Mike Doerfler of Cranberry Township uses a computer with special technology designed for blind people.

Mike Doerfler navigates his computer with the ease of any 26-year-old.

A journalism graduate of Point Park University, Doerfler works with a nonprofit agency writing and editing a monthly newsletter. This year he will write the organization's new online blog.

In an economy that has proved especially harsh on younger working-age adults, the Cranberry Township man is successful, productive and happy.

And he is blind.

He is the first member of The Blind Association of Butler and Armstrong's initiative, Project: Access, according to an association news release.

Using advances in technology, hands-on training and partnerships with businesses, Project: Access provides access to education and employment for the blind and visually impaired. The Blind Association believes the project will help the 70 percent of people with blindness or a visual impairment facing unemployment.

The major part of Project: Access is a technology lab to be built at The Blind Association's downtown office in Butler at 322 N. Cedar St. This lab will have 10 computer stations, an interactive life-skills training area, space for social activity programs, and a play room with toys ideal for blind and visually impaired children.

"Fortunately, the tools exist to help people receive the training they need to find jobs and further their education. Project: Access is a real opportunity for many people who have given up hope of leading productive and fulfilling lives," Zack Byrnes, director of development and public relations with The Blind Association, said in the news release.

This year, The Blind Association bought a Braille printer and its first accessible technology computer. The computer uses JAWS screen-reading software to translate text and other visual objects into speech.

"It's amazing to watch Mike work. He'll browse the Internet for research, edit one of his articles, take notes and have JAWS running at a mile a minute, all at the same time and without ever needing to glance at a monitor," Byrnes said.

The final price tag for Project: Access will be about $75,000, but the association is tackling the project incrementally, according to the release.

It will be able to buy its first electronic Braille display for $10,000. This connects to a computer and translates text into Braille using mechanical pins. After one line has been translated and read, the device refreshes and displays the next line in Braille.

"Most blind individuals are not literate in Braille, primarily because it's so difficult to find teachers. The electronic Braille display will not only allow us to provide distance education courses in Braille to the community, but it will also grant new opportunities for the blind to read, rather than merely listen, to literature, newspapers, and anything else available online," Byrnes said.

The Blind Association has already raised $4,000 for the Braille display and is holding an online fund drive to reach its goal.

To donate or to learn more, visit www.theblindassociation.org/access or call The Blind Association at 724-287-4059.