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Project Endeavor Notebook Computer and Internet Available to Qualified Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumers

Many deaf and hard of hearing Americans simply don’t have the same level of access to broadband/high-speed Internet service in their homes (or on their mobile phones) as their hearing counterparts. In some cases, deaf and hard of hearing people do not have the same financial resources; generally speaking, the deaf and hard of hearing community is more economically disadvantaged than the mainstream hearing community. When Congress passed the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act on Feb. 13, 2009, a pool of $275 billion was made available for contracts, grants and loans. The government earmarked a portion of those funds specifically for minority groups, including America’s deaf and hard of hearing. As a nationwide non-profit organization specializing in providing services to this underserved population, CSD was awarded $14.9 million specifically to create access to high-speed Internet to low-income deaf and hard of hearing people. CSD has called this entire program “Project Endeavor.” 

So what does this all mean to you?

A well-equipped computer and high-speed Internet access bring many opportunities for communication and improved quality of life.  Deaf and hard of hearing consumers with high-speed Internet can communicate through VRS, IP Relay, text, chat and web cam.  They can utilize social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, can use the Internet for shopping, news, weather and other resources, and can get help in developing skills or finding a better job.

Project Endeavor is qualifying deaf and hard of hearing people today. The project offers a video-configured Dell 11Z notebook which comes with a mobile broadband card. For the cost of only $230, consumers receive a brand new notebook computer and a 12- month 3G/4G wireless Internet access plan, at no additional cost. That free 12-month coverage is at least a $700 savings to the consumer, if not more, depending on where you live in the United States.

Here are some specs on the Dell 11Z notebook computer:

· Access to 4G speeds that are up to 10x faster than 3G

· Dual-mode 3G/4G device, access to dependable 3G speeds and accelerated 4G speeds where available

· 2GB Memory, expandable to 4GB, 250 GB hard drive

· 3G speeds where available

· Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium – 64-bit

· Intel® Core™ i3-330UM Processor

· Web browsing with Flash

· GPS Navigation enabled

· Web browsing capable

· Web Camera

· Memory card slot

If you have been wanting to purchase a notebook computer or if you also wanted a high-speed Internet connection but couldn’t afford it, Project Endeavor can help. Keep in mind there are eligibility guidelines, for both income levels and hearing loss. For instance, to qualify for the program, you would have to be certified with a bilateral hearing loss of 40db or greater. If you call the contact center, they can give you all of the eligibility requirements and help you apply.

For deaf and hard of hearing vocational rehabilitation clients and those on SSI or SSDI who currently do not have high-speed Internet access … you are automatically eligible! The Project Endeavor contact center opened Dec. 6, and they are taking calls and qualifying customers Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.– 10 p.m. CST. The Project Endeavor contract ends in July 2012, and the notebook and Internet plans are allocated on a state-by-state basis. Meaning, first come, first served! To find out more about Project Endeavor, call VOICE: 877-NET-ME77, VP: 605-550-4056 or 605-644-7399, FAX: 605-782-8446, e-mail info@projectendeavor.com, or go to www.projectendeavor.com.