Apple are helping eradicate the curse of CAPTCHA

In 2015, I wrote about how CAPTCHA challenges have been a constant source of frustration – and even exclusion – for people with disabilities ever since they were devised to try to sort the humans from the robots

A desktop computer screen showing a typical Captcha challenge

For many with a cognitive or vision impairment, these obscure images often prove impossible to crack and, for those not able to use a mouse, there’s no way to select those elusive elements either. Being blind myself, I’m often faced with tackling the audio alternative. If you fancy having a crack at our audio CAPTCHA challenge, be my guest.

“What about the ‘I am not a robot’ checkboxes?” I hear you ask. Well, tabbing to those and checking them with the spacebar or Enter is exactly what the bots do too – so you’re often out of luck there.

For all the above reasons, our advice to website developers is to avoid using CAPTCHA challenges as much as possible. Many users find them difficult and frustrating, and many disabled users impossible.

How does Apple help us avoid CAPTCHAs?

Apple has now introduced a solution which many websites are adopting. Since iOS  and iPadOS 16.1 (and macOS Ventura) a website can take advantage of a new feature called Automatic Verification that confirms the flesh and bone reality of the user and bipasses the need to banish the bots with evil challenges such as the above.

Graphic showing Captcha challenges on the left side, in the middle there is an arrow and on the right there is a document symbol with a verification tick.

(Image: Apple)

The Automatic Verification feature contacts a secure iCloud server and verifies both your device and your Apple ID account. After verification, a private, anonymous access token is sent to the website you’re attempting to interact with and proves you’re a real user.

How to turn on Automatic Verification

This fantastically useful feature should be on by default, but just in case it isn’t on your mobile device, you can easily check.

  • Go to the Settings app
  • Tap on your name at the top
  • Select Password & Security
  • Scroll down to Automatic Verification and check that it’s toggled on

The steps are slightly different in macOS Ventura. Go to System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left of your screen, click on your name, then choose Passwords and Security and check that Automatic Verification is on in the resulting panel.

You can read more about this feature, how it works and how it protects your privacy on Apple’s support note.

Help banish CAPTCHAs forever 

Our devices already know all about us. Just as we use our thumbprint or face to securely unlock our devices or make online payments, it makes similar sense to help avoid often impossible challenges like CAPTCHAs by using our personal info for automatic authentication.

As mentioned above, however, this feature only works on websites that have been tweaked to support this feature so you might still get CAPTCHA puzzles occasionally, but a growing list of websites are now on-board – instantly verifying that their users are real people, as well as banishing the bots.

Further resources

How has the education sector implemented accessibility regulations?

In September 2018, the United Kingdom implemented new legislation mandating public sector bodies to meet accessibility standards for their digital content and systems (PSBAR 2018). This marked a significant shift by objectively defining accessibility requirements and considering the failure to comply as a failure to make reasonable adjustments. 

Five years have passed since the introduction of these regulations, prompting an examination of how education has responded. In this blog, we will explore the progress made, the interventions that have had the most impact, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. 

How well has the public sector accessibility regulations been implemented? Graphic of a graduation cap on top of a stack of books

To understand the current landscape, a reflective survey was conducted by Alistair McNaught of McNaught Consultancy to gauge perceptions of digital accessibility compliance in educational institutions. The survey covered various aspects, including organisational awareness, training, auditing, policy/leadership, and solicited advice from other organisations. 

The survey results showed that approximately 45% of respondents felt their organisations had good awareness and were making progress in digital accessibility. However, 20.5% of organisations still had low overall awareness even after five years of the legislation's enactment. Such a lack of due diligence could be legally indefensible, and organisations in this category were at risk. Furthermore, 22.7% of respondents believed that awareness was good, but practice had not changed. 

The free text responses revealed several themes. Some organisations focused on future proofing by prioritising core systems' accessibility and embedding training for new teaching staff. However, inconsistency was apparent, with awareness and activity being driven by individuals' passion rather than policy. Leadership was identified as a crucial factor, as the absence of senior management direction often made accessibility initiatives optional. Over-reliance on technology solutions without policy or quality assurance validation was another common issue. 

The survey included questions about various interventions related to training, auditing, leadership, and more. The aim was to determine which interventions were better predictors of overall accessibility progress. The analysis showed that organisations with the most progress had ownership of accessibility at a senior level, a designated Head of Digital Accessibility, and accessibility as a reporting criterion in quality assurance processes. Additionally, monitoring course content, mandatory and monitored training, and targeted role-based training were prevalent in successful organisations. 
 

