Advice and Information Sources

www.abilitynet.org.uk

The main website for abilityNet containing access to our factsheets, resources and information about our services

www.youtube.com/abilitynet

AbilityNet YouTube channel with over 100 linked videos on all aspects of assistive technology

Access IT

Has a series of useful articles on a range of accessibility issues

Training Resources

• www.abilitynettraining.org. AbilityNet main training and elearning website with access to over 30 courses related to assistive technologies

• Wikis in Education

Technical Support

• RNIB - Volunteer Unit (Technology):
  
  0845 766 9999 Helpline (for support)
  0845 604 2341 Technology Vol.
  
  www.rnib.org.uk The RNIB`s Volunteer Unit for technology issues sources volunteers from all over the country who can visit registered blind or partially sighted people in their homes to assist with computer and IT problems such as PC set-up and general troubleshooting throughout the UK. The Volunteer Unit co-ordinates all requests for help and IT Home Visitor call-outs.g1Volunit@rnib.org.uk

• ITCH Network (IT Can Help): The purpose of ITCH is to offer free computer assistance to individuals with disabilities by providing volunteers who will visit disabled people in their homes and at other locations such as day centres. More about their service . . .

Employment Support

• Access to Work (ATW). If you have a disability, you may find that practical obstacles at work are stopping you making the most of your opportunities. ATW is designed to help you and your employer find solutions to these problems. More information . . .

• ATW case study

• Abilitynet workplace case studies

General Information

• CENMAC. supports pupils and students with physical disabilities who are receiving their education in special and mainstream schools throughout Inner London. CENMAC is able to assess need, loan appropriate equipment and liaise with and train the adults who support the pupil to ensure effective use.
  
  
• EmpTech. A database of AT product descriptions, links to manufacturers, suppliers with addresses as well as other related resources.

• LASA. A website is designed for organisations providing advice and information services. You can find help on information systems and getting the best out of your IT, welfare benefits, training and policy work in the UK sector.

• ICT Hub. Their website contains a range of free advice and support for charities and community organisations, to help you make the most out of technology. A range of services and support available.

• ICT Hub Knowledge Base . A comprehensive source of independent ICT information and advice.

• NAVCA (the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action) is the national voice of local voluntary and commuity sector infrastructure in England. A membership of 360 work with 140,000 local community groups and voluntary organisations which provide services, regenerate neighbourhoods, increase volunteering and tackle discrimination, in partnership with local public bodies.

• BBC My Web - My Way. A website specially designed to help people to easily make adjustments to the browser, keyboard and mouse settings, so that the web is more accessible. Caters for Windos, Apple Mac and Linux operating systems.

• Web Wise. The BBC's guide to using the internet.

• MyGuide. A free online training resource where you can learn how to use a computer, how to use the internet and to search for information. A great place to start if you are a novice.
  
  
• Disability support in Germany (in English). German law (Grundgesetz) forbids discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disability. The Social Welfare Code IX (SGBIX), which came in to force in April 2001, is based on the idea of equal opportunities and participation rather than merely welfare. It focuses on rehabilitation and access for disabled people and stipulates levels of support depending on measurement of the degree of disability.
  
  
• JISC TechDis. The JISC TechDis Service aims to be the leading educational advisory service, working across the UK, in the fields of accessibility and inclusion. Their mission is to support the education sector in achieving greater accessibility and inclusion by stimulating innovation and providing expert advice and guidance on disability and technology. TechDis is a JISC-funded Advisory Service ( Joint Information Systems Committee).
  
  
• Assist Ireland. Great list of AT products - there's even a talking watch for vision impaired.

• One Switch. Huge list of resources for: Switch controlled games, Communication Aids, Environmental Controls, AT News and much more.