AbilityNet Factsheet - May 2023

RSI in the Workplace inc Work Related Upper Limb Disorder and Computing

This factsheet looks at repetitive strain injury (RSI) – the term most often used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repeated movement and overuse. It looks at the symptoms and causes of RSI (also known as Upper limb disorders (ULDs)), cumulative trauma disorder or occupational overuse syndrome, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, and the steps that individuals or employers can take to protect themselves and their staff.

It is important that employers understand their legal responsibility to provide any ‘reasonable adjustments’ to protect their staff from injury and prevent discrimination.

Computer use is one significant cause of RSI, and this factsheet includes practical information on both reducing the risk and responding effectively to any cases that may arise in an office environment.



Learn more on how to make sure that your working environment does not unintentionally exclude people living with physical impairments or differences.

Removing physical barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training

Last updated: May 2023

This factsheet looks at repetitive strain injury (RSI) – the term most often used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repeated movement and overuse. It looks at the symptoms and causes of RSI (also known as Upper limb disorders (ULDs)), cumulative trauma disorder or occupational overuse syndrome, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, and the steps that individuals or employers can take to protect themselves and their staff. It is important that employers understand their legal responsibility to provide any ‘reasonable adjustments’ to protect their staff from injury and prevent discrimination. Computer use is one significant cause of RSI, and this factsheet includes practical information on both reducing the risk and responding effectively to any cases that may arise in an office environment.
Learn more on how to make sure that your working environment does not unintentionally exclude people living with physical impairments or differences. Removing physical barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training
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Six ways tech can support your mental health and aid anxiety

Woman wearing tshirt that reads Mental Health MattersWe've gathered a collection of useful resources together that may help you yourself, or you may wish to share them to support individuals and organisations to address mental health issues or concerns.

6 ways tech can support your mental health

1. Read our free factsheet about Mental Health and Computing

One in 4 people experience mental health issues in England each year, and 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.

Our AbilityNet factsheet covers how assistive technology (AT) and apps can help people with their mental health, and how tech can form part of a holistic approach to gaining support. 

Access the free mental Health and Computing factsheet 

2. Promote positive mental health attitudes in the workplace

Do you need a cost-effective way to teach your staff about accessibility and inclusion? Employees can complete AbilityNet's learning modules online at their own pace, including a section focused on mental health. Topics covered: 

  • mental health
  • hearing
  • vision
  • cognitive
  • physical/motor

Find out how eLearning can teach your staff to help become a digitally disability inclusive workplace.

Talk to our experts about how AbilityNet can help with your workplace inclusion needs.

Woman holding hands to head and seeming stressed
3. Learn how computers can help manage stress

The ‘always on’ culture and pressures around work, family life and study can be significant causes of stress. Stress can lead to long-term sickness, anxiety and depression.

Making small changes to how your computer, laptop or smartphone are set up, and to the software you use, can make significant differences, and can help you become better organised and more productive – and hopefully therefore less stressed. 

Access the free factsheet: How computers can help manage stress 

4. Address mental health barriers at work

What can help your employees with mental health conditions?

Meet Adam. He has experienced periods of mental health challenges and has had a recent diagnosis of Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Adam uses his experiences to discuss and challenge the stigmas around the impact and taboos of mental health conditions.

In this video, Adam talks about electronic to-do lists and how they help him in the workplace.  

This video is a taster of what you can expect from our Don't Disable Me: Removing mental health barriers training course - book now.

5. Read about anxiety and the pros and cons of technology

Adam Tweed also outlines in a blog how technology has become an inseparable part of our lives. But while technology has brought many benefits, it also has negative effects that can contribute to anxiety. 

Blog: Anxiety and Technology: The Positives and Negative effects

6. Access a free webinar recording about mental health at home

During Covid-19 lockdowns many people needed support to help manage their mental health while at home.

This webinar recording explores how to use tech to help maintain good mental health while living, studying and working at home. 

(Download the webinar transcript.) 

AbilityNet supported more people than ever during 2022, and as our impact report shows technology has helped reduce social isolation, improve confidence and manage day to day tasks. Help us make an impact in 2023 and beyond, and improve your wellbeing at the same time - volunteer with us!

Support for Mental Health Issues

You can talk to your GP or contact the NHS for help with any mental health questions you may have (call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, and call 111 for less urgent help).

There are also a number of charities where you can talk to someone:

C.A.L.M. – Campaign Against Living Miserably – for men

0800 58 58 58

www.thecalmzone.net or webchat

Samaritans

116 123

jo@samaritans.org 

www.samaritans.org

Papyrus – for people under 35

0800 068 41 41 

Text 07786 209697

pat@papyrus-uk.org

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-advice/about-hopelineuk

Childline – for children and young people under 19

0800 1111 – free and the number will not show up on your phone bill

Further resources for mental health

Anxiety and Technology: The Positive and Negative Effects

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 15 - 21 May and the theme for 2023 is anxiety.

