Featured image: Art by Toby Zipperlend
Despite a challenging childhood filled with violence and trauma, 60-year-old Cloverdale, California, native Toby Zipperlend found solace in art, thanks to his grandmother, who introduced him to it when he was just five years old.
Bringing Art to Life Through Technology
The digital skills that Toby acquired through the Access to Technology program with CTN have made quite an impact on his life. Living with a disability and on a limited income, Toby saw an opportunity to generate extra income by learning how to use the tablet’s camera. He takes pictures of his paintings and, with the help of his cousin, a professional photographer, processes and edits these images to create cards. These cards are now sold in various retail places in Cloverdale, providing him with a source of income and a sense of accomplishment.
Empowering Artistic Independence
Being online has significantly boosted Toby’s self-reliance and confidence. Knowing that he can generate extra income by doing something he is passionate about has made him feel more empowered. The ability to improve his skills further enhances his confidence, motivating him to continue exploring new opportunities.
Connection with Others Through Art
Before learning these skills, Toby relied on an old flip phone, limiting his interactions with family to direct calls. Now, with a tablet, he can send emails and video call his loved ones. These new means of communication allow him to stay more connected than ever with family and friends. Best of all? He can share his photos of art with them, bringing them even closer together.
Encouraging Others to Embrace Technology
To those who might be nervous about going online, Toby encourages them to inquire and investigate, emphasizing the many great opportunities they might be missing. His message is clear: embracing technology can open doors to new possibilities and improve one’s quality of life.
An Economic Success Story
Toby’s journey with CTN has been nothing short of inspiring. In a recent email to his instructor, Toby shared a heartwarming update: “I got my new cards and people love them. I made 10 card sales in one day, $100, and I’m going to be featured in a very busy local store. It is only possible because of my new tablet and your training.”
At CTN, we are proud to support learners like Toby, helping them unlock new potentials and achieve their goals. Toby’s story is a testament to the positive impact of digital literacy and the opportunities it creates.
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