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HelpAge International wanted a website that would reflect the global status of the organisation by allowing members from all over the world to showcase the best examples of their work to an international audience.
The challenge was to create a system that could overcome certain technical problems. Many members of the HelpAge International network work from isolated areas with limited internet access as well as outdated machines.
The new website addresses the needs of those with any kind of disability, but is also flexible enough to meet the additional needs and situations of users from the developing world.
Visitors can now access the site from anywhere in the world, even on outdated systems or recycled computers. In remote areas, such as Africa, access to the site is via satellite, which is expensive and makes pages slower to download. However, the HelpAge International website is structured so that when satellite is used only the essential pages are downloaded, making the site quicker and less expensive to view.
Editing is also internet based, which means that staff around the world can add content and share information, allowing them to build links and partnerships and learn from one another’s work. Additionally, the system is quick and easy to use, allowing staff to add content without technical knowledge, extensive training or specialist equipment.
Online traffic from developing countries has increased dramatically since the launch. Site visits from Africa have almost doubled, as have visits from the Asia Pacific region.
The site was constructed by Jamkit, the web development specialist with six years experience in developing usable and accessible solutions for the not for profit sector.
Alison Tebbutt
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