Technology has become an inseparable part of our lives. From socialising to paying bills, online shopping to online gaming, work, and education, we use technology for almost everything.

While technology has brought many benefits when it comes to helping us manage our mental health, it has also brought some negative impacts. So, let's run through some of the pros and cons.

Good: Access to Information

The internet has provided us with a practically unlimited amount of information. Anyone experiencing anxiety can access this huge repository of information to learn more about their condition or find ways to manage their symptoms. Online resources like medical journals, blogs, and forums can provide reliable information and support and can be accessed anonymously without needing any formal diagnosis. Quality sources of information, such as the NHS or Mind, can provide reassurance and advice at our fingertips at any time of the day.

Bad: Information Overload

While access to information can be helpful, too much information can be overwhelming, and information overload can also cause decision paralysis, where too many choices prevent us from making any choice at all. The quality of information available can also vary, with 'fake news', misinformation, or sensationalist information rising to the top of our news feeds simply because we tend to click on sensationalist stories! People experiencing anxiety may also feel like they need to constantly stay updated on news and information, which can feed back in a negative loop.

The information available via the internet can also lead to anxiety-inducing behaviours such as an ache, pain, or other minor ailment being self-diagnosed by consulting "Dr. Google" and an insignificant issue being self-diagnosed as a far more significant condition. Something most of us have scared ourselves with at one time or another, and something that will inevitably lead to increases in our anxiety level.

Removing mental health barriers – Don't Disable Me digital disability awareness training

Find out from disabled people with lived experience how technology can support those with mental health conditions. Learn more about mental health barriers at work

Good: Online TherapyA person sits in a therapy space and is seen over the shoulder of a person taking notes

Technology has made it possible for people to receive therapy online. This can be beneficial for people who are unable to attend in-person therapy sessions or are uncomfortable with face-to-face therapy, and during lockdown it became the only method for many people to continue talking therapies.

Online therapy can be delivered in a way that provides a level of anonymity, which can be helpful for people who are self-conscious or feel judged. For mental health services, providing access to practitioners online has meant being able to see more people, providing services that can be more flexible and on-demand, and enabling the recruitment of practitioners in different time zones, which has meant access to out-of-hours support at times that might better suit people seeking support.

Online services can also enable practitioners to ‘triage’ those seeking help and make sure those who need in-person support the most are skipped to the front of the queue.

Bad: Less human contact

Online therapies can feel impersonal, and many therapists have highlighted that even on camera, there are lots of visual ‘cues’ that can go unnoticed online that would be far more obvious in person. There is also the worry that a bad internet connection could cut someone off from support at a significant or critical moment, for example, during a panic attack or a moment of significant disclosure.

An anxious-looking robot sitting in a chairGood: Apps

There are many apps available that can help reduce anxiety. These apps can be used to provide guided meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, and other relaxation techniques. Some popular apps for relaxation include Calm, Headspace, and the excellent free app MindShift from Anxiety Canada. We also wrote about some other anxiety-management apps in a previous blog, 'Apps to help stroke survivors with anxiety'. There are also chatbots, which are effectively just ‘chatty’ interfaces to apps but often provide a more engaging or friendly face to the self-help on offer.

Bad: Apps

Apps are largely unregulated, so the support they offer can vary in quality. App stores might provide some protection, but if you choose to install something on your phone and share personal data, you need to be confident that whoever created the app is trustworthy. Apps also cost money to build, support, and maintain, so ‘free’ rarely means free.

Many apps might charge a subscription for the really useful features or might allow you to use them for long enough to become a positive habit and then ask you for a subscription to continue to use them. People living with conditions such as anxiety might be particularly susceptible, as the thought of not having access to a support strategy can add stress and anxiety, effectively making them a 'soft target' to exploit in this way.

AbilityNet has produced a factsheet on how to avoid internet scams to help you to identify the risks.

It is also worth noting the 'rise of AI' here. Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT can seem uncannily human in their interactions. The way these LLMs work can lead to the perception that "this AI understands me!". This may provide hours of amusement for many of us, but for people who may be struggling with social connection, there is a very real danger of attachment to a thing that has (very openly) never been designed to offer any level of support.

Training: Accessible Social Media 

Learn techniques for producing inclusive social media content on major social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok, as well as general principles that can applied regardless of platform.

Find out more about social media training

Smartphone showing social media icons on the home screenGood: Social Support

Social media platforms can provide a sense of community and support for people. They can connect with others who have similar experiences, enabling them to share their thoughts and feelings and receive encouragement and advice.

Joining anxiety support groups on social media can help reduce isolation and provide a sense of belonging, and it has given people a means to stay in touch with support networks, something we really learned during lockdown.

Bad: Social Media Comparison & Cyberbullying

Social media can be very detrimental to mental health. We have a habit of comparing ourselves with the perfect (albeit curated) lives of others on social media, which can lead to distorted self-image, unrealistic expectations, and increased anxiety.

