To thrive in today's world, everyone deserves the opportunity to take advantage of the accessibility that technology affords us. Unfortunately, for low-income families and individuals with disabilities, these opportunities and often difficult to come by.

Handy Capable Network (HCN) assists these individuals, as well as local nonprofit organizations, in accessing technology that had previously been beyond their reach. HCN trains adults with disabilities in the skills necessary to use and repair computers. We strive to create an environment where disabled individuals can learn valuable computer skills, gain self-esteem, and encourage personal growth and independence. For low-income families who do not have access to computer technology at home, we provide them with free or low-cost refurbished computers, and the requisite educational information to fully utilize these exciting tools.

In order for HandyCapable to carry out its mission of helping socioeconomically challenged or developmentally disabled individuals to cross the digital divide, we depend on donations of used computers from individuals and businesses in the community. To learn how you can help, please click here!

As a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, HCN installs Microsoft Windows on all of our refurbished computers. Additionally, we format all donated computers to the security standards used by the US Dept. of Defense.

Beginnings

In 2001, the NC Association for Retarded Citizens and Housing Development Services, Inc. (Arc/HDS) provided initial funding for three years to set up four computer learning centers for people with developmental disabilities in the Triad, NC area. Barbara Davis, as a contractor, managed this program from the beginning. She has established more than 20 Computer Learning Centers in four years in eight counties in central North Carolina.

As the program expanded, a refurbishing program was established and the mission broadened beyond people with developmental disabilities. In 2006, HandyCapable Network formally incorporated as a licensed 501(c)(3) organization and became an independent entity.