Independent and Not-for-profit
As a charity we offer free advice and help to thousands of people every year, whatever their age, health condition, disability or situation.
As the UK’s leading authority on computing and disability, we also work with and advise many companies, local authorities, government departments, schools, colleges and voluntary organisations.
In 2005 10% of AbilityNet’s funding came from donations with a further 9% donated as gifts in kind; the balance came from government grants and fees earnt from our work with employers, public access centres, colleges, schools and the government.
Agilent Technologies, BT, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard , IBM, and Remploy all provide regular support by giving us office space and/or equipment and software.
However, with over 5 million people in the UK needing adjustments to their information technology (IT) it’s not surprising that AbilityNet’s free information service is in increasing demand.
“I could not live MY life – that is the life that I live – without it. I am doing an NVQ in Advice and Guidance, and I wouldn’t be able to do that. I work part time now, and I wouldn’t have been able to work again without IT and AbilityNet.”
“Would I recommend AbilityNet? Yes, yes, yes!!”
Despite limited publicity, we have a permanent waiting list of disabled people who need our help and support, and need to increase donations and gifts in kind as a proportion of our total income, so that we’re better known as a resource for disabled people and can help more people than we do now.
Corporate support
Corporate support for AbilityNet is a win:win. As employees discover adaptive and assistive technologies, they benefit themselves and your support can make a huge difference to people whose lives might otherwise be severely limited.
"I thought my career was over, but with AbilityNet´s help, I was back to my normal duties within weeks."
Make a corporate donation or become a corporate partner
"Luke is nine years old and as a result of macrogyria – a genetic condition – he is quadriplegic and has no speech. Much to the delight of his mum "Having an adapted computer is opening up Luke´s world"
The difference AbilityNet makes can last a lifetime. We give children a chance to live life to the full, allow people stay in work, maintain their independence and achieve things they thought would be impossible because of their disability. Everyday things that most of us take for granted and that are particularly important when you can’t get out and about or find reading, writing or even speaking difficult.
The difference your support can make
- £1 pays for a free factsheet with enough information to help a disabled person increase their independence.
- £13 will pay for in depth advice to be given from our 0800 freephone helpline.
- £25 allows us to give technical support to one of our client.
- £50 will enable a carer or guardian to attend one of our assistive technology courses so they can support greater independence.
- £100 pays for a senior consultant to link up to a disabled person’s computer and work with them to make the adjustments they need for free.
- £750 covers the cost of providing an 1:1 assessment, installing the equipment, giving training and ongoing support for the lifetime of the equipment.
- £6,000 pays for the range of ‘try before you buy’ assistive and adaptive technology an AbilityNet centre needs so clients can make sure they are totally comfortable using the technology: technology that needs constant updating.
Payroll giving
Just tell your employer how much you wish to give and it will be taken from your pre-tax salary and shown on your payslip. This sort of regular giving is tax efficient for you and helps us make long term plans.