BeReal is an interesting concept that aims to address the polished and curated view we present of ourselves on social media. The BeReal app will message you at a random point during the day, and you have two minutes to take a pair of pictures, one with your front-facing camera and one with your selfie camera. The idea is that this short window means that posts will be far more representative of our actual lived experience and therefore far less anxiety-inducing for all our connected friends.

The anonymity of the internet has given rise to cyberbullying, which can be extremely damaging to mental health and often preys on the most vulnerable as the easiest targets. Cyberbullying can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Being the target of negative comments, posts, or messages can be very distressing, leading to low self-esteem, social anxiety, and other significant mental health issues.

Conclusion: find a balance that works for you

While technology can provide many benefits and tools to help manage anxiety, it's important to find a balance that works for you and supports your mental health. Technology may be a useful tool, but remember that stepping away from a screen, taking a break, and ‘unplugging’ can be just as beneficial.

Support for Mental Health Issues

You can talk to your GP or contact the NHS for help with any mental health questions you may have (call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency. Call 111 for less urgent help).

There are also a number of charities where you can talk to someone:

C.A.L.M. – Campaign Against Living Miserably – for men

0800 58 58 58

www.thecalmzone.net or webchat

Samaritans

116 123

jo@samaritans.org 

www.samaritans.org

Papyrus – for people under 35

0800 068 41 41 

Text 07786 209697

pat@papyrus-uk.org

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-advice/about-hopelineuk

Childline – for children and young people under 19

0800 1111 – free and the number will not show up on your phone bill

Further resources for mental health

Resources and events for GAAD 2023!

GAAD logo in circle with keyboard icon. Text reads: Global Accessibility Awareness DayThe twelfth annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) takes place on Thursday, 18 May 2023. 

GAAD is an opportunity to talk, think, and learn about digital accessibility and get people thinking about how tech can help transform the lives of disabled people.

A 2023 WebAim analysis of one million homepages* outlined some common accessibility failures, that make the digital world more difficult for disabled people to nativate. For example, 83.6% of pages had low contrast text, and 58.2% had images with missing Alt Text.

These findings are in line with results from the AbilityNet Attitudes to Digital Accessibility survey, which found that despite widespread senior endorsement of accessibility and inclusion, most organisations still need to adapt their project processes to embed accessibility.

AbilityNet has many resources to help you ensure you meet accessibility requirements:

1. Access our eLearning modules Three smartly dressed people in workplace using laptops on desk, one of whom is sat in a wheelchair

Our online learning modules provide a cost-effective, customisable way to teach your staff about accessibility and inclusion. We have a variety of topics to choose from, and the choice to customise your learning modules to your organisation.

In our Office 365 course, learn how to make your content accessible and avoid making common accessibility mistakes highlighted in the WebAim million project. 

In our Accessible Workplace modules, learn language dos and don'ts and common accessibility issues, and recieve practical advice to avoid creating unnecessary barriers across all of the digital content you produce.

Find out more about eLearning

2. Discover how accessibility removes barriers

In addition to GAAD, this week also brings Mental Health Awareness Week! Our range of lived experience courses offer an insight into the lives of disabled people, and the assistive technology that is beneficial to them in everyday life. 

Meet one of our trainers, Adam Tweed, who discusses what can help people with mental health conditions in the workplace: 

Access the recordings of our lived experience training courses

3. Learn from our free Accessible Procurement webinar

It's important to make your own products and services accessible, but have you also ensured that any third-party products you buy in to your organisation are also accessible? 

Join guests from AbilityNet, Google, University of Westminster and Funka for a free webinar 'How to improve accessibility in procurement' on Tuesday 27th June 2023 at 1pm BST. Profile images of George Rhodes and Susanna Laurin. Text: Free Webinar. How to improve accessibility in procurement. Tuesday 27th June 2023 at 1pm BST. George Rhodes, The University of Westminster. Susanna Laurin, Funka

In the webinar, you will:  

  • Learn how accessibility professionals from Google, University of Westminster and Funka are connecting with their procurement teams  
  • Discover how procurement impacts everyone, including your customers and employees   
  • Get information on how procurement impacts the public sector  
  • Have an opportunity to pose your questions about accessible procurement to the panel

Learn more about the webinar and panellists

Register for the webinar


4.  Join our accessibility training courses 

Enjoy affordable high-quality online training courses to help you build skills in accessibility and inclusive design.
Here are some upcoming training courses that you could attend: 

Discover more training courses

Get 10 training courses for the price of 8

To help you get even better value in the year ahead, we have a 10 for the price of 8 bundle on 2023 AbilityNet online training courses for you and your team to enjoy. 