How to improve accessibility awareness and good practice in educational institutions Graphic of a man on a computer screen with speech bubbles beside him

Free text responses from organisations with good awareness and changing or good practice highlighted several interventions that had a positive impact: 

  • Tools such as accessibility checkers and captioning tools received multiple mentions
  • Training, both general awareness-raising and targeted training for specific groups, was also effective
  • Cross-institutional teams, along with strategic interventions like published e-learning standards and senior leadership support, were mentioned

 
Notably, some interventions failed or backfired in certain organisations: 

  • Underfunding and undervaluing accessibility roles were common issues, leading to reduced value and limited impact
  • Unintended consequences included the misuse of auditing tools and cultural pushback against mandatory training

By analysing the low progress organisations, it became evident that lack of senior leadership support, inadequate accountability, and absence of high-level ownership were key factors hindering progress. Furthermore, the best performing organisations had more “well established” interventions compared to low progress organisations. Culture change takes time. 

Five years after the enactment of accessibility regulations, progress in higher education has been mixed. While nearly half of the respondents reported positive changes, many organisations still struggle to meet accessibility requirements. 

Lack of leadership support was a significant barrier, leading to poor responsiveness, limited measurement or reporting, and inefficient resource allocation. 

The best-performing organisations emphasised the importance of senior management buy-in, quality assurance, cross-team collaboration, and embedding accessibility in training. For more details, see the full report

How AbilityNet can help education institutions with digital accessibility Graphic of figure of a person inside a circle

If you’re not sure where your organisation sits on the spectrum between outmoded practice and leading-edge accessibility excellence, you can download our free Higher and Further Education (HE/FE) Accessibility Maturity Model.  
Created by AbilityNet and McNaught Consultancy, our maturity model resource helps you: 

  • Determine where you are in the Accessibility Maturity Spectrum 
  • Understand risks; build on accessibility benefits 
  • Identify support needs 

Download your free HE/FE Maturity Model resource

You can also learn more about digital accessibility legislation in our training course. The course has a particular focus on UK public and private sector organisations, looking at specific laws and legal cases, such as the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations. 


Finally, if you want to explore the student’s course-level experience of inclusive practice and digital accessibility, contact Alistair McNaught Consultancy to ask about their Learner Journey exploration and reporting service. 
 

Free resources on PSBAR:

Survey reveals what older people want to do with tech

Two older men smiling in cafe setting looking at laptop on tableThe older generation is comfortable using Google Maps and WhatsApp - but won't set up their smart TV or talk to AI, according to a new survey of people aged 65 and over.

The poll, conducted for BT Group by OnePoll.com in mid June 2023, found that older people want to build their digital confidence, and identified the top tech tasks people are - and aren't - willing to do.

WhatsApp gets top marks

Firing off a WhatsApp is something 64 per cent of respondents feel comfortable with - but only 12 per cent would be confident navigating TikTok.

Facebook (65 per cent) is the overwhelming social media platform of choice for the older generation – with YouTube (34 per cent) and Instagram (16 per cent) far less popular with this age group. 

Only two per cent of over 65s are Snapchat users.

Tuition is required for building confidence

The research indicated that older people tend to struggle with digital technology, as just 13 per cent rated their ability as ‘very good’.

More than half (57 per cent) say they would like to be better at using and understanding digital technology.

Not being shown how to use something (40 per cent) and finding new tech complicated and overwhelming (29 per cent) are the major factors holding this age group back.

And nearly a fifth (19 per cent) would be more inclined to build their confidence with digital technology if they had someone show them how to use it.

AbilityNet has been working with BT to roll out training to older people in areas of the UK, to increase their confidence using tech.

How AbilityNet and BT is helping older people with tech

Victoria Johnson, Social Impact Director at BT Group, which has been working with AbilityNet on projects to help older people boost their technology skills, said:

"Technology can open so many doors. At BT Group we’re working with UK charity AbilityNet to deliver more than 1,000 group and one-to-one training sessions to those who need it most in regions across the UK. Technology is no longer a take-it-or-leave it proposition, it is a fundamental part of life and older people should not be left behind.”

Online banking is top task for older generation

Smiling woman with laptopThe majority of respondents' top reason for using digital technology is for online banking, but only one in 20 strongly agree they try and stay up to date with the latest digital technology trends and advancements.

More than half (52 per cent) would ask their kids for help if they needed assistance with something, while five per cent would just give up.

