(Woodland, CA) – Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig recently announced the successful implementation of technology upgrades in libraries and non-profit facilities located throughout Yolo County. These upgrades were made possible by a competitive grant obtained by his office. This technology upgrade allows the visually impaired to use computers which are equipped with assistive devices.
Twelve computers were set up with accompanying Vision-Assist devices, allowing users to work across all normal computer programs and easily read paper documents and literature. All computers have fraud prevention information provided by the District Attorney and AARP. This important crime prevention information can now reach a greater number of vulnerable citizens who often fall prey to scammers.
Through the grant from AARP, the District Attorney’s Office will reach underserved populations that include the visually impaired and those in the rural areas of Yolo County. “We are happy to provide a unique service to help people protect themselves from fraud,” said District Attorney Jeff Reisig.
These computers are located at the Yolo County Library branches in Winters, Esparto, Clarksburg, Yolo, Knights Landing, Davis and West Sacramento, as well as the Woodland Public Library and RISE, Inc. locations in Winters and Esparto. Joan Tollie from The Outta Sight Group, a local support group for visually impaired older adults, said, “The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office was patient, practical and solved computer accessibility problems for residents with reduced vision in Yolo County. They have also provided much needed crime prevention literature in digital format. Now the Outta Sight group as well as all visually impaired Yolo County residents can take advantage of these life-changing computers.”
Yolo County Librarian Patty Wong praised the partnership between the District Attorney and the Library. “The District Attorney’s Office has been a great partner,” said Wong. “The Yolo County Library is excited to bring this new technology to our community that helps us better serves the diverse needs of our citizens.”
The Outta Sight Group, Woodland’s support group for the visually impaired, learning how to use the new computers at the Woodland Public Library.
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