5. Listen to our podcast with GAAD co-founders

Find out the GAAD co-founders' accessibility tips for the future - we spoke to GAAD co-founders, Jennison Asuncion and Joe Devon, as part of our Accessibility Insights webinar series

Listen to the podcast where GAAD's co-founders discuss hybrid events and the #GAADPledge, and more:

(Download the transcript)

We have more great episodes featuring insights, interviews, and the latest updates from key movers and shakers in the world of accessibility and digital inclusion on the AbilityNet Podcast.


6. Book your free training sessions about disabilities 

Educate your charity or community group about disability and technology in AbilityNet's seven sessions to choose from. Attendees have the chance to learn more about mental health, online safety and scams, sight loss and hearing loss, and other topics, with lots of opportunity to ask questions!Alex Barker sitting on chair in training room with projector displaying on screen

"Well paced, informative. Learnt about technologies I didn't know existed eg: smartphones specifically for older people, which will have a real impact on clients I work with."
"Alex the presenter was very informative, he came across as friendly, funny and very knowledgeable and the slides were easy to follow and understand." 


7.  Choose from 100+ GAAD events and activities

Visit the GAAD website for a comprehensive list of all the GAAD events and activities taking place this year, around the world.

Join May's meeting of the International Ally Groups on 25 May, 3pm BST, to learn about innovative practice in course accessibility services and ask all the questions you ever wanted to ask about writing alternative text!

Further Resources

What are the best apps for managing multiple sclerosis?

This blog has been updated! Originally published 11/11/19. Amended 11/05/23


An estimated 130,000 people in the UK live with multiple sclerosis (MS)*.

The condition affects the nerves in the brain and the spinal cord. It can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including balance and coordination problems, eyesight and hearing issues, fatigue, altered sensations and cognitive issues. Those with the condition can also have long periods of remission with few symptoms.

Smartphone showing set of different apps on home screenMS charities, including the MS Trust and the MS Society, believe self-management of MS can benefit people living with the condition.

There is a variety of apps which can help with self-management. Apps are available for:

From tracking your medications to meeting others to find support, game apps to boost cognition, mindfulness options to increase calmness and fitness apps which could help you maintain health and do some suitable exercise on your good days.

All apps are available for both Android and Apple unless otherwise stated. And, all apps are free unless otherwise stated, with occasional subscription options for more features.

Looking for inclusion and disability training for your team? 
Removing Physical Barriers: Lived experience digital disability training available on demand with group training options also available.
You may also be interested in our other 'Don't Disable Me' training courses on neurodiversity, mental health, hearing, and visual barriers.


Five best apps for self-management of multiple sclerosis (MS)

1. My MS Buddy

Created by consumer health website Healthline, this app offers one-on-one chats, group discussions for advice, support and the opportunity to find out the latest news and research around MS.

Each weekday the app creators lead a live discussion on subjects including community, wellness, treatments, daily living, inspiration and MS and career. You can be matched with members based on your treatment and interests and do instant messaging.

Download MS Buddy/Bezzy MS for Android

Download MS Buddy/Bezzy MS for iOs

2. My MS Team

Support group setting - three people sitting on chairs in large hall, looking solemnThis is the app for My MSTeam, a social network and support group for people living with MS. It offers emotional support from others and insights about treatments and therapies. The company behind it is based in the US, but there are people registered from various UK locations who are looking to meet up.

Find out more about online forums for people living with MS.

You can post and follow photos and updates, share your daily ups and downs, give and receive hugs, search the Q&A section for help and also find local people to meet.

Download MS Team for Android

Download MS Team for iOs

3. MS Focus Radio

two women in bright studio talking into professional radio microphonesUS-based MS Focus (The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation) is a nonprofit organisation that prioritises helping people with MS, and their families maintain quality of life. MS Focus has an interest in wellbeing.

The MS Focus radio app is the online radio its hosts and includes interesting and useful content available, which is accessible 24 hours a day. There’s a good variety of programmes, such as how to use breathwork and yoga to help with brain fog, practising emotional self-care, and how to get the most out of patient-centred care.

Download MS Focus Radio for iOs

4. Health Log

This Android App helps you track health and different symptoms and conditions of MS. With each entry, you can record the severity of the pain, location, potential triggers, treatments and any relief provided. You can then view statistics over time and use to show to health professionals if needed.

Download Health Log for Android

Best Apps for MS-related fatigue

Fatigue, experienced as overwhelming tiredness, is a common symptom of MS. Some people find that it is the symptom that affects them most, but there are ways to manage it and minimise its effects on your life. 

We’ve listed a couple of apps here which might help. 

MS Energise

Person with head slumped on keyboard at desk in office environment, showing she is tiredReleased two years ago, MS Energise was created by researchers at the Universities of Auckland in New Zealand and Bournemouth in the UK.

The app supports the management of MS fatigue using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. CBT approaches for MS fatigue have been developed, trialled in controlled studies, and found effective in MS fatigue by those who created the app. Currently only available on Apple devices.

We'd give it kudos for minimal scrolling needed to be easier for users with physical health issues or disabilities.

