New Media Awards 2007 Atos Origin

AbilityNet

http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/raps/

Nominated in Contribution to civic society award category.

AbilityNet has developed a unique aopproach to the cost of supplying individual advice and information on the use of ICT by people with a disability. Barrier Free services use websites and internet connectivity to connect the user and assessor to observe and advise on the access technology that is needed to give a person access to the Digital world

1 nomination from readers

  • The Digital Divide has been a major issue overthe past five years in allowing disabled people to play a full part in society and communities. without access it is increasingly difficult for disabled people to network, to access education, and to enter employment. One of the key planks in bridging that divide is the provision of appropriate information and resources for individual solutions

    There have been many barriers to access to independent advice in the past. Cost, Time, and Geography have all constrained services. This service allows more people to access the advice they need, personalised to their own needs than ever before. It is an innovative use of mainstream technology, that not only directly supports disabled people, but allows disabled people to play a increasingly significnat part in delivery and reduces the organisations carbon footprint.

    This model of service delivery works for disbaled people, the delivery organisation and society more widely

    Nominated by David Banes, 12 April 2007

1 comment from readers

  • using the remote online assessement tool has enabled centre users to alter the computer to suit their needs and showed them what is available to help them - information on alterntive mice and keyboards has been very useful.

    Submitted by Joanna Greenwell, 16 May 2007