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Free and low budget course places through the ICT Hub
03/08/2006
AbilityNet are part of the ICT Hub, a group of voluntary sector organisations who have come together to plan and deliver a co-ordinated framework of ICT guidance, good practice, advice and support for voluntary and community organisations, accessible at a local level.
As part of this we are able to offer Free Accessible Computing on a Low Budget Courses and Free Web Accessibility Events as well as a £60 discount on all AbilityNet courses until March 2007, to voluntary and community sector organisations, and to circuit riders. Our current list of courses includes:-
Accessible Computing on a Low Budget
Computers can make a world of difference to the learning, employment and leisure opportunities of people with disabilities. However, computers often need to be adapted before individuals can take advantage of their full enabling potential.
Course Content This course will cover a range of low and no cost solutions including an in depth look at accessibility features built into Windows and standard application software. We will be introducing you to a selection of free utilities and downloads, along with a range of commercial hardware and software solutions which all cost under £100. Many of the solutions we will be showing you will certainly contribute to ‘reasonable adjustment’ as required by the DDA.
The ICT Hub are offering this course free of charge to VCS organisations and Circuit Riders.
At the end of this course attendees will be familiar with:
- Simple, practical adjustments to computers for safer, easier and more comfortable use.
- Easy to implement ‘reasonable adjustments’ to comply with DDA and SENDA legislation.
- Key issues for people with physical, sensory and reading or writing impairments.
- A wide range of free and low-cost solutions (all under £100)
- The tools to teach others how to access basic accessibility options The course consists of a seminar interlinked with hands-on sessions.
There will be explanation and demonstration of “low cost and no cost” solutions, including:
- Dealing with keyboard difficulties
- Mouse enhancements and alternatives
- Packages to help Dyslexia and literacy difficulties
- Visual impairment solutions
Comments from participants
“A very good day – lots of new ideas to explore.” “I will be able to pass on some terrific ideas to colleagues.”
Booking Information
Please complete the Accessible Computing on a Low Budget booking form (Word 319 Kilobytes) and email to enquires@abilitynet.org.uk
Dates are as follows (All sessions from 10.00-16.00)
Region: South East
Date: 21st September 2006
Venue: Leatherhead, Surrey
Region: West Midlands
Date: 2nd October 2006
Venue: Warwick
Region: London
Date: 8th November 2006
Venue: London N7
Region: East Midlands
Date: 15th November 2006
Venue: Leicester
Region: North East
Date: 1st February 2007
Venue: Newcastle
Web Accessibility Events
Can your website reach all of your audience?
Can all potential users find out about your services? Not only do inaccessible websites create barriers to information access, under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) inaccessible websites are illegal.
Does your website comply with UK law? How do you create and maintain an accessible website?
Web Accessibility for web developers
Session A (10.00-1.00)
This course will introduce a practical overview of the key issues and how to fix them. The course will give you an overview of how disabled people use the web and current web accessibility guidelines. The course will focus on practical solutions, you will also be introduced to tools which will assist you in testing your website.
Who should attend?
Web Designers, Web Developers and Web Managers
Web Accessibility for (non-technical) managers
Session B (1.30-4.00)
What are the REAL problems faced by users of your website and how they can be overcome? You will be given a broad overview of the legal issues surrounding websites in the UK and an introduction to guidelines and accreditation schemes. We will provide you with practical strategies to manage an accessible website.
Who should attend?
Web Managers, Marketing and PR managers, Disability Managers and Equal Opportunity Managers.
Comments from participants
“Very worthwhile, particularly the accompanying guides” “Excellent visuals, interesting, passionate but calm, very well organized, non-judgemental”
Booking Information
Please complete the Web Accessibility Events booking form (Word 321 Kilobytes) and email to enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk
Session A – 10.00 - 1.00 for Web Developers
Session B – 1.30 - 4.00 for Non-Technical Managers
Region: East Midlands
Date: 5th July 2006
Venue: Leicester
Region: South East
Date: 13th July 2006
Venue: Leatherhead, Surrey
Region: West Midlands
Date: 29th September 2006
Venue: Warwick
Region: York/Humber
Date: 5th October 2006
Venue: York
Region: East
Date: 29th November 2006
Venue: Cambridge
Region: North West
Date: 6th December 2006
Venue: Manchester
Region: South West
Date: 7th February 2007
Venue: Exeter
AbilityNet Courses
As part of the ICT Hub we are able to offer a £60 discount on all AbilityNet courses until March 2007, to voluntary and community sector organisations, and to circuit riders. To claim this discount simply complete the course booking form and note on it you are claiming the ICT Hub discount.
Some courses you may be interested in include:-
Using the Computer & Internet for Leisure and Creativity
AbilityNet is frequently asked to advise on computer and internet activities for people of all ages with various disabilities. With so many options now available to make computers more accessible for people with disabilities, there is much to offer – but where do you start? This one day workshop will focus on Music, Graphics, Internet, Emails, Games and Play, all with alternative access in mind.
Effective Assessment of Problems at Computer Workstations
Employers are required to have an established process of workstation assessment for all employees who use computers. When this process identifies a user’s problem, or the employee reports a difficulty, the employer must further assess the situation in order to recommend and implement any necessary changes. This course aims to help those involved in workstation visits and assessments respond effectively to reports of a problem and develop suitable solutions.
Easing Public Access to ICT
If you offer ICT facilities to your clients or for public use, you need to be able to make these facilities accessible to disabled users. This one-day course will show you how you can provide computer access for those with physical, visual or learning difficulties or indeed anyone who finds it difficult to use the standard screen, keyboard or mouse. As well as looking at 'reasonable adjustments' as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act, we will also explore the importance of planning for and promoting inclusion as part of Disability Equality Duty.
Using ICT to support people with Dyslexia
As we become more aware of how widespread dyslexia and other reading and writing problems are and how limiting their effects can be, there is a need for earlier identification and more effective remedial action. Computers are an extremely effective tool in making this possible. This course will equip delegates with information on software & hardware that helps those who have a reading & writing difficulty. At the end of the course, you will have a greater awareness and practical knowledge of how the computer can be used to help address reading and writing difficulties, such as Dyslexia.
To find out more information about AbilityNet’s courses and book a place at a discounted rate visit our courses page or to find out more about the ICT Hub.