Download MS Energise for iOS

Mental Fatigue app

A simple app for charting fatigue levels and changes to energy over time. With the app, you can generate charts and lists to provide an overview of your fatigue. Created by independent developer Jan-Olof Karlsson.

Download Mental Fatigue app for iOS

Download Mental Fatigue app for Android

Best Apps to boost cognition if you have MS

MS can affect cognitive function. If you’re looking to boost your cognitive skills, these apps with various games, memory and brain training options might help.

There are apps available for iOS, and Android that can help with memory training, including spatial training and memory.

NeuroNation

This app offers memory training and tests to improve focus. It was awarded AOK Leonardo Health Prize for digital prevention and has more than 250,000 mainly five-star reviews on the App and Play stores (though some reviews complained the app isn’t suitable for those who are colour blind).

NeuroNation fans describe the app as fun. 

It performs an analysis of your strengths and potentials and creates a personal training plan. 

There are 27 exercises on 250 levels.

It is founded by the NeuroNation team comprising IT experts in collaboration with the division of experimental psychology and neuropsychology at the Free University in Berlin.

Download NeuroNation for iOS 

Download NeuroNation for Android

Elevate Brain Training Games

The app offers personalised brain training programmes designed to improve attention, speaking skills, processing speed, memory and math skills.

One reviewer wrote: “It’s only been three days, but the words section has made a huge impact on my life. I suffer from brain fog and find it difficult to talk, but this game has brought me quite a bit of relief.”

Download Elevate for iOS

Download Elevate for Android

Train your brain

This Android-only app has had more than one million downloads and achieves 5-star reviews from some previous users.

The app is designed to focus on memory and spatial thinking and improve concentration. While there are only seven games available, those on offer present a variety of training. 

It is created by Developer Grove FX.

Download Train Your Brain for Android

Best apps for students and young people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS sadly can affect young people of University age.

While there are limited apps explicitly aimed at young people with MS, there are lots of apps which could help this age group with peer support features and fun challenges. 

Here are a few of our suggestions.

What’s Up

What’s up uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) methods to help people cope with depression, anxiety, stress, and more. There is a Get Grounded page, which contains over 100 different questions to pinpoint what you’re feeling, and a Thinking Patterns page, which helps with reducing negative thoughts. Developed by Australian-based company Jackson Tempra.

Download What'sUp for iOS

Download What'sUp for Android


Super Better

Super Better is a top-rated app with more than 5,000 five star reviews on the Play Store. It’s fun and creative with the ability to create and customise your quests, challenges, and power-ups (such as hug yourself, or text someone to say thank you for something - which can make people feel better).

It’s designed for those with anxiety and depression, chronic pain and other conditions as an aid to build resilience and achieve goals. The focus is on cultivating your inner superhero. 

The app was developed by Jane McGonigal author of the book Super Better.

Download Super Better for IOS

Download Super Better for Android

notOK

notOK is a free app developed by a struggling teenager (and her teen brother) for teenagers. The app features a large, red button that can be activated to let close friends, family and their support network know help is needed.

Users can add up to five trusted contacts as part of their support group, so when they hit the digital panic button, a message, along with their current GPS location is sent to their contacts.

The message reads: “Hey, I’m not OK! Please call, text, or come find me.”

Download notOK for Android

Mind Shift

MindShift CBT app developed by the organisation Anxiety Canada has specific programmes for young people. The app uses strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help users feel better and less overwhelmed. On offer are thought-journals, coping cards, chill zone and confidence-building exercises. This app appears to be recommended by quite a few therapists, judging by the reviews.

Download Mind Shift for iOS

Download Mind Shift for Android

AV1 Robot app

The AV1 app robot is designed for young people with long term health conditions who sometimes struggle to get to school or college.

The small white robot can be present in the classroom and act as the eyes and ears of the student. The student can view what the robot sees through its eyes using their device at home.

They can control the robot's movements through their phone or tablet, and speak to classmates through the microphone on their device. This app/ device is typically paid for by schools.

It is developed by the company No Isolation.

Download AV1 for iOS

Download AV1 for Android

* MS Society, accessed May 2023.

Visit My Computer My Way: a free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

How AbilityNet can help people living with Multiple Sclerosis

Amazon turn Veterans Centre into Alexa-enabled ‘smart centre’

Blind Veterans UK, in collaboration with Amazon, has unveiled a new ‘smart’ system at its centre in Llandudno, Wales which uses Alexa devices to give veterans more independence, and carers new ways to communicate.Entrance lobby of the Llandudno Blind Veterans UK Centre

The system, called Alexa Smart Properties, has been installed by Amazon with help from voice-skill developers Vocala. It enables the visually-impaired veterans to get assistance with orientation around the centre, access information, entertainment, and specific services such as lunch menus, and to call reception with Alexa-to-Alexa calling – all  using only their voice. 
It also benefits the care team by enabling them to make announcements, voice and video calls to other Alexa-enabled devices throughout the centre.

