Jewish Deaf Business
by Sharon Ann Dror
Myrna & Phil Aiello 11410-P Georgia Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902
VOICE 301/942-9766 FAX 301/942-9110 TTY/Voice 301/942-9769 www.tcsassociates.com E-mail: myrna@tcsassociates.com
Myrna & Phil Aiello
TCS Associates
How It All Started
With several name changes, the original business was
an Information Technology corporation in 1982. They funded it with their own personal savings, no support from
the family at all.
They always wanted a business of their own and wanted challenges. Phil had a background in computers and Myrna in business. Both of their families owns a business.
The company TCS Associates specializes in computers, hardware, services and repairs, assistive technology, networking, telecommunications, etc.
Husband & Wife Team
"Our first and original business was called 'Software n'
Things' located in College Park MD", Myrna explains, "The business name was changed to TCS (Technical Computer Services). Now the actually name is TCS Associates approximately seven years after we established
Software n' Things.
"Our primary focus now is government contracts and accessibility and adaptive technology for disabled people in workplace especially government. Since we have become certified with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)'s Section 8A program, we have won some contracts and have established several different projects and goals. Of course our primary product is Nextalk for Deaf."
They want to hire deaf and hard of hearing employees, The company now has five employees and will grow more within the years to come. One of their goals is to get involved in providing services within the government under Section 508 to make government more accessible to the disabled. They also want to expand their services.
"We are a one stop shop offering all kinds of services whether its to purchase a new computer (desktop or laptops) or upgrade computers, we repair all kinds of computers and printers" Myrna continues, "We sell special equipment and services for the disabled. We sell pagers, as well. We provide all kinds of computer support consultant services from network, training, web development, etc.
"Our business is deaf woman owned. We have recently been certified by the Small Business Administration SBA 8A first deaf and woman to be awarded. We have also, recently been awarded MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) in the State of Maryland. We are now applying for GSA Schedule.
"We provide services to the public, private and government sector. We have several government contracts. We have a very large client base from educational to medical to home users, etc."
How They Met
Although Phil and Myrna Orleck met for the first time at a
leadership conference in New Jersey in 1975, they did not become friends until 1978 on the campus of Gallaudet
University in Washington, D.C.
Phil attended PS 47 in New York before transferring to a public school. He attended and graduated from Gallaudet University with a Bachelors degree in Chemistry.
Myrna attended public school all her life and also attended Gallaudet University where she received her Bachelor's degree in Communications.
Phil has two daughters from previous marriage, Stephanie and Ingrid. Myrna and Phil have two hearing daughters Jessica 16 and Carissa 13.
Visit their website www. tcsassociates.com