LCI Inc. | News

For Immediate Release
Monday, October 10, 2005

Open House Slated for LCI's
Assistive Technology Center

SANFORD — The public gets an opportunity to view the area's new Assistive Technology Center in action on Oct. 18, when LCI Inc. holds the center's inaugural open house.

Since opening quietly a few months ago, the center has provided job training and personal enrichment for people with disabilities of all kinds. It uses personal computers adapted with innovative technology to open opportunities for people once considered "unemployable."

"Our goal all along has been to help employers find and retain productive workers and help people find a new level of independence and self-confidence," said Julie Dutchess, who coordinates the center. "The range of people we serve is so broad, it's hard to describe the ways this technology can change lives. You really have to see it for yourself."

Scheduled from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., the open house features technology demonstrations — including the use of speech-recognition systems, innovative keyboards and magnification software.

LCI officials also will explain how the center can help companies retain current employees and benefit from access to a new, largely-untapped labor pool.

"Assistive technology can help a wide variety of people become more productive," said LCI executive director Tammy Koger. "Just as an example, we can retrain people who have been injured in an automobile accident. Even after severe injuries, many people can remain on the job and make a contribution. And the company can hold onto valuable employees and the expertise they've developed."

The Assistive Technology Center is a cooperative partnership with Central Carolina Community College and was established with a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. In addition to offering training, the center is a licensed vendor for assistive technology products developed by Ai Squared and Kinesis Computer Ergonomics, two top companies in the field.

Refreshments will be provided at the open house, and anyone attending is asked to RSVP to Julie Dutchess at 919-775-3439 ext. 221 or jdutchess@lciinc.org.

Founded in 1967, LCI primarily serves residents of Lee, Chatham, Harnett and Moore counties. The nonprofit organization provides manufacturing assistance and trained employees for business and industry, helps people with disabilities enjoy their greatest possible independence, and produces a full range of trophies, awards and engraving.