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Lake Region Healthcare computer finds new home
Published Saturday, May 17, 2008
With a huge smile on her face, Kim said, "I did it!" What she did is spell her name on a computer donated recently by Lake Region Healthcare.
Kim, who is blind, receives personal support services through Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and has had a dream to own her own computer. She would like to be able to learn to use it to communicate with her family, as she is unable to write letters to them by hand. She states that she used to use a typewriter some years ago at the society for the blind.
With the help of Lutheran Social Service staff and David Seyfried, from the Minnesota State Community and Technical College, a program was located called ReadPlease which reads out loud any typed print on a personal computer. Braille stickers attached to the keyboard will enable Kim to read the letters as she writes.
Next was the financial aspect of purchasing a computer.
"At the Lake Region Healthcare, we have usually offered our retired computers to staff," said Todd Ziemke, IT Coordinator at the hospital.
He said when the hospital was contacted by LSS, it was deemed a good fit.
"Our retired computers generally do not have the necessary functions to run the programs needed today. Essentially, that's why many of them are replaced. However, we looked at what the minimum requirements were for the ReadPlease program and realized this computer would work great for Kim."
Kim was so excited to try out the computer. When asked what she plans to do with her new computer she said, "I would like to write letters, play games, and listen to music."
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by Brandon (anonymous) on May 17, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just Kim? Kim who?
Posted by tomsmom (anonymous) on May 17, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does Kim's surname really matter?
Posted by momofthree (anonymous) on May 19, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am pretty sure, that because Kim is considered a Vulnerable Adult, that her last name could not be used in the article. Either way, CONGRATULATIONS Kim on your computer. I am sure she will put it to great use. And such a nice gift from LRH-CIS Department to give. Way to go!
Proud employee of LRH
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