at a low cost to nonprofits, school districts and low income individuals. Training is also provided.
- Area Served: Washington
- Types of Computers Available: Desktops and rarely laptops. Windows 2000; working on licenses for Windows XP. Pentium III’s & IV’s.
- Waiting List: No
- Application Procedure: Contact Dan Casey at Wilderness Technology directly for more information about their current inventory.
- Cost: High level Pentium III - $99.00. Pentium IV – $149. Low end Pentium III - $69. All computers include a dial up modem and free software such as Open Office (allows you to use Excel and Word) and anti virus and anti spyware software.
- Warranties/Post Purchase Support: Will give a years guarantee and support for the computer.
- Number of computers placed per month: 50-60 including computers placed with nonprofits and school districts.
206 SW 112th St.
Seattle, WA 98146
Phone: 206-242-9505
Email: dcasey@wildtech.org
Articles
Speech Recognition Software
Speech recognition software can change your life. Speak and your words appear on the screen - Control your computer by voice! Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System through the University of Washington, Rehabilitative Medicine provides newsletters featuring various services and products.
Computer Training
See also RECA Foundation, InterConnection & Wilderness Technology
Northshore Senior Center
The Northshore Senior Center has been at the forefront of training seniors in computer learning since 1992. Around 1,500 students come to the labs each year to learn the basics of computing for work or pleasure. Lab computers and software are kept up to date so that seniors can keep their skills up to current market trends.
Provail
Computer classes and training for individuals with disabilities including specially designed programs for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
- Waiting List: No
- Application Procedure: Contact Gabe at Provail
- Cost: There is a charge for these programs; charges may be covered by DD and/or vocational rehabilitation funding or other sources.
3670 Stone Way North
Seattle, WA 98103-8004
Phone: 206-363-7303
Clinic Phone: 206-826-1037
Fax: 206-361-5628
Toll Free: 1-888-810-0745
Email: Gabel@provail.org
Tacid (Tacoma Area Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities)
Computer lab with some adaptive software open to individuals with disabilities. Individualized instruction also provided. Lab is open Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 PM.
- Waiting List: No
- Application Procedure: Call TACID to see if they have equipment that you need. To make an appointment for individualized instruction, call Laurie Teeter at Ext. 20/(253) 565-9000 ext. 12.
- Cost: No
6315 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98466
Phone: 253-565-9000
Fax: 253-565-5578
TTY: 253-565-3468
