Supporting the Basildon BAME community during the pandemic

A picture of the tablet loaded with the software and wallpaper for Ngi IgboAbilityNet volunteers have given tech help as part of a digital support initiative for BAME households in Basildon, Essex to help learning from home during Covid-19. 

Uche Amechi from Ngi Igbo first contacted AbilityNet. Ngi Igbo is a charity that represents a particular community from South-eastern Nigeria. 

“We are mainly of the Igbo tribe, and we have a little community here in Basildon. We secured funding to help residents around Basildon,” said Uche. 

“The BAME community are reported to suffer the impacts of COVID, three and a half times more than their white counterparts,” he added. 

One of our objectives was to secure a number of tablets to help people from the community who had primary age children learning from home.

For support from AbilityNet, call our FREE helpline 0800 048 7642

Configuring the tablets for children

Through a local charity referral, Uche contacted AbilityNet to see if we could help set the tablets up so they’d be safe but meet the children’s needs. 

AbilityNet volunteer Dave Tolson from Essex received the request and was delighted to help.

“It wasn’t our usual request,” said Dave. “It wasn't a project for the elderly or disabled, but it had we had the right skills to support Uche. I met Uche outside at his house, and we stood with our masks on and had a chat about what he was looking for and a little bit about what they were doing,” added Dave. 


“Uche wanted to provide support via tablets to underprivileged children that might not have enough access to educational software,” said Dave.

He discussed the requirements with Uche, and they agreed on a set of requirements, including personalising the tablets to show they belonged to Ngi Igbo. “We used the logo and the lottery funding and gave it a specific design and wallpaper, and then we grouped some educational software.”

The software included Google Classroom and links to the BBC Bitesize modules, including spelling, Math, and English. 

Dave also installed the Zoom meeting app. 

Making a difference to local communities

Uche is currently triaging requests for the tablets, which will be with recipients soon. “It will help households who don’t have access to devices,” he said. 

He added,” “We have done it in a way that’s as beneficial as can be. The volunteers I have met from AbilityNet, are people who worked in the IT industry and then retired and are just doing things to help humanity out of compassion and the love to see other people progress. That was quite a breath of fresh air, actually.”

For AbilityNet volunteer Dave the hours are well spent. “I can imagine the kids' faces when they get hold of the tablets because it should be really, really helpful to them,” said Dave. 

How AbilityNet can Help

How AbilityNet has supported individuals during the pandemic

10 tips for avoiding RSI in the workplace and at home

Covid-19 has forced us out of our work and home comfort zones. 

It’s perhaps okay for the short-term, but Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) are common in office workers due to sitting at desks doing repetitive tasks, sitting at a desk and using a keyboard and mouse, for example. 

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, over 450,000 UK workers have upper limb RSI.

Similarly, RSI.org reports that 1 in 50 of all UK workers has reported an RSI condition.

An estimated 5 million working days are lost in sick leave due to RSI each year.

In the office, employers may have made reasonable adjustments to support employees with RSI, but increasingly people are working from home; 46.6% of people did some work at home (April 2020), with 86% of them citing Covid-19 as the reason why.

Many have makeshift workspaces such as kitchen tables and even laps.

On February 28, 2021, it is International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day, so we're sharing our tops tips to help with RSI. 

How to sit comfortably when using a screen

How AbilityNet can help people with RSI?

Picture of an ergonomically-designed keyboard show from aboveAbilityNet supports older and disabled people to adjust their technology to meet their needs. You can call our free Helpline or request help from an AbilityNet volunteer. 

In terms of RSI, we can advise on speech recognition software, communications aids or alternative input devices (keyboard and mice) to minimise repetitive keyboarding. 

Below are some specific links providing support and advice.

Call our FREE helpline 0800 048 7642

10 tips for avoiding RSI at your computer

1. Ergonomic and desk considerations

There are challenges working from home especially if you're sharing that space with others doing the same, or children who are homeschooling. Ideally, you'll have a dedicated workspace, which is adapted to your specific needs including your height. Specifically, your workspace should enable you to:

  • Rest your feet flat on the floor. Invest in a footrest if you can't. 
  • If you have a curved desk, sit central to the curve.
  • Place your screen at eye level and directly in front of you.
  • Position your keyboard directly in front of you, with a space at the front of the desk to rest your wrists when you are not typing.
  • Position your mouse as close to you as possible so you can use it with your wrist straight, avoiding awkward bending.
  • If possible, use a compact keyboard, so the mouse can be brought in closer still.

