Carol Loughlin came from a family of educators and obtained a liberal education in college. Learning has always been important to her life and she worked in a small town outside of Indianapolis as a librarian for a few years but was unable to continue working there because of the limitations of her disability.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her early teens. When it became clear to her that working was no longer a realistic option, because she found the social challenges of a workplace too much, she went into a deep reclusive depression that lasted for years.
She now lives in an apartment community for disabled and elderly people and has made friendships in the building. Carol came to Easterseals Crossroad’s with a friend from the community who was getting a laptop from the INDATA Equipment Reutilization program and when Carol mentioned to Alvin, ReUSE Lead, that her latest computer stopped working and she is on disability, he had her apply for a computer and she and her friend were both able to receive a computer.
The Equipment Reutilization program is one of INDATA’s core services that gives away free computers to individuals who live in the state of Indiana and have a documented disability. We receive computers from donors and those computers have the data wiped clean from their tablet, laptop, or desktop computer and we get them in working condition to benefit Hoosiers in need. For any computer parts that cannot be used, those are recycled responsibly so they do not end up in a landfill.
Once Carol and her friend received their computers, Alvin showed them some of the capabilities of their computers and resources such as a link to the Indianapolis Public Library. Carol said, “It opened my world back up to being able to access ebooks and audiobooks. I also connected with an online Buddhist Monastery in France”. With the pressure of working behind her and this new online access, she felt that nothing was holding her back from her passion of learning.
Carol even converted her living room into a tiny theater for streaming library videos and YouTube lectures. She also connected with old friends on Facebook which brought “me out of my self-imposed isolation”. With her friends back in her life she now travels a little and has friends and family to celebrate the holidays with. Carol said, “I have now realized my life had far more meaning that a mere job title”.
When asked what her assistive technology advice would be for others, Carol said, “My advice to anyone in similar circumstances is not to think abut what didn’t work out, but to be grateful for all of the resources available for a rich and fulfilling life so you can continue to grow and evolve.”
Carol is another great example of how the Equipment Reutilization Program can enhance someone’s life. Not only can a computer help someone with day-to-day activities, but it also can be a tool to connect to other’s and learn new things. By taking in donated computers from donors we are able to get those in working condition and into the hands of individuals in need. For anyone who is in need of a computer or anyone who has a computer to donate, please call 317-466-1000 and ask for Alvin Alviar or visit www.eastersealstech.com where you can find a downloadable application.