“Blind Veterans UK is one of the first organisations in the UK to install Alexa Smart Properties and we are really excited about the benefits it will bring to the residents and the care team”, Said Meryem Tom, Director. Alexa Enterprise EU.

“Our support to Blind Veterans UK allows us to demonstrate Amazon's commitment to all people with disabilities and our military communities around the globe,” said John Quintas, Director of Inclusive Communities at Amazon. “Our Alexa technology improves the quality of life for veterans by helping to make their lives more independent, accessible and fun. We are honoured to support Blind Veterans UK and to help transform their centre in Llandudno.”

Blind veterans UK – looking ahead through tech

Blind veterans UK provides rehabilitation, training and support services. They show that, with the right skills and use of technology, being independent and living a rich and fulfilling life can once again be a reality for those with sight loss.

“Having identified the need to make our centres truly centres of excellence, including in technological advancement, we reached out to Amazon Web Services to find solutions.,” said Kathy Boardman, Blind Veterans UK Llandudno Centre Manager. “We’re very excited to have Alexa as an integral part of the team at our Centres for Wellbeing.”

“Supporting our blind veterans with access to information, navigating their way around the site, making informed decisions, and interacting with others will be life-changing for everyone, especially the person adjusting to a vision impairment and, with our support, rebuilding their life after sight loss.”

Harnessing technology has always been part of the Blind Veterans UK ethos and the Blind Veterans Smart Centre, powered by Alexa Smart Properties, will further enhance blind veterans’ experiences and help them be even more independent. It does this in three ways:

  • Orientation – A blind veteran will be able to self-orientate within any area of the centre by asking Alexa. This includes getting from point A to point B and locating objects within a specific room.
  • Access to information - A blind veteran will be able to find information such as what’s for lunch, fire safety procedures and access news on the charity and its history by asking Alexa.
  • Access to services - A blind veteran will be able to find out what events are scheduled and listen to radio by asking Alexa.

Find out more about the empowering potential of Alexa

Alexa Accessibility Hub

The main place to go to find out about Alexa and her accessibility features is the Alexa Accessibility Hub

More AbilityNet resources

We have numerous articles on our site about how the family of Echo products are empowering people with disabilities – here’s the search results page for the term ‘Alexa’ – you’ll be amazed just how much top tips and news there is.

Alexa podcasts

If podcasts are more your thing, why not check out Dot to Dot – the daily five minute skill demo show - or The Echo Show – a weekly look at all things Alexa with myself and excellent co-host Shaun Preece.

More resources from AbilityNet

AbilityNet volunteers crowned as Coronation Champions!

We are thrilled that not one but two of our AbilityNet tech volunteers, Jon Drake and Roy Biggs, have been selected as two of the 500 official outstanding Coronation Champions.

Jon Drake and daughter Abbie standing outside Buckingham Palace in the gardenThis follows a call out to the nation to nominate their volunteer heroes. Almost 5000 entries were received, with nominations made for individuals aged 14 up to 103.

The Coronation Champions Awards, launched by Royal Voluntary Service and supported by Her Majesty The Queen Consort, is all about celebrating the work of extraordinary volunteers across the UK.

A total of 500 volunteers were selected as Coronation Champions and have received an official Coronation Champions pin badge, a signed certificate from Their Majesties, and an invitation to one of the Coronation Celebrations. Jon attended the King’s Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 3rd May, and Roy attended the Coronation concert on Sunday 7th May.

Jon took along his daughter Abbie to share in the celebrations, and they're pictured here enjoying the royal hospitality!

Congratulations to Jon and Roy, and also huge thanks go to Dave Power, our AbilityNet volunteer coordinator in Yorkshire, who nominated them for this award, for their work across Yorkshire helping older and disabled people to use their digital devices.

Jon Drake and daughter Abbie standing outside royal tent in Buckingham Palace grounds, both in formal clothingCommenting on becoming a Coronation Champion, Jon Drake said:

Buckingham Palace grounds with smartly dressed people walking around"Thanks so much to Dave for recognising my contribution, and for going to the time and trouble to nominate me. I'd like to also express my gratitude to RNIB and AbilityNet for their great support for volunteers. It’s a privilege to be able to help and support people through their volunteering opportunities."
 
The Coronation Champion gold coloured medal Jon received. Shown in a blue velvet display case."I’ve been volunteering for several years, so the award itself was an unexpected but delightful surprise. And the garden party was a fantastic experience - especially coming as it did just a couple of days before the Coronation."

Roy Biggs enjoyed performances from Paloma Faith, Lionel Ritchie and more at the Coronation Concert. He also tells us that, in honour of his award, he and 22 other award winners have also received an invitation from Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, to join him for tea and cake in June. 

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “We were completely blown away by the response to the Community Champions Awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward. Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended. “
 
“Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”

Find out more about the awards.