2. Use voice dictation to reduce the volume of typing

There are many ways you can reduce the amount that you type. Operating systems now include voice dictation capabilities.

You can control your computer with your voice if you're using a Mac, or use dictation or voice recognition in Windows 10

3. Adjusting your keyboard and mouse

an image of an ergonomically-designed keyboard with microphone attachedThere are things you can do with your existing peripherals (such as a keyboard and mouse) to reduce the amount that you type. One suggestion is to learn shortcuts or use autocorrect features to reduce the number of keystrokes.

You can slow down your mouse within the system settings, too, which will help to reduce muscle tension.  

4. Avoiding RSI when using devices at home

An illustration of a home desk set upThere's been an explosion in the number of people working from home as a result of Covid-19 and experts say a blended approach to working is likely to be here to stay.

With the flexibility of home working, comes an increased risk of RSI resulting from poor posture. 

Many people will be using laptops and it's important to ensure that these are set up to minimise strain or neck, back and arm pain. When working with a laptop for sustained periods it's good practice to:

  • Use a separate keyboard, screen and mouse (if you can afford it, your employer can provide it)
  • Place your laptop on a raiser (to bring the screen closer towards eye-level). If you don't have a specific laptop stand you could try using a few thick books to make your own. 
  • Take regular short breaks to relieve upper body tension
  • Sit up straight with your back supported.

5. Supporting employees with RSI

Employers have a legal responsibility to provide Reasonable Adjustments that help avoid RSI and other conditions, but many people aren't clear how what adjustments are required.

Read our FAQ on reasonable adjustments for more information.

There is also a wide range of tips included in our FREE factsheet on RSI and computers. 

We also recommend that employees uses Clear Talents On Demand - a free tool developed with ABilityNet that provides a detailed report about adjustments that will help employees be more productive when dealing with RSI.

6. Added flexibility with a sit/stand desk

Illustration shows a man standing at a desk there is a video conference represented on his screenYou may find that investing in a sit/stand desk can help to reduce the strain that comes from sitting at a desk all day. One option is to invest in a sit/stand desk but this is a pricey route. Others offer a solution that sits on top of your existing desk and allows you to lower a laptop up and down.

For a makeshift solution, you could use an ironing board as a desk, which is height adjustable but for occasional rather than prolonged use. 

7. Free and paid-for support from AbilityNet

Call our FREE helpline on 0800 048 7642 for support from an AbilityNet volunteer who can advise on making adjustments to the technology you use or additional tech that may help, such as voice dictation, for example. 

We also offer a paid-for tech tutorial (£99). The tutorial offers 1-2-1 training and advice to customise your device.

Training is also the most efficient way to improve confidence and encourage further independent learning. Many people are unaware of the accessibility and productivity tools built into mainstream packages such as Office 365 and Google Suite.

8. Support for employees and employers

Reacting to the pandemic, we have launched a working from home review for employers to help you make sure employees are well supported as their home doubles up as the office. 

Employees can prompt a conversation using our online tool ClearTalents OnDemand.  

9. Access our FREE factsheets

We offer a range of FREE factsheets you can view online or print. A number are specifically useful for people who have RSI or musculoskeletal conditions. We have a factsheet about RSI in the workplace and another that explores alternative keyboards and mice and adaptations, some of which may help with RSI.

You may also find our factsheet on Arthritis useful as it features tips on adapting your workspace.

10. Where to find more help

Learning to reconnect: how a tablet helped Isobel

Disabled people feel lonelier and more isolated than others both before and during Covid-19*. 

Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures found that around 41% of disabled people feel anxious. One in ten disabled people is scared to go out, compared to 29% and one in 25 of non-disabled people*.

Supporting Isobel who has a learning difficulty

A picture of Isobel on her sofa with her dogIsobel, 31, from Alness, has a learning difficulty and lives with her dog (Ollie, pictured) but was feeling very isolated.

However, in a time of physical distancing, she's embraced technology to keep in touch with family and friends, with the help of UK charity AbilityNet.

