How to get free help from AbilityNet if you're an unpaid carer
Annie Mannion | 13 Jun 2024
Carers Week, this year taking place 10-16 June, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the invaluable work by unpaid carers.
If you're an unpaid carer of a relative, friend or neighbour and looking for help with technology, AbilityNet's range of FREE services provide support for older people and disabled people, and their carers.
We can help you and yours this Carers Week.
Six ways carers can access free tech help
Technology can help older and disabled people in a range of ways, whether you or the person you care for are feeling isolated, or need help with a particular disability.
1. Get tech help from an AbilityNet volunteer
As a carer, you may also be disabled yourself. AbilityNet can help you with your technology questions or issues, or you can refer the person you care for to AbilityNet. Our network of more than 450+ volunteers will offer free computer and technology support and help adapt your existing technology to suit your needs, or suggest solutions that will help to empower individuals.
You may have a problem with a computer virus, need some help installing broadband or be confused about updates or error messages.
Our friendly volunteers are disclosure checked and can assist you in person at your home, by phone or over the internet. They have relevant IT skills and will be able to help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones.
Call our helpline on 0300 180 0028 during UK office hours to access our free volunteer help at home or online.
2. Access our FREE factsheets
We have a range of FREE factsheets with information on various topics, including assistive technology and for people living with specific impairments and conditions. Many of our factsheets are available in Easy Read format too.
Access factsheets on useful topics including:
- Disability and Employment
- Keyboard and Mouse alternatives and adaptations
- Stroke and computing
- Parkinson’s and Computing
- Hearing loss and computing
Our factsheet “Technology for Seniors” also highlights devices designed specifically with older people in mind.
You may also be interested in our archive of blogs, including Supporting people with dementia through technology innovations.
Free webinar: Dementia, AI and simple tech tweaks to help - with Alzheimer's SocietyWatch back our webinar from 10 July 2024 to learn how technology, including AI, can provide a helping hand to people with dementia or cognitive disabilities.
In this free webinar, expert speakers from AbilityNet were joined by guest speakers from Alzheimer's Society and Recreo VR, to offer their advice for navigating the digital world with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or cognitive issues.
Watch the webinar
This webinar is supported by our partnership with BT Group, to enhance the digital skills of older people. Find out more!
3. Get funding for technology you need
Despite falling prices, the cost of a suitable computer system is still beyond the means of many disabled people, especially those on a low income.
Download our free factsheet: Finding funding for an adapted computer system for information and advice on how disabled people may obtain alternative funding for assistive technology that could make a significant difference to their quality of life.
4. Attend our free webinars for top tips
With topics ranging from sight loss, hearing loss, dyslexia, stroke awareness and more, our free webinars offer practical tips and insights into various disabilities, with expert advice and guest panellists.
Check out our webinar recordings archive to help with tech and other topics connected with caring responsibilities.
5. Learn how to use smart tech to help at home
One of our AbilityNet FREE webinars explored how to use smart tech at home. Find out what smart tech is, explore smart tech solutions including smart speakers, and learn how to use the assistive technology that is included within the smart devices.
Watch the recording on YouTube.
6. Use built-in assistive technology features
Visit AbilityNet's My Computer My Way to help unlock the useful features that are available on many devices including smartphones, tablets and computers, and assistive technology.
This FREE tool helps you adjust settings within multiple operating systems across a range of devices, including Apple Mac and iOS, Android devices, Windows and Chromebook. Search by impairment (cognitive issues, for example) or by what you want to do to help with issues you face, or to assist the person you care for (switch on captions, for example).
