In today’s world technology has never been so important to keep people connected to the outside world, it can help people to gain or regain their independence, by allowing them to shop or bank online or undertake a host of activities many now take for granted. It can prevent isolation, as the internet can connect people via email, Skype or Facetime to family and friends. It also provides something fun and relaxing to do with online games, TV, radio and other entertainment services.
This is where AbilityNet and their network of over 300 community based volunteers come in, helping individuals use all kinds of digital technology. The charity says:
“Our digitally excluded users can sometimes come from a place of no digital experience and therefore need help to get started online and to overcome the barriers that have prevented them to date. However, a proportion have some basic skills and require a lighter touch approach, perhaps to build confidence through helping with particular skills or subjects such as media literacy or scam awareness training."
AbilityNet offers a range of free services including:
- A free helpline 0800 048 7642 available 9-5 Monday-Friday for technology advice and information.
- Specialist advice: Disability Consultants can provide tailored 1:1 advice dependent on individual barriers to accessing technology, from simple adjustments to specialist software that’s available.
- A nationwide network of more than 300 carefully selected and vetted AbilityNet Tech volunteers who are on hand to offer phone and remote support for groups and individuals. As well as diagnosing and fixing most computer related problems, the tech volunteers can help with sending and receiving emails, using the internet, installing new hardware and software and giving impartial advice on IT equipment and software.
- Free online expert resources including factsheets, webinars and My Computer My Way, a unique series of step-by-step guides to the many ways you can adjust your laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone, including changes to your keyboard and mouse.
If you know someone that may benefit from support, direct them to the AbilityNet website, or follow them on Facebook to keep up to date with their work and access support.
“One of your advisors, Trevor, has been helping me with some very basic computer skills on a tablet that I have hardly touched since it was bought for me as a present from my wife. I suffer from Parkinson’s and it is very difficult for me to concentrate. Trevor has been extremely kind and patient and has opened up a world I hardly knew existed.”
