Pioneering Discover IT project expands
Leonard Cheshire launched Discover IT in 2004 to combat the lack of access to computers for disabled people. There are tremendous opportunities afforded through new technology, as computers and the Internet increasingly become an everyday part of our lives. However, the pace of change is very rapid and there remain some disadvantaged groups in society, including disabled people, who do not get to experience all the benefits.
The aim of Discover IT is to set up a series of community-based computer rooms for disabled people in Leonard Cheshire services. Unlike formal training courses, the ethos of the programme is to enable disabled clients to ‘discover’ what is possible through computers, how these might be relevant to their lives, and then start the basic hands-on training that gives disabled people the skills and confidence with using computers.
The impact of being able to use computers is immeasurable. “It is really great to see” says Lee, a tutor at one of the centres. He is amazed at how quickly participants develop their confidence. “Some of the people who come to this computer room are afraid of turning a machine on or even breaking it. But they soon get up to speed. Email proves most popular - it’s great for staying in touch with family and friends.”
Computers give disabled people greater choice and freedom in parts of their lives not previously possible. As Sandy – who has a visual impairment – says about Discover IT: “Access to a computer cannot remove all the barriers I face, but it does go a long way.”
Your support for Action Not Disability has already helped us open four Discover IT centres and we plan to double this within the next year. With your help Discover IT can become a key way for disabled people to access technology.