However, 91 per cent regularly use a mobile phone, and 56 per cent of over-65s are users of a tablet.

Senior Skills programme for the digitally excluded

Victoria Johnson added: “For younger people – especially those in the Gen Z demographic, or younger still – tech has been a part of their lives forever. Many will have grown up with the internet, smartphones and streaming services from the day they were born.

"These are huge digital advances that people born decades earlier will have to make big adjustments to, so it’s no wonder there are still gaps in their knowledge.

“Our new Senior Skills programme aims to help close this gap and get the older and digitally excluded generation feeling more tech savvy.”

Sarah Brain, Free Services Manager at AbilityNet, said:

“This research continues to show the need for support for digital skills for the older generation to ensure they feel equipped and confident to manage their day-to-day lives and stay connected to the outside world. 

“We’re thrilled to be supported by BT Group to deliver this digital skills training and help bridge the divide.” 

If you know someone who needs digital skills training, call AbilityNet on 0800 048 7642 during
office hours or email enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk 

Further resources

Training: Enjoy affordable high-quality online training courses to build skills in accessibility and inclusive design
Is your content accessible to all? If you're not sure, we can help you make content accessible: mix and match from our training options to suit your needs.

Find out more about accessible content learning programmes


How AbilityNet can Help

Winners of the AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards 2023

The AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards 2023 LogoIn the wake of headlines on tech’s impact on humanity, the 2023 AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards were announced last night at the Institute of Physics in London and online. We created the Awards over a decade ago and this year has seen a record numbers of entries from individuals, start-ups, charities and global tech giants from across the globe. 

A global panel of judges had the unenviable job of selecting the winners from an incredible selection of entries. As well as receiving a trophy made from recycled tech, the winners will receive support and resources to help them on the next stage of their journey. That includes networking with other winners and finalists, crowdfunding programmes and mentorship from the industry leaders who make up the judging panel, and Awards network. 

“We constantly hear about the harm that tech can do - but the Tech4Good Awards celebrate the amazing people and organisations who use tech to make the world a better place. We want to share good ideas and inspire people to learn from what other people have achieved.”
Mark Walker
Organiser, AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards.

The winners of the AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards 2023 are...

Accessible Education Award 2023

Ageing Society Award 2023

AI For Good Award 2023

Community Impact Award 2023

Digital Volunteer Award 2023

Inclusive Health Award 2023

Independent Living Award 2023

Sustainability Award 2023

​​​​​​​Workplace Inclusion Award 2023

​​​​​​​Tech4Good Special Award 2023

​​​​​​​Winner of Winners 2023

 

A selection of trophies made from recycled computer parts are displayed on a table. "Tech4Good is where innovation and empathy meet, harnessing technology to address societal challenges and improve real lives. As our 2023 winners celebrate their achievements, let us continue in our mission to create a more inclusive, sustainable and connected world.”
Catherine Grinyer
Attendable


Attendable has partnered with AbilityNet to organise and deliver the Tech4Good Awards. Additional partners include Access Austria, Access Israel, Catalyst, Crowdfunder, Deque, Fundación Once, Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative, Google, Good Things Foundation, International Association Accessibility Professionals, inABLE, Open Inclusion, Planet Abled, Rick Hansen Foundation, SEDRA, Team Lewis, TechTalent Charter and Valuable 500.
 

Find out more on the Tech4Good website 

Free training sessions: Build your confidence online

A couple smiling, sitting on sofa using laptopDo you know an older person in your community who would benefit from understanding a bit more about the online world, the benefits and where to get help?

Perhaps you yourself are looking for guidance about online tasks, or maybe you support a parent or relative keen to build their knowledge of the digital world?

Come along and join the team from AbilityNet charity for a very interactive training session looking at boosting skills and confidence on the web.

Build your online confidence

In these sessions, we’ll give you tips to develop resilience to online scams and fraud, and awareness of information and misinformation. We’ll look at where information comes from – can we trust it? How do we report a scam? Learn lots of practical tips.

You can choose from either of these two free online sessions taking place on the Zoom platform:

Book your place for Thursday 29 June from 10am - 12pm

Book your place for Tuesday 18 July 2pm - 4pm 

If you work in an organisation with clients who are just starting their digital journey and want to know more, please do share this session with them and encourage them to sign up. It's also a great session for organisations who provide digital inclusion support to service users. 

Further resources

12 scams to be aware of and how to avoid them

Free disabilities sessions: educate your group about disability and technology via our sessions which we can deliver to your organisation.