How to help AbilityNet

Many older people and disabled people experience difficulties with their technology, and can’t find the support they need.

Could you, like Jon, Roy and Dave, help people with their tech? Our amazing volunteers provide one-to-one technology support remotely and through home visits. A great way to support AbilityNet is to join our network of 350+ volunteers across the UK. Get involved today!

Become a volunteer

Further resources:

AbilityNet provides digital aid to Ukrainian refugees in United Way UK project

Middle aged man and teenager smiling holding laptop in boxWe're delighted to share that AbilityNet has been taking part in a project alongside United Way UK to provide nearly 100 HP laptops to Ukrainian refugees currently living in the UK.

At Monex offices in London, the recipients were invited to collect their new devices, to help them to keep in touch with friends and family back in Ukraine, and navigate their new lives in the UK while the war is going on in their homeland.Mum, Dad and young male child smiling holding laptop in box, with staircase in the background

A woman and young boy smile holding laptop boxPictured here are just a few of the recipients with their laptops, including the Zborovska family (centre). 

Speaking at the Monex meet up, Liudmula Lysenko and Marina Pavlova shared how their laptop donation would make a difference to their life in the UK.

"We are really grateful for these wonderful laptops. I just started my GCSE course online and I am absolutely in need of this laptop, so thank you so much," said Liudmula. Marina agreed: "I just started to learn English and a laptop is really what I need for my growth. So thank you so much, you've done a very good job," she said.

Iryna Zinenko also received a laptop to use: "Thank you so much for your support and help for Ukrainians, because we've had a very difficult situation. This [laptop] is very useful for us, so thank you." Her teenage daughter also present shared how it would really help her prepare for her exams and do school work.

 

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AbilityNet volunteers set up devices

Man working on laptop in bright room"When approached about the project we felt it was a very worthwhile project to support. We are delighted that we’ve been able to support United Way UK on the delivery of this project. We’re really thankful to the volunteers for stepping up and supporting AbilityNet and United Way UK and the refugee families," says Chris Grant, Community Relationship Officer at AbilityNet.Stewart Mabon, AbilityNet volunteer sitting at table working on laptop

“The team at United Way UK is thrilled to have had the opportunity to work in partnership with AbilityNet on this vital project to bring connectivity in the UK to refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. Digital poverty prevents those affected from working, studying and managing everyday life as well as from staying connected with loved ones – critical for refugees forced from their homes. We thank AbilityNet, HP and our colleagues at United Way in Germany who helped make this happen,” says Jane Hudson Jones, CEO at United Way UK. 

The devices were set up by a team of seven AbilityNet tech volunteers from across the UK (including Andrew Davies in Wales, and Stewart Mabon in Scotland, both pictured). 

AbilityNet has previously worked with United Way UK on other technology-related projects and so it brought the UK charity AbilityNet on board to help install software and check the devices to ensure they were set up to a good level, ready for use by the recipients. 

How to help AbilityNet

A great way to support AbilityNet is to join our network of 300+ volunteers across the UK.

Many older people and disabled people experience difficulties with their technology, and can’t find the support they need. Our amazing volunteers provide one-to-one technology support remotely and through home visits. Get involved today!

Become a volunteer

Further resources:

BT Group partnership boosts digital skills of older people

BT Group in partnership with AbilityNet logoAbilityNet and telecommunications company BT Group today announced a new partnership to help improve the digital skills of 4,000 older and digitally excluded people across the UK during 2023.

The UK-wide ‘Senior Skills Programme’ will deliver more than 1,000 group and one-to-one training sessions to those who need it most in regions across the UK.

Sessions will be available in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and London. The locations were chosen based on a growing demand for tech support among older people aged 65+ in these areas. 

Older people are keen to learn digital skills

BT Group’s research* shows that two thirds (65%) of older people think that you’re never too old to learn new skills, with almost half (49%) open to learning tech skills specifically.

AbilityNet male volunteer with older female client sitting at table in kitchen talkingBasic digital skills are now increasingly important for day-to-day life. Older people who are less familiar with digital devices risk losing access to key services like banking, shopping and health services, as well as software platforms that keep people connected.

Victoria Johnson, Social Impact Director at BT Group, said:

“Digital inclusion is about making sure everyone has access to the benefits that technology offers. This new partnership with AbilityNet, and the Senior Skills programme we are creating together, seeks to dispel the mystery of tech, build confidence and awareness of misinformation, and help make a digital native out of everyone in the UK, whatever their age.”

“BT Group is committed to supporting the older generation as they adapt to using digital tools and technology. The partnership with AbiltyNet will help reach our goal of an inclusive digital future for all.”

A digital world accessible to all

Sarah Brain, Free Services Manager at AbilityNet, said: “Our vision at AbilityNet is to create a digital world which is accessible to everyone. We’ve been helping older people and disabled people of any age with their technology for 25 years. 
 
