The City of Seattle has launched a new community technology site directory to connect residents to access and learning opportunities.

You'll find information about more than 120 community programs in Seattle and surrounding areas. This directory replaces the old techmap. The new directory provides more useful data in a simpler way. Centers are organized by general geographic sectors and contain more information about programs, facilities and availability. A simpler, more powerful search page makes it easier to find appropriate programs and services.

Volunteers, businesses, funders and human services providers can search for sites for support and referral of residents. The programs provide training, access to information and opportunities to use technology tools. Beyond that, there are a wide range of program offerings, locations and communities served. What ties Community Technology Centers (CTCs) together is their commitment to helping build strong communities and to ensuring digital opportunities for all. Community tech centers are based in housing projects, human services agencies, libraries, places of worship, schools, or community centers. They may serve families, youth, immigrants, single mothers, job seekers, or seniors. Some provide "open access" to the public, while others only serve their members, students, or subsidized housing residents. The technology services range from Internet access, computer training, video production facilities, web sites and more.

To add your site to the directory, please contact us at communitytechnology@seattle.gov, or call (206) 386-1103. We invite your feedback, additions and changes. We hope that you will contact us to make sure your program is listed, and/or to make sure your information is current.

PCs often fall victim to misuse. Users may attempt to install software, change settings or even try to bring the system down. Deep Freeze offers complete, non-restrictive Windows protection for Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, and XP without the use of expensive hardware devices.

One of the many membership benefits you will receive from PSACT is volume discounts on software. Deep Freeze, a complete Windows protection software, is currently available to members at volume discount rates. Check out the rates and download an order form.

Deep Freeze requires no complicated setup or configuration, just install, restart and it works! Users can save their files to “unfrozen network drives, floppy disks, or “thaw space” a special area of unfrozen space on the PC where users can save their files. It is easy to make permanent changes to your PCs, simply turn off Deep Freeze and then install or remove programs and amend system configuration.

The City of Seattle, in cooperation with Comcast (formerly AT&T Broadband Services), is providing free high speed Internet connections and cable modems to qualified sites that will offer community access to the Internet. This Access for All Project is part of the City's effort to ensure citizens technology literacy and access.

These free connections are currently only available in the Comcast service delivery area and within the Seattle city limits. For more information and to download a short form to make application, go to our tech web. If you have questions, email Derrick Hall or call (206) 233-5061.

The Association of Blind Citizens (ABC) has an Assistive Technology Fund that will cover half of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board hopes to improve employment prospects and increase independence possibilities for the visually impaired. There are three grant deadlines per year: June 30, September 30, and December 31. For more information, contact atf@assocofblindcitizens.org.

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