Workplace training: choose from a selection of online learning options for you and your team.

Don't disable me: How to remove disability barriers in the workplace 
Find out how you can avoid creating barriers for people with lived experience of disability, from people with lived experience of disability!

Book for disability training


How AbilityNet can Help

Apple Vision Pro has a vision for disabled inclusion

Apple announced their long-anticipated new product category during their  WWDC 2023 keynote on June 5. Whilst the Vision Pro headset is undoubtedly exciting for everyone keen to explore mixed and virtual reality, there’s also a lot for disabled users – even blind users like myself – to enthuse about too.

Whilst the accessibility features for the new device (and its accompanying OS; Vision OS) weren’t covered in the keynote, we only had to wait a couple of days before being reassured that, like all other Apple devices, accessibility will remain front and centre. Aimed at developers wanting to build experiences for the new platform, here’s a video covering the features that will be available at launch sometime early next year.

What accessibility features does the Apple Vision Pro have?

An eye-tracked pointer and hand gesture (tapping forefinger and thumb together) can be used to select and activate apps and all other screen elements. For those with no control of their hands, Dwell Control allows you to dwell your eyes on a certain element long enough for it to be activated.

A screenshot of dwell control on the Vision Pro
(Image credit: Apple)

Can’t see the screen elements? You can review them one-by-one with gestures or voice commands - and everything will be spoken out using the built-in screen reader available on all Apple devices; VoiceOver.

Vision Pro hand gesture accessibility
(Image credit: Apple)

Alternatively, you can use Pointer Control which allows you to use a large wand that can be held in the hand or attached to certain fingers.

When watching media, or on a Facetime or Zoom call, subtitles can be customized to use your preferred font and made as large as required for easy viewing.

Screenshot of VisionPro accessibility adjustment settings
(Image credit: Apple)

Other settings allow you to reduce animations and transition effects to assist all those with a cognitive impairment or who may suffer from motion sickness.

A clear vision for an inclusive future

Yet again, Apple has shown that it prioritises accessibility in everything that it does. It’s clear that, come its release sometime next year, those with vision, hearing, motor or cognitive impairments will be able to participate in a meaningful way in the vision of a mixed reality future that Apple has portrayed so compellingly in this year’s WWDC. 
Now we just need developers to do their bit and help realise the potential of this new platform to include everyone in their amazing work.

Further resources

Free webinar: How to improve accessibility in procurement

A recent survey by AbilityNet found that there is a lack of relevant accessibility processes when buying digital products and services. 

AbilityNet held a free webinar on Tuesday 27 June, on How to improve accessibility in procurement.Profile images of Liz Heaney, George Rhodes, and Susanna Laurin. Text: Free Webinar. How to improve accessibility in procurement. Liz Heaney, Google. George Rhodes, The University of Westminster. Susanna Laurin, Funka.

AbilityNet's Mark Walker was joined by Liz Heaney from Google, Susanna Laurin from Funka, and George Rhodes from the University of Westminster to discuss how accessibility professionals can connect with their procurement teams, the impact procurement has on customers and employees, and how procurement impacts the public sector. 

Access the recording of the webinar

Our panellists and accessibility 

Liz Heaney is the leader of the Core Accessibility Programs team. In this role, she focuses on making Google the best place to work for people with disabilities through collaboration with the product and procurement teams. The scope of this team includes software procured by Google to roll out internally and software produced by the central engineering team. Prior Google Liz has led a long career in Program Management leading team and other Program Managers in software implementations in many different industries.

Susanna Laurin is the Chief Research and Innovation Officer at Funka, a European based market leading consultancy focusing on accessibility. About accessible procurement, Laurin says “It's a huge benefit if we add accessibility into the mix [of procurement]. You will have a product or service that is more accessible than if you didn't post accessibility requirements. And that means less remediation.” Read more from Laurin in our blog post on accessible procurement in the public sector

George Rhodes is the Digital Accessibility Lead at the University of Westminster. George has been working with procurement colleagues to build high-level needs into the University’s high-level requirements document and ensure suppliers are aware of the legislative need to comply with PSBAR.

Further resources

Meet some of AbilityNet's tech volunteers in our new film

Graphic: text reads Get Involved, 1-7 June Volunteers' Week, with faces of different people in floating circlesHappy Volunteers' Week!