“The partnership with BT Group will help meet our goal to support the digitally excluded in building their confidence online and diversifying their skill set, helping people across the UK to live more independent and fulfilled lives.”
 
The Senior Skills programme will also encourage older and digitally excluded people to learn more about and use basic online services and help with the switch from analogue to digital home phones.

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Join AbilityNet experts in May and June 2023 for free tech sessions to help digital novices use the internet and digital devices.

Training roll out

As part of the partnership, the digital skills training will be available in person and through online resources, with the goal of helping participants become more independent and able to manage day-to-day digital tasks.

AbilityNet is also very pleased to welcome 40 volunteers from BT Group who will help deliver the programme.

The partnership will also encourage anyone in need of boosting their digital skills to call AbilityNet's free tech helpline: 0800 048 7642 (open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

* Research carried out by OnePoll in October 2022 of 1500 people over 60 years of age in the UK.

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5 top tips for making nature and your websites more accessible

As the weather gets warmer and summer is on the horizon, getting outside and into nature is an absolute joy. For many, the first step to hitting the great outdoors might be doing some research about the area you plan to explore, and, for many disabled people who may have specific requirements, there can be barriers imposed to accessing this information online.  

In this blog, AbilityNet’s Head of Digital Inclusion Robin Christopherson, MBE outlines some straightforward steps to making websites more accessible.

Accessing the outdoorsView of countryside comprised of multiple fields bordered with trees, and a group of sheep in the foreground

Being blind, when we’re out and about in the great outdoors, I rely on a verbal description provided by a companion in order to gain some appreciation of nature’s stunning visuals. In the same way, I also rely on the accessibility of websites to ensure that I’m able to understand and use them.  

When planning to head out into the natural world, I want to be able to easily access information on the destination, and if planning on heading there myself, how I may be accommodated as a disabled visitor. If accessibility has not been factored into the creation of the website, it can make accessing nature all the more difficult.  

Accessible websites don’t just benefit blind users, but all people across the broad and beautiful spectrum of disabilities and impairments. So by making adjustments, you’ll be making your apps and websites extra usable for everyone - and you’ll meet your legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

How to make your websites inclusive

Here’s five simple, straightforward steps to help you make your website more accessible.
 

  1. Check the keyboard accessibility of your site
    People with little vision rely on keyboard access as they cannot easily see the mouse cursor on the screen. Sighted users with motor difficulties (such as Parkinson’s or a stroke) can find keyboard access simpler as well. Making your site accessible without using a mouse is a legal requirement, and something that will benefit many of your visitors.  

    Hiding your mouse and trying to access your site and all its options with only a keyboard can show how you're doing and how to improve this. In particular, make sure that each link and button gains a nice, visible focus as you tab through the page, and that that tabbing order is logical and doesn’t jump all over the place (making it difficult to follow). If you want to ‘click’ something with focus, that’s Enter or the spacebar.

  2. Ditch poor colour contract
    Low contrast text is difficult to read for everyone, particularly people with low vision. There are some useful tools that can help you check your contrast such as Tanaguru's Contrast Finder, this allows you to enter two different colours and check the contrast between them. It can also suggest alternatives if the colours have insufficient contrast. 

    Tools like the  Contrast Analyser from the Paciello Group can also help pick the right colours.  

    Hint: Trust your eyes too - it can be simple to spot offending text colours by eye, and then just verify them with the tool. This is best used early in the design process, so that issues can be addressed before the site goes live.

  3. Use a free accessibility checker
    The organisation WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind) provides a free, automated, online checker. This can give you quick feedback on some more technical issues on your website – e.g. if forms are correctly labelled so a blind person knows what info they need to enter. This is a great way to highlight issues during the development process.  

    It’s important to note that any automated testing can only cover a small subset of all possible accessibility issues. However it is a valuable technique when used alongside manual testing.

  4. Produce an accessibility page
    An Accessibility page provides the opportunity for organisations to inform visitors on what measures they have taken to make their site accessible. The page can offer people the chance to provide feedback on difficulties they experience when navigating your site. See AbilityNet's accessibility page for an example.  

    Getting feedback from people visiting your site is very valuable. By making it easier for users to feedback to you directly, you will benefit greatly by both demonstrating your commitment to improving your site, and being able to respond to individual issues as they aris

  5. Understand your audience and what they need from your site
    Knowing your expected audience and writing your copy accordingly will provide the most useful and inclusive experience to your site’s visitors. People come to websites to find information, or to carry out an action. It makes sense to make this process as easy as possible for people.  

    Using eco-jargon, say, may be fine for visitors with that background, but lay visitors may miss out. Good practise is to avoid jargon, or if it is necessary, provide a glossary.  

    Make use of headings, paragraphs and bulleted lists to break text up into meaningful sections. Make one key point per paragraph and use different methods to convey information. Some users will prefer to read text (like me), others will benefit from a video, others prefer a simplified or illustrated guide.

More resources from AbilityNet

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