Service Dogs of Florida
not only offers trained service dogs to help the disabled but also computers and technology to make their
lives easier. We do this through donations and local support from companies. This is why we include technology in our
mission statement, sometimes you need more than a service dog to support your disibility.
Computers
Most of our clients have limited income and can not upgrade or purchase computers as easily as others.
We accept donated computer equipment, and through volunteers and paid workers make working systems for our clients in
need. So instead of a thrift shop with cloths, we offer a small thrift shop with computers, to those in need. As
quanities are limited recipients are required to be on SSDI, SSI or other public assistance or show a need with
limited income.
Computer Repair
We have arrangments through local computer companies for discounted computer repair services.
Some items we can repair in-house, others we refer to commercial vendors.
ADA Technology
Many of our clients have sight, audio or other disibilties that can be supported by specialized
equipment. Such as brail keyboards, over-size screens, flashing alerts, and specialized keyboards (i.e. one hand or
wheelchair sized.)
How can I help? We need materials to give. If you have an older computer or your upgrading, consider giving us
your computer before you put it on the curb or in the closet. As a 501c3 it's a tax donation to charity. If you like
to fix computers, consider donating your time to sort through our donations and get some systems in working order.
Can I get a computer? Maybe. We make custom systems for disabled and low-income, if we have surplus unit or can't
move some systems we sell them to the general public. Most of our systems are 2nd hand or use pre-owned parts. This
lowers the costs of the system as it's considered 'used'. Just like a used car, their market value is much lower than
a brand new unit.
Used computers, aren't they slow? They are slower compared to a brand new unit with the latest technology. But
a used computer, after software cleaning, is as fast as it was when it was brand new. Most of our clients do not
require cutting edge or super fast, as long as the computer does it's task in a timely manner it's usefull.
What software do you use. We load the original OS or Linux (Ubuntu, DSL or Puppy) if the OS is
outdated. If the computer originally shipped with Windows XP (and has a valid COA) we will reload that, same with
Windows 7 and Apple OS X. If the computer was: Win95, Win98, WinME, Win2000 or Vista we will load an ADA friendly
Linux Distro. If the user only does certain tasks, like EMAIL, Chat and Web, we prefer linux as it can be secured and
repaired easier by remote.
Do the dogs have technology? Yes! Every dog we train has a microchip for identification and we will soon be
issuing smartchip/smartcard ID's for the dogs and handlers. The id will have a copy of all the information that is
printed as well as the dogs bio info including medical and training records.
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