Dr. William Stilwater started the CHIP program in 1988 in response to a growing need for computer systems to assist the handicapped. Dr. Stilwater was able to understand the needs and limitations of the motor impaired and hearing impaired first hand because he is a quadriplegic with a hearing impairment. Dr. Stilwater and sympathetic volunteers started designing computer assist systems on a case-by-case basis. This volunteer effort grew to become the CHIP - Computers for Handicapped Independence Program.
The Computers for Handicapped Independence Program (CHIP) is
a non-profit organization of individuals who believe that computers promote
rehabilitation, community involvement, communication skills, and quality of
life for persons with disabilities. We welcome all people, disabled or not, of
all races, religious belief, creed, gender, and sexual orientation. Our goal is
to provide opportunities for people to engage in self-improvement toward
independence, and employment. Chip’s tries to provide information for the
access to computer systems for the handicapped. This access includes special
hardware and software to increase productivity of the individuals. CHIP’s
maintains a database of software and hardware available for individuals with
Learning Disabilities, Motor Impairments, Visual Impairments, Language and
Cognitive Skills Impairments and other disabling conditions. CHIP’s makes this
information accessible to anyone world wide via the Internet. CHIP’s evaluates
software and hardware for use by disabled individuals. CHIP’s tries to
determine the usefulness of the software and hardware for use by the disabled.
This software and hardware accessible to the disabled is then included in the database.
CHIP’s also provides Beta testing of software and hardware for members of the
industry to determine effectiveness of it in the environment of the disabled.
If you would like to help with our project or have information on adaptive
equipment or software, please contact us by E-mail: dr_bill@wolfe.net Click here
Or mail to:
Computers for Handicapped Independence Program
914 E. Spruce St. Suite 32
Yakima, WA 98901
or phone: (509) 457-4506, 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Pacific Time