New Media Awards 2007 Atos Origin

Disability Living Foundation

http://www.dlf.org.uk/

Nominated in Contribution to civic society award category.

The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) website provides free, impartial advice about all types of disability products and disabled equipment for older and disabled people, their careers and families. It targets specialist hard to reach groups where otherwise access to information and the service provided for these groups can be somewhat limited.

From stairlifts to walk-in baths, jar openers to tap turners, and a plethora of other products, the DLF site helps users find disabled equipment solutions that enable them to stay active and independent. Accessible and interactive features such as ‘Ask Sara’ and ‘DLF Digest’ add to the user experience.

1 nomination from readers

  • The DLF site has been incredibly successful, attracting almost 100,000 visitors since it was re-launched in October 2006. In total over 530,000 page views have been recorded made by over 130,000 visits.

    Bert Massie, Chariman of the Disability Rights Commission and Vice President of the DLF states: “The Disabled Living Foundation has always led the way in advising disabled people on equipment to promote independent living. In a complex world where new equipment is being developed on a regular basis, an effective and authoritative source of advice is essential for disabled people. The Disabled Living Foundation provides this”

    The website was awarded a special \'Information Merit\' star rating in The Good Website. Guide 2006. The rating is given to those websites whose \'site content goes beyond what would normally be considered reasonable and provides a level of information that is exceptional\'.

    Services offered include a helpline that responds to up to 25,000 telephone, letter and email enquiries about disability equipment and suppliers every year; free factsheets, training programmes and equipment demonstrations, and an online tool that allows you to carry out a self assessment to see what disabled accessories can help you called ‘SARA’.

    The information provided and the products offered have engaged the user in a unique way. Never before has a service such as been offered under one roof that deliberately traditionally targets hard to reach groups. Comments from satisfied DLF users have included the following:

    “The Disabled Living Foundation provides a wonderful service for those living with difficulties, giving them a chance to lead a full life – free from stress. A little goes a long way.”

    Alison Steadman,

    Actress

    Nominated by Stel Grekos, 31 May 2007