The pan-disability charity believes in a digital world accessible to all. When Isobel got in touch with volunteer Chris Grant, he pulled out all the stops to get her a tablet. 

“Chris linked me in with a local charity to obtain a tablet,” said Isobel. “And AbilityNet’s team of volunteers showed me the best way to use it, and how to use it safely,” she added. 

Keeping in touch with family and friends

While she's apart from family and friends, she has been able to stay in touch using the tablet.

“The best thing about tech is keeping in touch with friends and family via messenger and Facebook. It also keeps me entertained by looking at things such as Instagram,” said Isobel. 

She’s still learning but also hopes to use the device to access activities online. “However, I really enjoy taking part in a local DJ’s Karaoke stream and engaging with the community,” she said. 

Isobel says her confidence has improved with help from AbilityNet, which has over 300 volunteers providing FREE tech help to disabled and older people. 


“I’m gaining more confidence and will be supported by Chris from AbilityNet to learn more so I can do more with my tablet,” said Isobel.

“Having my tablet and phone makes such a huge difference and can keep in touch with friends.”

Figures show that of the 3,541people at home supported by AbilityNet during 2020:

  • 86% felt more confident
  • 82% felt better able to use technology,
  • 72% felt more independent
  • 68% less isolated

For more about the difference we make, see our Impact Report

*Disabled people more lonely and anxious

How AbilityNet can help

Other resources

Internet banking increases disabled access: An Insider's View

Twenty-two years after the launch of the first full-service, internet-only bank an industry insider and a user reflect on the beginning of a sector-wide transformation that improved disabled people's lives.

The First Internet Bank of Indiana launched on February 22, 1999.

We hear from Paul Smyth, Head of Digital Accessibility at Barclays and AbilityNet’s Head of Digital Inclusion Robin Christopherson.  

Industry perspective: reflections from Barclays’ Paul Smyth

Two headshots of Robin and PaulInternet banking enables customers to the bank where, when and how they want. 

It also brings a new level of convenience. Online banking transforms lives for some of us with disabilities who'd historically struggled to navigate the physical world. 

Barclays’s ambition is to be accessible and inclusive. 

However, the early version of our internet banking website wasn’t born accessible. 

Listening to disabled customers

Early on, I remember many complaints which led to disabled customers invited in and spending time with our Head of Digital, educating them on accessibility. 

This customer feedback helped drive our accessibility programme, as we listened and learned from the disability community. 

It's helped us be proactive and deliver digital services accessible by design to ensure our digital services don't unintentionally exclude anyone. 

Find out how AbilityNet can help your business create an accessible service  


The benefits of digital banking

Digital banking enables Deaf customers to connect via virtual sign language interpreters to communicate with their bank. Those with learning or literacy difficulties can use fingerprint or face recognition to pass security in our mobile banking app. 

A customer struggling to get to a bank branch can take a snapshot of a cheque on their smartphone and have it processed seamlessly.

Meanwhile, a vision-impaired customer using a screen reader can manage their money independently and barrier-free via their computer or mobile device. 

See Robin and Paul in conversation as part of AbilityNet Live!


Accessible digital services also offer greater flexibility, choice and personalisation. 

The investment Barclays has made in accessibility has significantly helped during the Covid-19 pandemic with the rapid acceleration of digital adoption. 

We know there's always more we can do to ensure that our digital services are designed for each of us so that they work for all of us. 

We therefore strongly encourage disabled customers with accessibility feedback or suggestions to get in touch via telephone banking, secure chat, social media [@BarclaysAccess on Twitter] or via our complaints process) so that we can continue to remove barriers.

An individual’s view: reflections from AbilityNet’s Robin Christopherson

Robin Christopherson in a blue shirt leaning over a balcony in a buildingBeing able to manage your finances independently is essential. 

With the advent of online banking (and in particular mobile banking), I no longer had to deal with paper or time-consuming interactions on the phone or in-branch. 

The simplicity of a banking app makes it straightforward to look at different accounts and individual transactions to stay on top of our finances. 

Using biometric authentication such as Touch or Face ID means that the frequent entering account numbers, codes, or passwords are thankfully over.

