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Projects AbilityNet are working on
Switched On Communities (SOC)
Within this three year programme AbilityNet is establishing a UK wide network of community partners who will in turn support over 200 locally based voluntary community organisations (VCOs) provide help an estimated 29,000 disabled people.
Switched On Communities is funded by the DSGi Foundation, the charitable foundation of DSGi, known for it’s PC World and Currys digital stores. Full details about this project and our partners can be found on the SOC website.
The Remote Assessment Project London ended on 31st October 2008
The Remote Assessment Project London project ended on 31st October 2008
Over the life time of the project we provided:
- 310 staff and users were trained face to face and 25 over the internet
- 33 Accessibility kits were provided to centres in the 33 London boroughs
- 1269 individuals used the online assessment tool, 42 users had internet supported assessments and face to face assessments and
- 17 users had consultancy sessions a total of 1363 people.
“The RAPL project has really added to what we do, a lot of our users are silver surfers, especially this September’s enrolment. With the staff knowing about accessibility it has enhanced what we have to offer them. They often seem to have difficulty with their eyesight so adjusting the screen has been very useful.”
Peter Prowse, Priory Court Centre, Waltham Forest
The Remote Assessment Project Scotland ends on 30th November 2008
Over the life time of the project:
- 105 staff and users were trained
- 72 Accessibility kits were provided to 72 centres in the Scottish regions
- 1400 individuals used the online assessment tool
- Extensive use was made of the RAPS assistive technology loan bank
"The training gave the staff more confidence in assisting our disabled computer users" (Moray).
"Staff have changed the way that they work, The RAPS project has become part of our induction and allow us to be more proactive in looking at the needs of student groups." (Glasgow)
The Play AT IT project
The Play AT IT project is funded by the Big Lottery and aims to provide play options and inclusion for children with disabilities in 18 nurseries in disadvantaged areas across 9 geographical regions of England. Each nursery will receive a complete Assistive Technology kit, including hardware and software, to provide inclusive play opportunities to children with disabilities. AbilityNet will provide training and support directly to the nurseries or children’s centres who have received the kit. AbilityNet will also be offering training, support and access to an extensive Loan Bank of assistive ICT equipment to 36 local authority Early Years teams and portage services. Contact Tracey Shawcross.
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Wales Remote Assessment Project (WRAP)
WRAP is a project, funded by the Big Lottery and run by AbilityNet. The project aims to provide better access to computers for people with a range of difficulties by establishing remote assessment capability in 90 centres across Wales. Using technology and assessment skills remotely we aim to raise awareness throughout Wales of the opportunity ICT presents to centres providing ICT support and the individuals who access the centres. Contact wrap@abilitynet.org.uk
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AbilityNet and Arthritis Care support accessibility in Shetland
With funding from the Madam Betard Trust AbilityNet have linked with Arthritis Carein Scotland to enable greater access to technology and training for staff, volunteers and individuals within centres in Shetland and Glasgow. Through this collaborative working accessible kit and training we aim to provide improved services to older people and those with arthritis and rheumatism.
Visit the Arthritis Care website for further information.
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