AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

Technical help and training resources

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Although using and interacting with information technology (IT) is becoming increasingly intuitive, it is not a natural process and therefore, some level of training will be needed for anyone. Training is also the most efficient way to improve confidence and encourage further independent learning.

AbilityNet provides free IT support to help older people and disabled people to use technology to achieve their goals. We have a network of friendly volunteers who can help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones. Currently, we are providing all of our support remotely.

We are often asked about teaching and training on computer skills, this factsheet provides the details of the companies, charities, and government initiatives that can provide this.

Last updated: January 2025

Although using and interacting with information technology (IT) is becoming increasingly intuitive, it is not a natural process and therefore, some level of training will be needed for anyone. Training is also the most efficient way to improve confidence and encourage further independent learning. AbilityNet provides free IT support to help older people and disabled people to use technology to achieve their goals. We have a network of friendly volunteers who can help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones. Currently, we are providing all of our support remotely. We are often asked about teaching and training on computer skills, this factsheet provides the details of the companies, charities, and government initiatives that can provide this.
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AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Computing

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RA is an auto-immune disease and quite different from osteoarthritis, the ‘wear-and-tear’ form of arthritis which many people get to some degree, particularly as they get older. People with RA experience disabling pain, stiffness and reduced joint function as well as severe fatigue, which can have a huge impact on quality of life for them and their families.

Given that many people with Rheumatoid Arthritis find it painful to use a standard keyboard and mouse, AbilityNet has produced this factsheet, with the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) to cover some of the options that can help make computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones easier to use.

This factsheet is part of AbilityNet’s free Advice and Information service. If you have any questions at all about anything in this factsheet, or any other aspect of assistive technology, please contact us.

Last updated: January 2025

RA is an auto-immune disease and quite different from osteoarthritis, the ‘wear-and-tear’ form of arthritis which many people get to some degree, particularly as they get older. People with RA experience disabling pain, stiffness and reduced joint function as well as severe fatigue, which can have a huge impact on quality of life for them and their families. Given that many people with Rheumatoid Arthritis find it painful to use a standard keyboard and mouse, AbilityNet has produced this factsheet, with the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) to cover some of the options that can help make computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones easier to use. This factsheet is part of AbilityNet’s free Advice and Information service. If you have any questions at all about anything in this factsheet, or any other aspect of assistive technology, please contact us.
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AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

How to use a smart speaker to make a home more accessible for disabled people

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Smart speakers and connected devices can make your home more accessible if you're a disabled or older person. We explain what devices are available and how to make the most of them.

Last updated: January 2025

Smart speakers and connected devices can make your home more accessible if you're a disabled or older person. We explain what devices are available and how to make the most of them.
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AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

Ergonomics and Computing

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Ergonomics is the study people’s performance and wellbeing in relation to their and working environment. This document provides an introduction to many of the issues you need to consider when setting up a workstation. However, it is not an exhaustive guide and you may need to do some further research using the links provided.

AbilityNet are specialists in using digital technology to help people with disabilities fulfil their potential at work, at home and in education. However, the issues raised here are relevant to any employee with a workstation, and not just disabled people.

It is important that employers understand their legal responsibility to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ to protect their staff from injury and prevent discrimination. This includes adjustments to the workstation.

Learn how assistive technologies can help you and your workforce become more productive - How to use assistive technology at work, in education and at home.

Last updated: January 2025

Ergonomics is the study people’s performance and wellbeing in relation to their and working environment. This document provides an introduction to many of the issues you need to consider when setting up a workstation. However, it is not an exhaustive guide and you may need to do some further research using the links provided. AbilityNet are specialists in using digital technology to help people with disabilities fulfil their potential at work, at home and in education. However, the issues raised here are relevant to any employee with a workstation, and not just disabled people. It is important that employers understand their legal responsibility to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ to protect their staff from injury and prevent discrimination. This includes adjustments to the workstation.

Learn how assistive technologies can help you and your workforce become more productive - How to use assistive technology at work, in education and at home.

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AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

Voice Recognition - An Overview

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This factsheet provides an overview of how you can use voice recognition. You can use voice recognition to control a smart home, instruct a smart speaker, and command phones and tablets. In addition, you can set reminders and interact hands-free with personal technologies. The most significant use is for the entry of text without using an on-screen or physical keyboard.

Communication technology continues to evolve rapidly. Using voice recognition to input text, check how words are spelt and dictate messages has become very easy. Most on-screen keyboards have a microphone icon that allows users to switch from typing to voice recognition easily.

