Free help to make your computer system work for you

So there’s no such thing as a free lunch.  However the next best thing to free food has to be free computer technology.

AbilityNet has always been at the forefront of helping disabled people get the most from computers and the internet and other digital technology. The  people calling our helpline or using our factsheets usually don’t have too much money to spend, so they want to do things on “the cheap”. For cheap, read free. The good news is that AbilityNet has a number of free services:

If you need a guiding hand to work out what technology might be useful for you, or your clients have a look at our online Assessment Tool

A lot of people who call us aren’t aware that there are a lot of built in packages which can help you make your computer more accessible for you. 

A good example is the ability to turn the repeat rate down on the keyboard, so you don’t get multiple characters in the event that you can’t take your finger off the keyboard quickly enough.  It is your computer. You can customise it your way. (http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/mcmw/). The site is split into sections for people who have motor difficulties, sight issues or cognitive issues and it covers both Windows and Mac computers.

Step by step instructions will ensure that you can be up and running fairly quickly, and if you ever get stuck you can always call us and we can arrange for a volunteer to come out and see you, for free.

How can we help?

There are a few ways that we can help:

  • Call our free Helpline. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will discuss any kind of computer problem and do their best to come up with a solution. We’re open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm on 0800 269 545.
  • Arrange a home visit. We have a network of IT Support at Home volunteers who can help if you have technical issues with your computer systems. They can come to your home, or help you over the phone.
  • We have a range of factsheets which talk in detail about technology that might help you, which can be downloaded for free. 
  • My Computer My Way. A list of free hints and tips that you can use to make your time on the computer that bit easier. http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/mcmw/