HandyCapable Network Greensboro, NC HandyCapable’s Purpose HandyCapable is a tax-deductible non-profit organization dedicated to providing developmentally disabled adults with meaningful work in a nurturing facility. They do this by training their “HandyTechs” to refurbish donated computers that are then placed with low-income families and other non-profit organizations. HandyCapable was incorporated in 2006 by Barbara Davis, the current Executive Director. HandyCapable is maintained by a board of directors and the Executive Director. Community Presence HandyCapable network provides computers and support to many other non-profit organizations in the area. HandyCapable also provides more than just a nurturing environment for physically and mentally disabled adults. Youth volunteers have a large presence at HandyCapable as well. HandyCapable also hosts several summer technology youth camps. Allison Hassard Summer 2014 Co-op Supervisor: Barbara Davis Faculty Advisor: Dr. Scott Pierce My Role As an intern at HandyCapable Network, I assisted with daily operational activities. I received training on how to use their equipment and follow their protocols. I worked in the office and out in the field. HandyCapable provides technical support for several other non-profit organizations in the Greensboro area. -One of my main roles was to troubleshoot computers. A customer would bring in a computer and briefly explain the issues they were having. I would then check various areas of the computer, both hardware and software to try and pinpoint the issue. Many times the issues were very obvious and self explanatory from the customers description and I would simply have to fix the issue. The most common issue was a virus or spyware. I would use a special program to remove the malicious spyware, which ensured that all trace files were deleted. -Another one of my main roles was hardware or software upgrades. Customers would bring in their computer systems and request that they be upgraded. My supervisor would advise them on the cost of upgrading and then I would install the new components. The most common upgrade was RAM. I also did many hard drive upgrades, as well as upgrading operating systems. Tasks Performed -Format Hard Drives -Clone to Hard Drives -Install Hard Drives -Install/Upgrade RAM -Replace Laptop Keyboards -Troubleshoot Computers -Tear Down Computers -Manage Recycling -Test/Troubleshoot Monitors -Provide Technical Support -Assist Handy Techs When Needed Recycling Since it was incorporated in 2006, over 5000 computers have been donated to Handycapable. Once they are donated to HandyCapable, they are assessed to see if they are worth refurbishing or if they should be torn down for parts and recycling. In 2013 HandyCapable recycled over 8 Tons of e-waste. Refurbishing HandyCapable has provided over 3800 computers to low income families, schools, womens shelters, rehab centers, and other non-profits. These computers help empower their users by allowing them to enter and be a part of the digital age. What I Learned My experience at HandyCapable Network gave me valuable insight into the IT industry. I gained experience with the business side of IT as well as the technical side. I learned how to responsibly deal with computer waste and got to see firsthand how much waste can be kept out of landfills if recycled properly. I also had the opportunity to work with amazing individuals and witness the amazing work that is done through HandyCapable Network.