See AbilityNet Live! to sign up for FREE webinars on technology and disability

Overcoming logistical challenges

Travelling to and navigating around physical branches is often problematic. 

There are far fewer branches - and many that remain are inaccessible for those in a wheelchair or with mobility issues. 

Phone banking is useful but can challenge older customers or those with hearing loss.

Being blind, access to cash used to present multiple challenges. Without talking ATMs like the ones Barclays provides) I had to ask strangers to push the buttons at the hole-in-the-wall on my behalf.

This is not a recommended approach. 

Quick payments using your mobile and tap-to-pay, reduce such barriers. 

This is why ensuring that your bank prioritises accessibility and inclusive design in all their digital services is so vital. 

Without it, you're just as excluded from financial independence as someone in a wheelchair is when faced with steps into a physical branch - or as we all would be without internet banking during this time of Covid-19.

How AbilityNet can support you in your accessibility journey

Further resources

Microsoft Narrator turns 21; we celebrate a coming of age

A picture of the older Windows logo dating from the era of Windows 2000Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion celebrates Narrator screen reader's coming of age

Windows built-in screen reader, Narrator, made its debut as part of Windows 2000 today (17 February 2000). 

After a clunky start, it blossomed into a viable option for blind PC users.

Assistive technology training

Many people are unaware of the accessibility and productivity tools built into mainstream packages such as Office 365 and Google Suite.

AbilityNet can provide 1:1 training on most assistive technologies (AT). Find out more about our Assistive technology training

The first talking computers

Text-to-speech on computers is well-established.

Since the 1950s, computers have been conversing with computer scientists – albeit almost entirely unintelligibly (the speech recognition programme was known as Wreck a Nice Beach – a play on 'recognise speech'). 

A picture of an IBM MicroThe ability to report what’s on a screen for those who can't see ( 'screen reading software or a 'screen reader') came along a little while later.

Narrator wasn’t the first screen reader. 

You need to rewind to the days of DOS when text-based interfaces were dominant.

In the 1980s, the first software to interpret what was on screen and read it aloud was developed.

It was made for the BBC Micro by the Research Centre for the Education of the Visually Handicapped (RCEVH) at the University of Birmingham. 

Being blind myself, I relied on a talking laptop in the early 90s to help me with my university studies.

It sounded like a robot with indigestion and was approximately the size and weight of a small suitcase, but it was invaluable nonetheless.

Anxiety around the Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A picture of a mouse. The hp logo is visibleThe advent of the Graphical User Interface (GUI, or goo-ey) caused uncertainty and anxiety for blind users when it arrived in the late 80s and early 90s.

The writing was on the wall for text-based computing. 

Straightforward lines of on-screen text were replaced by a canvas of pixels on which everything – words, windows, images and buttons – were drawn with random abandon and no regard for us blind users at all (or so it seemed). 

Worse still you needed something called, a mouse to move and click an on-screen arrow. DOS screen readers and trusty keyboard hotkeys wouldn’t work here. 

We were worried. 

Imagine if someone told you that you were no longer allowed to look at your computer or phone screen and had to perform impossible gestures (without seeing the results) to be able to continue to use your favourite tech. 

To top it all, being blind we didn’t have the option of returning to paper and pen, of course.

 

Innovating in a GUI-first world

The Jaws logo - a happy looking shark in blueWe needed innovation to ensure visually-impaired users were included in the new age of graphical computing. 

Screen readers were forced to employ cunning, low-level techniques, gathering messages from the operating system and using these to build up an 'off-screen model' (OSM).

An OSM is an entirely separate version of the display's content. Only the required text and other necessary bits of information (that this bit of text is sitting on a button or within a weblink etc.) - is stored. 

Tech giants behind leading operating systems needed to cooperate: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS and IBM OS2 – may it rest in peace).

Thankfully, this cooperation was relatively quickly forthcoming. 

Bring apps into the equation. They also become accessible, given the all-important proviso that they respect the need to make information visible to this OSM by following the steps outlined by Microsoft etc. Many app developers did. Many have not - even to this day.

The first screen reader for Windows was released in early 1995. 

It was called Jaws (great name), standing for ‘Job Access With Speech’ and it soon became apparent that working with these 'Window' things, as a blind person, wouldn't be impossible after all.

