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FREE Technical help for disabled users!!
10/10/2006
The ITCH Network seeks to expand its free technical help service for disabled computer users.
ITCH Network is a programme of the British Computer Society (www.bcs.org) and is funded by the BCS and donations from individuals and organisations including the Merchant Taylors' Company and the Marchday Charitable Trust. Thanks to them, and to the drive and determination of the late Ken Stoner, himself a disabled computer user, Information Technology Can Help (ITCH) has grown since its small beginnings in 1994, into the national network we have today.
How ITCH helps disabled people
The ITCH Network is comprised of volunteers who provide free computer support to disabled people. Volunteers visit people in their own homes and at other locations such as residential homes and day centres. There are currently over 250 volunteers, covering over 40 UK counties.
Since its establishment, the Network has been providing disabled people with effective Information Technology solutions. In the past two years alone, ITCH Network has made over 2,000 visits, solving many hardware and software problems, as well as helping people to gain confidence using a computer.
Their service includes the provision of impartial advice on computer hardware and software, installation of new equipment and software, help to get you get connected to the Internet and use e-mail, help with software packages and generally solving technical problems that may arise.
ITCH Network now works in partnership with AbilityNet, the leading experts in the field of disability and computing, AbilityNet can provide ITCH volunteers with specialist training opportunities, the professional support of their national advice and information helpline and the deployment of their team of consultants when a client needs an assessment for a more complex solution to their computer access problems.
To request help from the ITCH Network, contact them via AbilityNets Freephone helpline 0800 269545
ITCH needs volunteers
ITCH Network are looking to expand their operation and if you are good with computers, they need YOU! They don’t require you to be a technical expert. Familiarity as a user with computer hardware and the most commonly used software is enough to enable you to help the vast majority of our clients. What's more important is your ability to communicate and your interest in helping disabled people solve the computer problems they have. They can provide you with support in learning about and dealing with the sort of situations you will find yourself in, so even if you have had no previous experience of working with disabled people, they are still very interested in hearing from you!
Volunteers must be aged 18 or over. All information is kept strictly confidential.
To apply as a volunteer fill in the Online Application Form or alternatively, download a pdf version, fill in manually and send it to:
ITCH Network (BCS),Block D, North Star House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1FA
More information about ITCH Network, can be found on their website at: www.itcanhelp.org.uk.
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