Useful Links

AbilityNet exists to create a digital world accessible to all. We do that by pointing people to the resources we have, including factsheets, My Computer My Way.

You can also call our helpline on 0300 180 0028 during UK office hours. 

For where we can't provide specific help, we're always happy to signpost to other websites and resources that have information on accessibility and technology; these may, in turn, link to other sites.

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

Useful links to charities and organisations

We've provided links for:

Each link in the lists below will open a new window. Close that window to return to AbilityNet. This is to help your navigation if you wish to return to this list.

DISCLAIMER: The details listed below are for information purposes only. It is not a statement of endorsement from AbilityNet. 

All links were current as of 13/7/2022 If you find an out-of-date link, email us or use our contact form.

Do you know an organisation that can help others? Email us

 Assistive Technology and Inclusive Design

Image shows a specialist input device attached to a Microsoft keyboard

AbilityNet: My Computer My Way

Our FREE online resource can direct you to the assistive technology including in your device, whether it's a laptop, smartphone or a desktop computer.

We have tips for iOS, macOS, Android, Chromebook and Windows-based devices. 

Ace Centre: https://acecentre.org.uk

Support for people with complex communications difficulties. Offers assessment, training and information services across England, focusing on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT).

Centre for Accessible Environments: www.cae.org.uk

Provides consultancy, training, research and publications on building design and management to meet all user needs, including disabled and older people.

Communication Matters (ISAAC UK): www.communicationmatters.org.uk

A UK-wide organisation supports people who find it hard to communicate because they have little or no speech. 

Companion Stairlifts: www.companionstairlifts.co.uk

One of the largest retailers of stairlifts in the U.K.

Consensus Support for people with learning difficulties: www.consensussupport.com

Established in 2005 to support individuals with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, including Prader-Willi Syndrome. 

Daily Wireless: www.dailywireless.org/mobile/best-assistive-tech-apps/

Best assistive apps for children with autism

Essentialaids.com: www.essentialaids.com

The UK's online shop for daily living aids.

Geemarc Telecom: www.geemarc.com

Provides communication equipment for people with Hearing and Visual disabilities.

HWB Mobility: https://hwbmobility.co.uk 

An online retailer of riser recliners, adjustable beds, specialist seating and profiling beds with pressure care mattresses. Based in Barry, South Wales.

International Longevity Centre: https://ilcuk.org.uk

The ILC is the UK’s specialist think tank on the impact of longevity on society and what happens next.

Living Made Easy: https://livingmadeeasy.org.uk/

Providing impartial advice and guidance on aids and solutions for independent living.

Mayer-Johnson: www.mayer-johnson.com

Symbol-based language and literacy through software.

Mobility-Advisor.com: www.mobility-advisor.com

An informational guide on wheelchairs, mobility equipment, disability resources, adaptive aids, and recreational outlets that enhance the lives of individuals of all ages who need mobility assistance.

Myhomehelper: www.myhomehelper.co.uk

An online digital memory aid and read-only communication tool that has been specifically designed for people who struggle with modern technology. It reduces anxiety and isolation and gives peace of mind, reassurance and confidence to family and carers.

    National Aphasia Society (Aphasia Apps): Aphasia Apps

    Apps (short for ‘applications’) and assistive devices are listed based on their usefulness for people with aphasia. 

    Propeller Multimedia Ltd: www.propeller.net

    Rehabilitation software for people with acquired head injuries. It helps to maintain progress either following or alongside formal therapy delivered by a clinician. 

    Remap: www.remap.org.uk

    Makes technical aids for disabled people on a voluntary basis..

    United Response: www.unitedresponse.org.uk

    A charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs, at home and in the community.

    Widgit Software for literacy and special needs: www.widgit.com

    Widgit Symbols support people and help them realise their full potential, no matter what their age, ability or background.

    Youreable.com: www.youreable.com

    An online community of and for disabled people.

    Access to, and support with, technology

    A tablet and a stylus on a wooden table

    Access Audio: www.accessaudio.co.uk

    Suppliers of communication and control equipment to assist disabled people at work, at home, or at play. Includes digital and analogue voice amplifiers.