Challenging and far more complicated than DOS, undoubtedly, but definitely doable.


Jaws has enjoyed consistent development ever since. It remains the go-to screen reader in the workplace in most countries across the globe. However, it isn't inexpensive, often costing as much as the computer it runs on and with an annual licence of around £100 to boot.

Many other screen readers exist – and competition is a good thing in any market. Until relatively recently, however, they were all relatively expensive. 

You get what you pay for with a quality screen reader (and these companies need to cover costs like any other), but the price tag did mean that many blind users were left behind.

We now have an excellent, free screen reader called NVDA which has much of Jaws' functionality, so finally, there are options for those living with no vision on a budget.

What makes a good screen reader?

an image of an old-style can on blocks without any wheelsCreating an effective screen reader is more complicated than you might think. 

Think of it as a means to ‘drive’ your computer with the appreciation that not all cars, for example, aren’t created equal’.

You definitely need four wheels, a fifth to steer and at least one seat.

To get there with efficiency and comfort, however, you’ll also need a gearbox, power steering, an array of instrumentation and a myriad of other helpful modern augmentations. 

The same is true for a screen reader. 

A blind user's focus is only ever in one place at a time; on a single character in a document, on a given item in a menu, on a certain link or image in a web page. We can’t take in the screen as a whole or ‘glance’ around without some help. 

That myopic view of the screen means that a lot more smarts need to be applied to speed up the process. 

Layers of sophistication within screen readers

A picture of an airline cockpit. It is lit up and lots of dials and instructionsAll screen readers have keystrokes to help read that focus (a button or link) button, others to speak a line of text, or the title of the app you’re using and so on.

However, it would help if you had several sophistication levels above that to really be efficient – especially in the workplace.

You’ll want a broader range of hotkeys to quickly glance’ at key points on your screen without tabbing multiple times to get your focus there and back, smart regions on the screen that monitor changes and report notifications (“This document has been opened in ‘Protected view’ – click here to enable editing,”).

You’ll also appreciate its ability to analyse a web page and give you the option of handy lists for links, headings and form controls, etc.

In fact, driving a computer using a screen reader often feels more like piloting a plane than tootling along in an automobile.

Screen Readers, adapting to change

Along the way were other challenges.

Operating systems kept updating. Simple websites became more and more like applications in their own right.

New devices like mobile phones needed attention too.

The pace of such changes has only increased over the years.

Thus creating and continually updating a powerful screen reader takes significant resource and budget – and hence the high price tag of high-quality screen readers like Jaws.

It’s worth every penny if you can afford it – but many can’t, so thank goodness for the dedicated community behind free solutions such as NVDA which is well and truly nipping at its fins.

Narrator secures its place in screen reader history

So where was Narrator during this long period of challenges and achievements? 

Narrator was once disparagingly referred to in the blind community as the screen reader that you used to download and install the ‘proper’ screen reader.

Yet, Microsoft has become a tour de force in delivering accessibility. 

It displayed unfailing cooperation in creating a solid off-screen model for other screen reader developers, and commitment in ensuring all its apps provide OSM-friendly information. 

I know for a fact that I owe both my education and my career to Microsoft. Isn’t it amazing that the default operating system and a core suite of business apps in almost every workplace worldwide are accessible? Truly.

In the last two years, the narrator has transformed into a viable competitor in the screen reader arena.

No longer is it a tool whose primary use is to open the lid on a bigger, better version of itself.

It now has much of the features that the likes of Jaws and NVDA offer - including many of those valuable hotkeys to do much of the heavy lifting of screen review and far more intelligent handling of more complex applications (like Microsoft’s own Ofice suite). 

For blind users who have for so long been unable to imagine a built-in screen reader for Windows that compared favourably to its counterpart on the Mac, now discovering that it’s undergone a major maturing process in a few short months is a delight indeed. 

Options are amazing. 

When disability so often reduces them to a handful or even none, we now have a powerful option that requires no financial outlay, no downloads (simply press Ctrl+Win+Enter – give it a go yourself) and reliable access to Windows and all our most-used applications. 

Hooray for Microsoft and happy birthday Narrator!