For some disabled people who might struggle or find it impossible to work with a mouse or keyboard, speech recognition enables a world of productive possibilities. It can free people from typing and keyboard use, helping those with physical impairments and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injury from excessive typing or mouse use. For example, people with dyslexia can write more fluently, accurately and quickly using voice recognition and may find it less stressful than conventional handwriting or typing.

For employers, enabling voice recognition in systems and encouraging its use in the workplace can be a ‘reasonable adjustment’: preventing discrimination against and maximising the productivity of disabled staff.

Download this Voice Recognition factsheet in Easy Read format [PDF]


Need guidance about how to use voice recognition technology? Learn the fundamentals and how to use voice recognition software for accessibility testing with our training course.

Last updated: January 2025

This factsheet provides an overview of how you can use voice recognition. You can use voice recognition to control a smart home, instruct a smart speaker, and command phones and tablets. In addition, you can set reminders and interact hands-free with personal technologies. The most significant use is for the entry of text without using an on-screen or physical keyboard. Communication technology continues to evolve rapidly. Using voice recognition to input text, check how words are spelt and dictate messages has become very easy. Most on-screen keyboards have a microphone icon that allows users to switch from typing to voice recognition easily. For some disabled people who might struggle or find it impossible to work with a mouse or keyboard, speech recognition enables a world of productive possibilities. It can free people from typing and keyboard use, helping those with physical impairments and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injury from excessive typing or mouse use. For example, people with dyslexia can write more fluently, accurately and quickly using voice recognition and may find it less stressful than conventional handwriting or typing. For employers, enabling voice recognition in systems and encouraging its use in the workplace can be a ‘reasonable adjustment’: preventing discrimination against and maximising the productivity of disabled staff.
Download this Voice Recognition factsheet in Easy Read format [PDF]

Need guidance about how to use voice recognition technology? Learn the fundamentals and how to use voice recognition software for accessibility testing with our training course.

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AbilityNet volunteer awarded British Empire Medal in New Year's Honours list

Submitted by Annie Mannion on Thu, 23/01/2025 - 15:35

A head and shoulders shot of DavidIn 2020 David Brew celebrated his silver jubilee as an AbilityNet volunteer! And now he has just been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Years Honours List!

David, who is a county coordinator in Belfast, Northern Ireland, began volunteering for us in 1995 when he was working as a Consultant for the Department of Trade and Industry.

He is one of more than 450 DBS-checked volunteers who support disabled and older people at home, and remotely, to make the most of their technology. 

David's journey with AbilityNet so far

David got involved with AbilityNet after the British Computer Society (BCS the Chartered Institute for IT) realised that local companies were upgrading their computing equipment and discarding older devices.

"We reckoned that the discarded equipment might be of use to disabled people and we set up a scheme to process requests and donate equipment. A key element of the project was that a volunteer would install and support the disabled person, in their homes. This would have been in the early '90s," says David.

Eventually, the project was brought into the Free Services Department of AbilityNet.

Of his New Years Honours List award, David says:

"I'm really looking forward to sharing the good news about the contribution AbilityNet is making in our community. The tech volunteers at AbilityNet have willingly given their time and expertise... The Free Services team in AbilityNet, headed by Sarah Brain, provide an essential service to keep things running.

Read an interview with David celebrating Volunteers' Week and 20 years of service.

Sarah Brain, AbilityNet Director of Free Services, said:

"What an amazing achievement! We're so pleased for David and the honour is richly deserved. David is such a committed volunteer and has been a key support so many of AbilityNet's clients across Northern Ireland. We're thrilled that David's dedication to helping others has been recognised and awarded in this way. From us all at AbilityNet, thank you, David."

Do you have skills that could help older and disabled people with tech? Volunteer for us.

How AbilityNet can help

AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

An introduction to screen readers

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A screen reader allows people who are blind or visually impaired to use their computer. This factsheet provides an overview of the main screen readers available for people to use with their computer or mobile devices. It has been written to help people determine which is the most appropriate for their needs and includes summary information about the screen readers built into the operating system alongside other free or commercial products. As with all assistive technologies, no one size fits all, and people may find it useful to try more than one before settling on their preferred tool.
Find out how technology can support those with cognitive differences: Removing neurodiversity barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training

Download this factsheet about screen readers in Easy Read format [PDF]


In the UK there are almost 2 million people living with sight loss. According to the RNIB only one in four people registered blind or partially sighted is in employment, and this number is falling. As such, the promotion of awareness about screen reader technology plays a vital part in the continued welfare, education, and employability of people with visual impairments.

