Go ON Gold

online access for disabled people

Resources

What help is available?

A few resources to help you get online, and adapt your computer, phone or other technology to suit your needs.

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  • Fix The Web

    Fix The Web is a place where anyone can quickly report problems with accessing any website. Volunteers then take up these issues with the website’s owner, on your behalf.

  • IT Can Help

    IT Can Help is a free nationwide IT support service for disabled people run by AbilityNet. It offers help in your home with fixing most computer problems including installing and setting up hardware, software, internet and email, as well as changing settings to make equipment more user-friendly. Simply call 0800 269545 or click the logo.

  • JISC TechDis Technology Toolbox

    The Jisc TechDis Toolbox contains bite-size videos, short guides, animations and brief audio files to help you use technology more effectively.

  • My Computer My Way

    AbilityNet's My Computer My Way website provides step-by-step guidance  on making your computer easier to use and overcoming obstacles. AbilityNet also produces great fact sheets and skill sheets to help disabled people use technology more effectively.

  • RNIB Beginner’s Guides

    Beginner’s Guides: A series of beginner’s technology guides from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, including getting online; keyboard skills; computers; and using mobile phones and smartphones.

  • Speechbubble

    If you need help with spoken communication because of a disability, the Speech Bubble website can give you an idea of what's on offer, with details of nearly every communication aid available in the UK. From the Ace Centre Advisory Trust

  • UK Online Centres

    UK Online Centres are a fabulous national network of training centres to help people get online. This includes a new network of specialist disability centres. They also run "Online basics", a short, free course that will help you get to grips with the basics you need to get going online.

Going online: what's in it for me?

Once you have access to the internet, a wide range of useful information and services are available to you. Here are a few examples.

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  • Access to elected office

    Access to elected office for disabled people: resources for disabled people wanting to apply for elected political office including a funding scheme for support; an online training course; and information on paid political work experience.

  • Business Ability

    Business Ability provide advice and resources for disabled people on becoming self-employed and starting your own business, including help with CV writing.

  • Disability Living Allowance

    Apply for Disability Living Allowance: how to claim online or download a form.

  • RNIB Technology For Life

    ‘Technology For Life’: a video from the Royal National Institute of Blind People on the benefits of using computers, the internet, smartphones and more.

  • Shaw Trust

    Shaw Trust believes everyone has the right to work and live independent lives. Find out more here.

Individuals' success stories

Examples of how disabled people have benefited from accessibility.

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  • Diane Mulligan

    A passionate campaigner for the rights of disabled people around the globe, Diane Mulligan OBE used a range of technology to increase the effectiveness of her work during her time with international charity Sightsavers.

  • Donna Jodhan

    Accessibility consultant Donna Jodhan won a lengthy legal battle against the Canadian Government, after she found some of its websites to be inaccessible to her as a blind computer user.

  • Julie Howell

    Long-time digital access campaigner Julie Howell founded one of the first online communities for people with multiple sclerosis, and laid the foundations for the first British Standard on web accessibility.

  • Karen Darke

    Paralympian cyclist and adventurer, Karen Darke has always been a keen sports and outdoor enthusiast. At the age of 21 she became paralysed from the chest down after a climbing accident, but this did nothing to quell her passion for sport and thirst for adventure.

  • Martyn Sibley

    Co-founder and co-editor of the online disability lifestyle magazine Disability Horizons, Martyn Sibley has become an influential voice in the disability community, developing a number of e-learning and e-campaigning projects.

  • Maxine Turkington

    Motivational speaker, charity fund raiser, cookery enthusiast and author, Maxine Turkington – who has Stargardt’s disease (a kind of inherited macular dystrophy) has featured on BBC radio and TV with her powerful messages of inspiration.

  • Ro O’Shay

    After training as a clinical support worker, Florida citizen Ro O’Shay was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006, before losing her sight in 2008. Gradually, technology became a lifeline for her, and she is now a keen blogger, Tweeter and technology user.

  • Simon Stevens

    Independent disability consultant, trainer and activist Simon Stevens – who has cerebral palsy – has won awards for his work in the virtual world Second Life.