How AbilityNet can help (individuals)

How AbilityNet can help (accessibility services)

Thank you: a letter from one of our volunteers

A picture of a neon sign with the words thank youRandom Acts of Kindness Day is February 19, 2021. One of the suggested tasks is to write a letter to someone who has made a big impact on your life.

Here, Chris Grant volunteer and fundraiser write about what his time volunteering means to him. 

Our 300+ volunteers impact the lives of thousands of individuals each year, and it's important to us that the experience is an enjoyable one. 

Find out more about joining our volunteers

Dear AbilityNet,

I am writing this letter to you on Random Acts of Kindness Day 2021, to say a heartfelt “thank you” for being part of my journey.

Early in December 2015 I was enjoying life and working at a telecommunications provider as a customer service agent, then my health took a sudden twist.

Following emergency surgery, I lost my job and was in and out of hospital needing operations.

What hurt me the most was not being able to help others. I came across an advertisement from AbilityNet advertising for ITCANHELP volunteers and quickly applied.

I was interviewed by Sarah Brain became the Scotland Coordinator as a volunteer.

Five years on, I'm saying a big 'thank you' to AbilityNet. 

A big, happy volunteer family

extract from AbilityNet impact report on volunteeringI'd strongly recommend to anyone to volunteer for AbilityNet. The organisation treats everyone as one big family.

We can go to each other; there are forums and WhatsApp groups, and you become friends, and it is good to see that.

This is the best organisation I have volunteered for because everyone is treated the same and opinions are heard.

Don't take my word for it. We've just released our 2020 Impact Survey, which includes survey results as to the experience of all AbilityNet volunteers.

Satisfaction levels remain high and volunteers report good engagement, too.

Fast forward to today and I now work full-time for AbilityNet

It is a real honour and privilege to work for this charity. Being out of employment was tough and never thought I would get a job I’d enjoy because of the big gap in my C.V.

AbilityNet is my life, Volunteering and now working it's just great!. I remember being offered the role and I was speechless (and for those that know me – It does not happen much...)

Chris Grant, Community Relationship Officer for AbilityNet

How AbilityNet can help

How to create an accessible online workplace

Tips from leading experts on how Covid-19 has changed how we work, based on a session on inclusive workplaces at TechShare Pro 2020.

Our panellists were Lucy Ruck, Business Disability Forum; Michael Vermeersch, Digital Inclusion lead at Microsoft; Sara John, NatWest, Neil Eustice, KPMG and Darren Rowan from Eli Lilly. 

How do you create an inclusive workplace?  Watch the recording of our free webinar from September 2021, at 1 pm

How has Covid-19 changed the way we work?

Experts agree that Covid-19 has dramatically changed how we work.

“Business has had to become more flexible allowing those who can, to work from home,” said Luck Ruck, BDF’s Technology Taskforce Manager. “It has been a big shift for everyone, but potentially more so for our disabled colleagues."

“The enforced working from home, brought a sharper focus,” agrees Neil Eustice, Diversity and Knowledge Manager for KPMG UK.

Microsoft’s Michael Vermeersch says Covid-19 speeded development. “We saw an acceleration in the delivery of technology into our products to ensure everyone can work from home and collaborate virtually much better.”

So how can we ensure new ways of working are inclusive? 

Experts tips for inclusive online meetings

There is a range of accessibility features that can make working from home more inclusive for everyone.

Our panellists shared tips on the technology they have found helpful and how to make meetings more accessible.

1. Take advantage of built-in accessibility features

Platforms such as Microsoft Teams have accessibility features built-in, and time getting to know them is time well-spent. 

For example, Teams has a ‘raise hands’ feature that means it’s easier to tell when a meeting participant wants to speak up. 

Microsoft Teams also includes a Closed Captions (cc) feature that will display subtitles of what speakers say on-screen; useful for people with hearing impairments.

Ofcom found that 7.5 million people in the UK (18% of the population) use closed captions (Jan 2020) but of those, only 1.5 million were deaf or hard of hearing. 


2. Be aware of the diversity of user’s needs

Illustration of a laptop with people arranged across it in a tiled effectThere isn’t a one size fits all. Take video-conferencing and online meetings as an example. Some people may prefer to see everyone’s face on the screen. 

