Coronavirus: AbilityNet Home Visits Start Again

Mark Walker | 27 Jan 2022
Please note: this page was last updated on 27 Jan 2022. We will continue to check the advice of the UK Government in relation to the steps we take regarding our home visit services. We will endeavour to keep this page up-to-date, but for the latest information about our at-home IT (information technology) support services, and our in-person DSA (Disabled Students' Allowances) assessment services, please call 0300 180 0028 during UK office hours or email enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk.


Updated guidance: 27 January 2022

AbilityNet Home Visits Service

Our network of tech volunteers provides free tech support to hundreds of people across the UK, enabling older and disabled people to make full use of their home technology.

When the pandemic began we took the decision to suspend our home visit service until further notice.

In light of latest changes we have decided they will now resume.

Many of our clients are in the most vulnerable group in terms of the possible effects of the virus, and our priority is to do as much as we can to keep them safe. We also need to be confident that our volunteers do not take unnecessary risks or undertake non-essential journeys. 

As a result remote support remains our preferred way of helping clients.

However the option of a home visit is now available, if both client and volunteer are happy to proceed. 

Our volunteers will take all necessary precautions to ensure that both volunteer and client stay as safe as possible and we will continue to recommend that volunteers and clients wear face coverings and socially distance where possible.

Our helpline also remains open during office hours and we can also answer your queries by email or on Facebook or Twitter:

  • Call: 0300 180 0028
  • Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls
  • Email: enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk
  • Facebook @abilitynet
  • Twitter @ abilitynet

Free online tools

You can also still access free online support.

DSA and other AbilityNet services

AbilityNet also operates assessments for Disabled Students Allowances (DSA) in various locations around the UK, and has staff delivering accessibility and other services based in several offices.

These services and offices remain open for the time being, but we continue to check the advice of the UK Government and will announce any further decisions via the usual channels.

If students would prefer to complete their DSAs needs assessment via an online video call rather than visiting a centre in person this can be arranged, please mention this preference when you speak with our booking team.