HARC’s Camp Bulova Youngsters Benefit from IBM Computers Thanks to

United Way of the Capital Area

HARTFORD, CT     January, 2006          Children in the Camp Bulova Program at The Greater Hartford Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. (HARC) are enjoying the use of 4 new IBM Young Explorer Computer Learning Centers. The computers were awarded to HARC through the generosity of the IBM Technology Donation Grant Committee, Gifts-in Kind International and United Way of the Capital Area. Each year, IBM donates child-friendly Young Explorer computer systems through Gifts-in Kind to pre-school programs selected by local United Ways.

According to Jeffrey Doyle, HARC’s Coordinator of Automated Information Systems, “This was our lucky year. HARC received four computers that are loaded with education software that helps children develop problem-solving and motor coordination skills.”

 The computers will be used by the children in HARC’s Camp Bulova Program, a Saturday day program for medically fragile children with multiple disabilities.

 Participation in the IBM Technology Donation program is part of United Way of the Capital Area’s commitment to ensuring that every child in the Capital Region has access to quality early childhood education so that they enter kindergarten ready to learn.

The Greater Hartford Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. (HARC), was formed in 1951 by parents of children with intellectual disabilities. HARC remains true to its mission of helping people with intellectual disabilities and their families enjoy lives of quality, inclusion and dignity by providing support, education and advocacy. 
HARC currently serves over 800 people a day in a wide array of programs and runs 11 group homes and condominiums and 8 supported living arrangements in the Greater Hartford area.  There are currently 21 children being served in the Camp Bulova day program.

 For further information about HARC go to the website: www.harc-ct.org <http://www.harc-ct.org>  or call 860.218.6089.