However, you may have people with visual impairments involved in the meeting who will need to move closer to the screen to see the faces and, in doing so, they are no longer fully visible on the screen. 

“All they can see is the top of my head about her right ear or something,” said Rowan. "There's no benefit for me, but I understand it because I live in a largely visual world.”

Offering choice is key. There may be another reason people can’t feature onscreen, for instance, if they experience poor broadband. 

3. Understand the impact of different communication channels

Image shows a blank speech bubble on a bright backgroundBe aware of how different ways of communicating impact participants. 

Teams has a chat function, which means people can have a conversation there while a meeting is running. It can act as a great enabler for those who are less comfortable speaking up verbally.

But it also makes for a busy meeting. 

Screen Reader users hear what’s going on in the meeting and the chatter from what’s being typed, making it hard to follow everything. 

“I don't want to get rid of that,” says Rowan, who is a Screen Reader user. “I know chat is an element that is really useful to talk about certain things. It's making sure that it's managed in the right context for the discussions,” he added. 

An alternative to having the chat function turned on is to have someone responsible for keeping an eye on the chat and flagging significant items with the meeting chair. 


4. Watch out for meeting overload

Image shows an old-style analogue alarm clock with bells - it sits on a two-tone backdropOnline meetings can mean we’re ping-ponging from one meeting to another, often without a break. 

There are many ways to manage meeting overload. 

Think about the timing of meetings. Not every meeting needs to last for an hour; starting at ten past and/or ten to the hour allows time for a comfort break.

There may be a flip side to shorter meetings, though. 

“People who need more thinking and processing time are going to get lost in your meeting,” says Eustice.

Ask whether a meeting is the only option, as NatWest’s John said: “[If] everyone's on meetings all day, it isn't great from a mental health point of view."

"We're trying to encourage people to consider ‘do you need a meeting to answer this? Can I send an email, can I do it use a different part of technology to contact somebody?”. 

Vermeersch points out that technology can form part of the solution. Teams enable users to schedule ‘focus time’ using MyAnalytics and change your presence to focusing so that all notifications are silenced.


5. Use etiquette as well as technology

Don’t rely on tech alone for the smooth running of meetings; create guidelines as well.

A good starting point, says John, is to ask people about their needs before the meeting begins. 

“Ask before the meeting, what needs people have for that meeting and address them before it starts,” says John. “Advise people of the different ways that they can join, and contribute,” she adds. 

Eustice agrees, saying it’s important to plan. “Ask people long before the meeting, if you can, because some adjustments take time to prepare."

He added, If you can’t use cloud-based closed captions and need to hire someone to type your captions instead, you’ll need to have them ready to sit in on your meeting,” he said. 

“Moderating online meetings is a sill,” said Rowan.

“One of the ideas we're exploring is having a template that we start with, one slide that gets people in that mode of thinking inclusively,” he added. 

6. Encouraging work-life balance

For many of us, our home is now also our office. It’s important to maintain boundaries. Leaders need to think holistically, says Vermeersch.

“We should be kind to each other and understand that there’s no benchmark for what we are experiencing. Statistically, disabled people generally feel like they, they need to be grateful to have a job and tend to over-perform.”

7. Reasonable adjustments for the home workplace

It’s essential to ensure that people have what they need to adapt a home office and make any reasonable adjustments they need.

“The days are sedentary, and we are sitting still for longer,” said Vermeersch.

“We mustn't forget that that at work, you might have certain adjustments already, like bigger screens and all of that kind of stuff,” he said. “I bought myself a gaming chair because I only have one spine, and I need to treat it well.” 


8. Record meetings for people to review later

You can record sessions so that people can watch them if they’re unable to attend. The functionality is available in Teams and Zoom. 

It’s important to let people know that they are being recorded.

Teams offers automatic transcribing so you can read a transcript as an overview of the meeting if you don’t want to watch it all again. 

9. Accessible content for meetings

Make sure that any content you share during, before or after the meeting is accessible. Microsoft offers an accessibility checker that will check for whether images are tagged with Alt Text. 

“We introduced the accessibility check,” says John. “It prompted people to add Alt Text and to check their colour contrast, that the reading order in PowerPoint is correct.”

Send people documents before the meeting so that they have time to prepare; this will also flag up any problems with the accessibility of these documents.  

