Our Mission
Motivated by the need to learn and a desire to share their
specialized knowledge, a small group of visually impaired computer
users in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania formed VIPACE! (Visually Impaired
Pittsburgh Area Computer Enthusiasts) in 1988. Although its
structure has evolved since then, the group's mission has remained
the same: to disseminate and exchange information about computer
hardware, software, access technologies, and relevant supplemental
information of a less technical nature.
Meetings
VIPACE!'s informal monthly meetings provide a forum where
questions can be asked about specific access hardware, software,
and adaptive equipment in general, and information regarding such
topics can be freely shared and considered. VIPACE! usually meets
in the general Pittsburgh area on a date during the third week of
each month from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Non-members are always welcomed
to attend. Our members are notified of the up-coming meetings and
topics by an e-mail distribution
list, by telephone, or both. Each meeting consists of a short
business section and a discussion of a specific subject or computer
application. Members often offer presentations on their particular
areas of expertise. Also, local and national computer vendors
frequently present LIVE demonstrations of relevant products and
services. And, on occasion, our group ventures out on a site visit
to area computer businesses, institutions, or libraries with
Assistive Technology Labs. Whether you are a beginner or an
advanced computer user, we believe you will find our meetings very
interesting and educational, and you are sure to meet others who
will help out with any computer-related problems you may be
having!
History
Sabina Bilder and Willie Wilson, both active at the University
of Pittsburgh in 1988, were instrumental in the creation and
development of VIPACE!. Sabina coordinated the Disability Services
office at the university, and Willie, totally blind, was a student
and pioneer among those specializing in files and information for
the visually impaired. Willie made meeting minutes available to the
general public on his bulletin board known as BlinkLink (412)
766-0732 -- the very highly regarded BBS (Bulletin Board System).
We now also send notices and information via the Internet to anyone
interested in receiving them.
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