In October 1998, the Foundation for Communication for the Disabled, and the Computability Centre, both leading charities working in the field of assistive technology for disabled people, joined to form AbilityNet.
Founded in 1980, the Foundation was the largest independent supplier of adapted computer hardware and software to disabled users in the UK. With its non-commercial status it could put together a technology solution, without bias towards any particular supplier. It built a solid reputation for tackling the more complex technical challenges that commercial suppliers could not handle from their single product range. As a charity it provided technical support to its disabled clients for as long as needed, without charge and consultancy for employers on workstation, software and web accessibility.
The Computability Centre started in 1992 as a national source of information and advice to people with any type of disability who need or want to use a computer. It established itself particularly with a role to help restore the productivity of employees who had acquired disabilities, and received funding from many of the UK's top companies. Growth of all its services was very rapid, especially seminars and courses to spread awareness of what special technology is available to help disabled people.
The formation of AbilityNet has enabled a comprehensive range of services on the use of information technology to be offered from a single organisation, to people with all types of disabling conditions, and also to care and support professionals, employers and statutory bodies. This is unique in the UK, and probably in the world.
AbilityNet provides free information and advice, individual assessment of technology needs, the supply of assistive technology with free support, a programme of awareness education, and consultancy for employers on system and workstation adaptations.
Tel: 01926 312847
Fax: 01926 407425
enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk