Pierce Computer Lab to Get Alarm

WOODLAND HILLS — A Van Nuys alarm company is expected today to install a new security system in the Pierce College Special Services computer lab, the first step toward getting the program for disabled students back to normal after five computers were stolen last month.

Thieves broke into the college lab May 31 and took five IBM-compatible computers specially programmed to teach students who are deaf, quadriplegic or brain-injured.

After the theft of the computers, which cost about $10,000, was reported Wednesday, the campus Office of Disabled Students Services received about 20 calls of sympathy and offers of help, but so far only the alarm company’s donation has materialized.

Still, school officials hope that one of the offers will put them back on track before the fall semester begins in mid-August.

“When this happened, it just pulled the rug out from under us,” said Miriam Gottlieb, a disabilities specialist. “We aren’t a rich college. We just didn’t know where we were going to turn.”

She said that one of the first calls she got was from Eddie Dimand, co-owner of Home Tech, offering to install an alarm system.

Dimand said the system he is donating will immediately alert the campus police station across campus in case of another break-in.

Students using the lab Thursday said they were surprised and saddened to learn that the best five of 11 computers in the lab were taken. But students and staff alike said they were heartened by the outpouring of sympathy from the public.

“We are hoping we can find a way to work it all together,” said Maria Delgado, a freshman who is deaf. “I’m really impressed that others are interested in giving money to the deaf.’

Though Gottlieb said she’s pleased with the public response, she now is eagerly waiting for callers to deliver promised goods and services.

“If there is any good in this situation, it’s that it happened in the summer, when we aren’t holding classes,” she said. “We have two and a half months to rebuild.”

Pierce officials have said the equipment was not insured, though a claim could be filed for the loss with the Los Angeles Community College District. However, remuneration would not be forthcoming until well after the fall semester begins.