    Computers for the Disabled (CTFD): www.cftd.co.uk/cftd.htm

    New and 2nd Hand PC’s & parts supplied to the Disabled, the housebound, disabled centres & home users by this non-profit organisation.

    Digital Unite: http://digitalunite.com/guides

    400+ how-to guides covering a whole host of digital topics. The guides help support others with digital skills or to improve individual knowledge. 

    Good Things Foundation: www.goodthingsfoundation.org

    A social change charity, helping people to improve their lives through digital. It works with partners in thousands of communities across the UK and further afield.

    Charities that support disabled people

    A woman in a wheelchair sitting at a table. She has a laptop and is smiling and waving at someone.

    Ableize Disability and Mobility: http://www.ableize.com

    The UK and Ireland's largest and most viewed resource of disability mobility and special needs.

    Action for M.E support: www.afme.org.uk

    A free online resource about myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). 

    Age UK: www.ageuk.org.uk

    The country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life.

    Birth Injuries Center https://birthinjurycenter.org/

    The Birth Injury Center website provides educational resources for new parents seeking information and assistance for birth-related injuries and prenatal complications

    British Dyslexia Association: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

    The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is a membership organisation working to "achieve a dyslexia-friendly society for all".

    Citizens Advice Bureaux: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

    National charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in-person, for free.

    Volunteer hotline 08451 264 264 (local rate Mon-Fri)

    Check The Map: www.checkthemap.org

    A community website, originally launched in 2000, makes it easy for everyone to find out what services there are for people with Learning Disabilities/Difficulties (LD) in their local area, or any area, just by clicking the map or typing in a postcode.

    Glaucoma UK: www.glaucoma.uk

    Charity supporting people living with the vision condition in the UK.

    Guide Dogs for the Blind Association: www.guidedogs.org.uk

    Providing mobility for the blind and partially sighted. Supporting research, raising awareness and campaigning for the visually impaired.

    Headway: www.headway.org.uk

    National organisation for people with a head injury

    Leonard Cheshire: www.leonardcheshire.org

    Supporting disabled people to live, learn and work as independently as they choose - whatever their ability.

    MND Association: www.mndassociation.org/

    Providing help and support for people who have the condition as well as their friends and families. 

    Multiple Sclerosis Society: www.mssociety.org.uk

    Information, research, news and support from Multiple Sclerosis Society UK.

    Parkinson's UK: www.parkinsons.org.uk

    Local teams across the UK focus on working with the whole Parkinson's community to get the right services and support.

    Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF): https://qef.org.uk/

    Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) is a national disability charity based in Surrey, with over 85 years’ experience of providing innovative services that support disabled people of all ages to increase their independence and live the life they choose.

    Rica: www.rica.org.uk

    A national research charity that produces independent information for older and disabled people.

    Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB): www.rnib.org.uk

    One of the UK’s leading sight loss charities and the largest community of blind and partially sighted people.

    It offers help and support for blind and partially sighted people. This can be anything from practical and emotional support, campaigning for change, reading services and the products we offer in our online shop.

    Scope: www.scope.org.uk

    The disability equality charity in England and Wales. It provides practical information and emotional support, and campaigns to create a fairer society.

    The Stroke Association: www.stroke.org.uk

    Provides specialist support, funds critical research and campaigns to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives. 

    Versus Arthritis: www.versusarthritis.org

    Has a Helpline and offers support on arthritis and campaigning for people living with arthritis and fundraising to find "breakthrough treatments". Versus Arthritis is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis. It was launched in September 2018, following the legal merger of the two leading arthritis charities in the UK, Arthritis Research UK and Arthritis Care, in November 2017.

    Disability Advocacy Groups

    Council on Independent Living: www.ncil.org

    NCIL advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities. NCIL envisions a world in which people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.

    Disability Awareness in Action (DAA): www.daa.org.uk

    A directory that provides instant access to disability rights organizations and other leading civil rights, human rights and disabled peoples organizations worldwide.