Volunteers' Week runs from 1-7 June, and not only is it an ideal week to take the plunge and join AbilityNet as a tech volunteer, but it's also a great excuse to showcase and celebrate the tireless and valuable work of our network of 350+ amazing volunteers across the UK. 

Jordan Rosser, smiling outside a house, wearing AbilityNet lanyard"I've grown up with technology and sometimes you forget that there's people that haven't, especially the older generation. Something that might seem trivial to yourself can make a huge difference to somebody who's never used a computer. And it really does. You can see it in their eyes, when they've accomplished things themselves - that smile and that energy you get from them is really rewarding, and I absolutely love it." - Jordan Rosser, AbilityNet Tech Volunteer.

Watch our new film

We're delighted to share with you our new film highlighting the work of three AbilityNet tech volunteers from across the UK to provide an insight into their varied and rewarding roles. Meet Jo, Greg and Jordan.

Download the transcript of the video [Word doc].

Free webinar on the benefits of volunteering

Free webinar: How volunteering can help you or your organisation, Tuesday 6 June 1pm BST   Join Bethan Richmond from Capgemini and Joe Tunesi of AbilityNet.  Register today: www.abilitynet.org.uk/CapgeminiVolunteer. Shows profile images of Joe and Bethan, and an icon of hands in the air, and Capgemini logo. During a recent free lunch and learn session 'How volunteering can benefit you or your organisation, with Capgemini' guests from Capgemini UK, and AbilityNet staff and volunteers shared information about the advantages of corporate volunteering for your organisation, your employees, and the people that volunteering supports.

The recording of the webinar, slides and transcript will be available on the webinar page soon.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

CSR is a means for businesses to contribute to or engage in activities of a charitable or ethically oriented nature, that support the communities and environment in which they operate. It can simply be a day where employees can get out of their usual work environment and bond as a team whilst volunteering and giving back to their communities.

Visit our dedicated webpage on Corporate Social Responsibility to find out more and learn how to become a partner with AbilityNet. By supporting AbilityNet, you can help ensure disabled people aren't excluded from the digital world. 

Why should I become a volunteer for AbilityNet?

A graphic of a strap line banner with the text '#VolunteersWeek'

Greg White standing smiling against a rock wall backgroundAs one of our tech volunteers featured in the new film, Greg White, says: "Volunteering at AbilityNet gives me the opportunity to build upon my experience and skills, which in turn enables people to live a healthy and productive life - it’s a truly rewarding and inspiring environment.”  

Why not join AbilityNet's community of more than 350 volunteers, and help support older people and disabled people with their technology? 

Volunteer with us 

 

More resources on volunteering

Six ways unpaid carers can access free tech help

Carers Week logoCarers Week, this year taking place 5-11 June, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the invaluable work by unpaid carers. 

If you're an unpaid carer of a relative, friend or neighbour and looking for help, did you know AbilityNet's range of FREE services provide tech help for older people and disabled people?

Our services can empower people through technology and, we hope, make a positive difference to the lives of unpaid carers.

Six ways carers can access free tech help

Technology can help older and disabled people in a range of ways, whether you or the person you care for are feeling isolated, or need help with a particular disability.

1. Get tech help from an AbilityNet volunteer

Piotr, AbilityNet volunteer smilingAs a carer, you may also be disabled yourself. AbilityNet can help you with your technology questions or issues, or you can refer the person you care for to AbilityNet. Our network of more than 350+ volunteers will offer free computer and technology support and help adapt your existing technology to suit your needs, or suggest solutions that will help to empower individuals. 

You may have a problem with a computer virus, need some help installing broadband or be confused about updates or error messages.

Our friendly volunteers are disclosure checked and can assist you in person at your home, by phone or over the internet. They have relevant IT skills and will be able to help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones. 


Call our FREE helpline on 0800 048 7642 during UK office hours to access our free volunteer help at home or online

It's Volunteers' Week 2023 at the moment - find out more about our amazing volunteers around the UK, including Piotr Wikarski, pictured.

2. Access our FREE factsheets

We have a range of FREE factsheets with information on various topics, including assistive technology and for people living with specific impairments and conditions.

For example, access factsheets on useful topics including:

Our factsheet “Technology for Seniors” also highlights devices designed specifically with older people in mind.

You may also be interested in our archive of blogs, including Supporting people with dementia through technology innovations

3. Get funding for technology you need

Two women looking at computer and smiling over breakfast tableDespite falling prices, the cost of a suitable computer system is still beyond the means of many disabled people, especially those on a low income.