Do you want to know more about screen reading software, and what it can highlight about accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors to your website?

Check out our training course 'How to use a screen reader for accessibility testing'.

Last updated: January 2025

A screen reader allows people who are blind or visually impaired to use their computer. This factsheet provides an overview of the main screen readers available for people to use with their computer or mobile devices. It has been written to help people determine which is the most appropriate for their needs and includes summary information about the screen readers built into the operating system alongside other free or commercial products. As with all assistive technologies, no one size fits all, and people may find it useful to try more than one before settling on their preferred tool.
Find out how technology can support those with cognitive differences: Removing neurodiversity barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training
Download this factsheet about screen readers in Easy Read format [PDF]
In the UK there are almost 2 million people living with sight loss. According to the RNIB only one in four people registered blind or partially sighted is in employment, and this number is falling. As such, the promotion of awareness about screen reader technology plays a vital part in the continued welfare, education, and employability of people with visual impairments.
Do you want to know more about screen reading software, and what it can highlight about accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors to your website? Check out our training course 'How to use a screen reader for accessibility testing'.
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AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations

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Standard keyboards and mice are functional ways of interacting with your computer and increasingly other devices like tablets. However, these standard devices can pose difficulties for many people – especially users with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges – and there are lots of other options available.

This factsheet provides details of some of the alternative keyboard, mouse and other pointing devices available. It also gives information on adaptations you can make to standard keyboards and mice. There are so many choices and variations, we cannot cover every single piece of equipment in this factsheet.

Please call our helpline on 0300 180 0028 or email us at enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk if you require more detailed information.

Download an Easy Read version of this factsheet [PDF]

Last updated: January 2025

Standard keyboards and mice are functional ways of interacting with your computer and increasingly other devices like tablets. However, these standard devices can pose difficulties for many people – especially users with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges – and there are lots of other options available. This factsheet provides details of some of the alternative keyboard, mouse and other pointing devices available. It also gives information on adaptations you can make to standard keyboards and mice. There are so many choices and variations, we cannot cover every single piece of equipment in this factsheet. Please call our helpline on 0300 180 0028 or email us at enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk if you require more detailed information.
Download an Easy Read version of this factsheet [PDF]
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AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

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This factsheet highlights some of the actions you can carry out quickly on your computer by using key combinations rather than using the mouse to navigate menus and options. These key combinations are referred to as shortcuts as they are often a much quicker way of carrying out tasks. They can also be particularly useful for repetitive actions.

Last updated: January 2025

This factsheet highlights some of the actions you can carry out quickly on your computer by using key combinations rather than using the mouse to navigate menus and options. These key combinations are referred to as shortcuts as they are often a much quicker way of carrying out tasks. They can also be particularly useful for repetitive actions.
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AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

RSI in the Workplace inc Work Related Upper Limb Disorder and Computing

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This factsheet looks at repetitive strain injury (RSI) – the term most often used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repeated movement and overuse. It looks at the symptoms and causes of RSI (also known as Upper limb disorders (ULDs)), cumulative trauma disorder or occupational overuse syndrome, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, and the steps that individuals or employers can take to protect themselves and their staff.

It is important that employers understand their legal responsibility to provide any ‘reasonable adjustments’ to protect their staff from injury and prevent discrimination.

Computer use is one significant cause of RSI, and this factsheet includes practical information on both reducing the risk and responding effectively to any cases that may arise in an office environment.

Download this RSI factsheet in Easy Read format [PDF]


Learn more on how to make sure that your working environment does not unintentionally exclude people living with physical impairments or differences.

Removing physical barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training

Last updated: January 2025

This factsheet looks at repetitive strain injury (RSI) – the term most often used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repeated movement and overuse. It looks at the symptoms and causes of RSI (also known as Upper limb disorders (ULDs)), cumulative trauma disorder or occupational overuse syndrome, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, and the steps that individuals or employers can take to protect themselves and their staff. It is important that employers understand their legal responsibility to provide any ‘reasonable adjustments’ to protect their staff from injury and prevent discrimination. Computer use is one significant cause of RSI, and this factsheet includes practical information on both reducing the risk and responding effectively to any cases that may arise in an office environment.
Download this RSI factsheet in Easy Read format [PDF]
Learn more on how to make sure that your working environment does not unintentionally exclude people living with physical impairments or differences. Removing physical barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training
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