    Global Applied Disability Research and Information Network for Employment and Training (Gladnet): www.gladnet.org

    Gladnet brings together global research centres, universities, enterprises, government departments, trade unions, and organizations of and for persons with disabilities. It aims to promote disability policy and program reform.

    There is an emphasis on integrated training and employment options for working-age persons with disabilities. Global information is exchanged via the internet. 

    Support for Professionals

    Illustration of a man with a beard looking at a laptop. He has a ginger beard

    Dyslexia Action: https://dyslexiaaction.org.uk/

    Dyslexia training courses are accredited programmes that provide training for practitioners working in the field of dyslexia and specific learning difficulties (SpLD).

    King's Fund: http://www.kingsfund.org.uk

    An independent charitable organisation working to improve health and care in England. Its vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.

    Education and personal development

    A picture of a sign that reads "love to learn"

    Department for Education and Skills: www.dfes.gov.uk

    The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.

    Finchale Training College for Disabled People: www.finchalecollege.co.uk

    The charity is a specialist in providing education, training, employment and welfare support services to businesses and their employees, veterans, military service and their families and individuals with multiple barriers to social inclusion.

    LEAD Scotland: www.lead.org.uk

    Lead Scotland supports disabled people and carers by providing personalised learning, befriending, advice and information services.

    Royal National College for the Blind College: www.rncb.ac.uk

    The college is the largest college of further education for people with sight loss in the UK.

    Learning for Life Swindon: www.l4lswindon.co.uk

    Learning for Life provides education, training and personal development opportunities that promote choice, control and equality.

    It works with disabled people and carers, including lone parents, aged 18 plus and living within Swindon and Wiltshire.

    Online Course Directory: www.onlinecourses.com

    A directory of more than 500 accredited free online college classes provides individuals with the opportunity to use research-based academic resources from some of the world’s best universities. 

    Rest Less: www.restless.co.uk

    The UK's fastest-growing digital community for the over 50s. Focusing on health, lifestyle, learning, financial wellbeing, work, dating, volunteering, community and more.

    Shaw Trust: www.shaw-trust.org.uk/

    Employment charity for people with disabilities.

    Remploy: www.remploy.org.uk

    Supported employment for disabled people

    Information on digital accessibility

    ADA Disability Information: www.ada.gov

    Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    Apple Accessibility: www.apple.com/accessibility

    Information on built-in accessibility information from Apple.

    Microsoft's accessibility site: www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility

    Information on Microsoft accessibility initiatives, including assistive technology and software.

    W3C: www.w3.org

    The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international community where Member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop Web standards. Led by Web inventor and Director Tim Berners-Lee. 

    Support for people with learning disabilities

    AbilityNet Factsheets

    Hft: https://www.hft.org.uk/

    Hft is a national charity providing services for people with learning disabilities. We can provide support from just a couple of hours a week up to 24 hours a day. Our staff teams support people to live the best life possible.

    JennyRuth Workshops: https://www.jennyruth.co.uk/

    A charity that trains adults who have learning disabilities so they can gain confidence, independence, work and life skills. Workers from Ripon and surrounding areas are trained in a wide variety of skills.

    Learning Disability England: https://www.learningdisabilityengland.org.uk/

    Learning Disability England is a Membership organisation and charity. It brings together people from across England as a united voice to make sure that people with learning disabilities are valued as equal citizens.

    Mencap: https://www.mencap.org.uk

    Passionate about supporting people with a learning disability

    SeeAbility: https://www.seeability.org/

    Supports people who have learning disabilities or autism, who may also have sight loss or complex support needs, to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible. 

    Sibs: https://www.sibs.org.uk/

    For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults/

    Other resources

     

    All about vision: www.allaboutvision.com

    Editorial site designed to inform people about vision and vision health. 

    Money advice service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/care-and-disability

    Free and impartial money advice, set up by the UK government.

    Practical advice to shield yourself from scams: AbilityNet website 

    Learn with our online resources about how to arm yourself with knowledge to steer clear of online scams.

    Youreable.com: www.Youreable.com

    An online community of and for disabled people. 

      All of these links were current as of July 2022. If you find an out of date link, report it to us
       
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