Beyond Disability Inc
Klaus Jungling - Technical Support
I'm not really sure what’s expected but here goes.
I really found BDI by accident as I was searching for some needy organisation to donate some computers to and seemingly the next thing I knew I was a BDI volunteer….. on a steep learning curve.
In saying that, it has been very satisfying for me to be able to give back to the community and especially to help those, less fortunate than myself.
The BDI team are a most engaging, generous and c heerful group and I feel honoured to be a part of the team. I have already helped several clients with computer issues, had many laughs along the way and am looking forward to many more. Cheers, Klaus Jungling.
"So far this year has been a little quieter but there have been a number of learning experiences. Technology is changing ever faster (sometimes it seems not for the better). We are in the process of upgrading our internet dongles to allow for faster speeds and more capacity.
We have been able to assist several clients to improve the performance of their equipment through installation of high speed hard drives called SSD's and we hope to see these installed in more devices in the coming year.
We have been experimenting with iPads and tablets and plan to have a few ready for roll out once demand is there.
We are also looking forward to increasing our client base once the vote to amend our constitution (to include additional categories of disadvantaged folks), is passed." Klaus Jungling BDI Technical Volunteer.
2017 has been another great learning year for me. We had a number of laptops and accessories donated that needed cleaning and loading with software to make them ready for clients.
Due to software changes and updates this was challenging at times but we got the job done successfully. We also are experimenting with remote repair programs so that in some instances we can repair/reset computers without needing to visit the client.
Recently Ian and I were nominated for a 2 day suicide prevention course which we found very interesting. Although I hope I never to have to use the training, it is valuable knowledge just in case.
For the last few months we have been actively seeking more clients to make use of our growing stock of computers and hopefully our efforts will bear fruit soon.
Summing up, I believe the BDI team are a talented group with a great vision and purpose, and for me personally, helping clients with computer related issues brings me a great sense of fulfilment. Cheers, Klaus Jungling
Klaus Jungling, technical BDI team member, does a final check on one of twenty desktop computers donated to bushfire affected communities of East Gippsland.
2020 is turning out to be a hell of a year and its not over yet!
My adventures began after the bushfires early this year when I volunteered to help rebuild farm fences with the Blazeaid group in the Bruthen and Buchan areas of Gippsland.
While there, sharing experiences with locals, it became apparent that one of the needs of those affected, and indeed also some local non-profit organisations, was computer equipment to allow better processing of details and applications mainly associated with claims and recovery aspects.
As a result I made several contacts with organisations directly involved in bushfire recovery efforts. This in turn led to contact with a Gippsland representative of GIVIT (the Victorian Government's official charity donation partner). Ian George and I then went to work, and by careful juggling of resources, we managed to prepare and fully programme 20 refurbished desktop computers plus associated equipment.
I then delivered them as a BDI donation to GIVIT’s Gippsland base in Boisdale, some 200km from Frankston. The computers were distributed within days to grateful recipients including a community centre in hard hit Mallacoota. All this was done just before the corona virus pandemic fully hit Victoria. Now, almost housebound, but nevertheless I have still been able to offer help our clients via team viewer and the phone.
I don’t know when things will get back to normal but suspect it will be many months yet. At the same time, with constantly evolving computer and internet industry, I see desktop computers being gradually phased out in favour of laptops, tablets, iPhones and the like. However we at BDI are determined to meet this challenge by adapting and updating our resources accordingly. Klaus Jungling (2020)
This year (2021) has been a real challenge. However, in between lockdowns we managed to keep busy and supply laptops, computers and associated equipment as follows:
Mallacoota Primary School speakers for the audio classes. Mallacoota Community Hub
2 laptops for use by bushfire affected folks.
Mallacoota
desktop computer and associated
equipment and printer for a retired teacher to help bushfire affected people.
Bruthen
A laptop for a Bushfire affected family.
Footscray
A Laser printer and 6 digital cameras for Cinespace—non-profit organisation to advance film careers of indigenous people.
Ipswich, Queensland
laptop for struggling person.
ACT
laptop for struggling mum.
Warragul
5 desktop computers and 2 laptops for a struggling mums. (a further 10 desktop computers are planned once lockdown restrictions permit.)
Dandenong
15 desktop computers for ‘’well springs for women’’ a women’s refuge and self-help group.
Beyond Disability Inc. Connecting people with technology 13.
Cranbourne Lions Club
6 laptops for onward distribution to local nursing home.
Rosebud
provide one of our valued clients with a giant 54in monitor and upgraded computer to help
with vision issues.
Pakenham
25 laptops and bags for school pupils at local primary school to help with remote learning.
So despite COVID we have managed to keep active. Personally, I’m looking forward to the easing of restriction so I can visit my clients to help with computer issues. Klaus Jungling BDI Technical team member.
This year 2024 has again been busy. We have prepared and delivered computer and laptop donations for the Afghan community, Olivia’s place in Drouin and Ukrainian refugees via the RSL.
I have enjoyed helping resolve computer problems for clients and look forward to again being of service next year.
Klaus Jungling.