Download our free factsheet: Finding funding for an adapted computer system for information and advice on how disabled people may obtain alternative funding for assistive technology that could make a significant difference to their quality of life.

4. Attend our free webinars for top tips

With topics ranging from sight loss, hearing loss, dyslexia, stroke awareness and more, our free webinars offer practical tips and insights into various disabilities, with expert advice and guest panellists.

Check out our webinar recordings archive to help with tech and other topics connected with caring responsibilities.

5. Learn how to use smart tech to help at home

Older man looking at device and smiling with younger woman also looking at phoneOne of our AbilityNet FREE webinars explored how to use smart tech at home. Find out what smart tech is, explore smart tech solutions including smart speakers, and learn how to use the assistive technology that is included within the smart devices.

Watch the recording on YouTube.

6. Use built-in assistive technology features

Visit AbilityNet's My Computer My Way to help unlock the useful features that are available on many devices including smartphones, tablets and computers, and assistive technology.

This FREE tool helps you adjust settings within multiple operating systems across a range of devices, including Apple Mac and iOS, Android devices, Windows and Chromebook. Search by impairment (cognitive issues, for example) or by what you want to do to help with issues you face, or to assist the person you care for (switch on captions, for example). 

How AbilityNet can help

How remote volunteers can provide expert tech guidance

Newly published author Steven Liska contacted AbilityNet in 2022, as he was looking for help with working on documents on his laptop. 

AbilityNet volunteer Jamie Robson was drafted in to provide online remote support to Steven, who was based in Colwyn Bay in North Wales. Unfortunately at the time AbilityNet didn't have any volunteers nearby to be able to pay Steven a home visit.A couple Steven and Linda standing in the countryside

"We arranged a convenient date and time to have a remote support session, during which I talked Steven through installing 'Teamviewer', which is our preferred tool for assisting clients remotely," says Jamie.

"This worked like a charm and, since Steven had granted permission, meant that I could see what was on Steven’s screen and demonstrate things as well."

Although Steven had done some writing in years gone by, he'd never actually written a book and was keen to discover the useful features within Word that would help with his task. "I was fortunate enough to find AbilityNet with an internet search," says Steven.

The rewards of remote volunteering

Steven’s wife, Linda (pictured here with Steven), is a stroke survivor and he was writing a book about their shared experiences, challenges (and victories) following Linda’s stroke in 2011.

Book cover with two seabirds on the beach in the low tide. Words: Steven Liska 'How life can change at a stroke'Jamie and Steven had several remote sessions, during which Jamie also helped Steven with other aspects of computer usage.

"It's easy enough to find people who will fix a computer, but it's almost impossible to find people who will instruct you how to use one, especially when it comes to specialist programmes," Steven says.

With Jamie's help explaining how the technology worked, Steven was able to complete the work on his book, How Life Can Change At A Stroke, which is now available to buy online.

"I was delighted to hear from Steven that it was published earlier this year. It was honestly a privilege to be a small part in the creative process which allowed Steven to complete what he’d set out to do," says Jamie.

Could you use your IT skills and know-how to change lives in rural areas? 

Many older and disabled people experience difficulties with their technology and when trying to participate in the digital world. Our wonderful volunteers, like Jamie, provide one-to-one technology support to help them achieve their goals.


Start your rewarding volunteering journey
 

Enabling lifechanging moments

Jamie has been providing remote support with AbilityNet for many years, including throughout the pandemic. 

One request for support particularly sticks in Jamie's mind: 

"It was a gentleman in his '90s in Edinburgh who’d been unable to see his first grandchild because of lockdown. We had a remote session and managed to get Skype working which then enabled him to see his grandchild for the very first time. It was wonderful to be able to do that for him."

Remote support is a vital part of what AbilityNet do. Whilst it’s not suitable for every request we receive, it does allow us to respond quickly to many requests and also help clients who unfortunately don’t have volunteers within travelling distance. It also helps us to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum since no travelling is involved.

A graphic of a strap line banner with the text '#VolunteersWeek'Free webinar on the benefits of volunteering - get involved!

Jamie shared his volunteering experiences during our free lunch and learn session on Tuesday 6 June at 1pm BST, where guests from Capgemini UK, and AbilityNet also shared information on ‘How volunteering can benefit you or your organisation’.
Profile images of Jamie Robson, Joe Tunesi, Bethan Richmond, and Darren Fox-Hall. Text displays: Free Webinar: How volunteering can benefit you or your organisation.

Stroke-related resources

More resources about volunteering

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