10. Match document form to purpose

There may be a temptation to use PowerPoint as the default for meetings, but it won’t suit everyone. Ask if it could be more accessible in Word. It’s still possible to add pictures and to include Alt Text within them.

How AbilityNet can help

AbilityNet is a UK-wide charity that offers individuals support at home, at work and in education.

On this day: IBM brand is born

An image of the IBM logoThe name IBM turns 97 years old this Valentine’s Day (14 February 2021). 

It was on this day the name became IBM having been known previously as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, founded 110 years ago.

IBM invented much of the technology we use today and also gave birth to AbilityNet. 

In the 1990s, IBM American launched the National Support Centre for People with Disabilities in the US, followed by a smaller UK group. 

For FREE technology help call AbilityNet’s Helpline 0800 048 7642

UK Support group launched by IBM

The UK group published a phone number offering to help people research information about disabilities. 

Within three months it had seven staff and was fielding 700 calls per month.

In 1992 it separated from IBM to become a charity called the Computability Centre, alongside the University of Birmingham and The British Computer Society (BCS)

ITCanHelp founder Ken Stoner who had joined the Board of the British Computer Society Disability Group. Ken had previously been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) launched a pilot of the IT Can Help scheme in 1994. 

Sadly, Ken passed away in 2006, but part of his legacy was in establishing ITCanHelp in 50 counties across the UK.

Today, we help thousands of people every year - never more so than during Covid-19.

AbilityNet emerged from the merger of the Computability Centre with its close partner, the Foundation for Communication for the Disabled.

AbilityNet was founded in 1998 with an aim to “improve the conditions of life of people with disabilities [and] to advance and promote for the public benefit research into the use of associated equipment.”

Those principles that ring true, today as we strive for a digital world accessible to all.

Volunteers and staff at the volunteer day 2019. The IBM logo is visible.

IBM Innovating to improve the lives of disabled people

As well as providing technical support, IBM has a history of innovating in the field of accessibility. 

In 1992 it launched the IBM Screen Reader/2 for OS2 (1992), and later the IBM Home Page Reader a practical screen reader and voice browser (1998).

Later, IBM helped develop the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0, the first World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) web accessibility standard.

That innovative spirit is embedded in AbilityNet’s DNA. 

Every year we run the Tech4Good Awards recognising organisations and individuals who use digital technology to improve the lives of others and make the world a better place.

Now in its 4th year, TechShare Pro is organised by AbilityNet and is one of Europe's premier accessibility and inclusive design events. 

The event features leaders sharing insights, including business strategy, accessibility leadership and digital practice that shape the future of accessibility. 

How AbilityNet can help

Help for individuals

Professional accessibility services

Free technology help in a time of Covid-19

Image shows a thumbnail from the Impact survey showing the statistics referenced in the report. A Word version is also available via the link.Technology has played a vital role in keeping people connected as Covid-19 kept us apart.

It’s led to a record year for AbilityNet’s FREE tech help.

We have helped 6,878 individuals, which is 27% more than the previous year. Plus, the value of our public benefit increased 46%. 

In terms of direct help to individuals, we’ve answered 1,580 Helpdesk queries, and our 300+ volunteers have provided 11,726 hours of FREE tech support. 

Volunteers have provided vital support in helping people use technology to stay in touch with family and friends and to access food deliveries and essential services.

During Covid-19, we quickly pivoted services from face-to-face support to providing support via phone and remotely via TeamViewer

Volunteers have gone above and beyond during Covid-19. We have helped churches instigate online services, reconnected families via video calls, and helped a woman say a final goodbye to her husband, who was in a care home. 

For FREE help and support Call the AbilityNet Helpline on 0800 048 7642

Responding to Covid-19

Plugging the gap left by face-to-face support, the charity launched a series of FREE AbilityNet Live! webinars delivering 30+ webinars informing 4,094 people.

Topics have included caring at a distance, reducing loneliness and social isolation, and how to access local support using the internet.

AbilityNet has also worked with other charities during the pandemic offering support on tablets handed into the community for free.

We have supported people using the KOMP video-conferencing services designed for older people, and an NHS service offering remote support to people with mental health needs in North London. 

We’re also working with local Age UK centres to support older people with technology.

Making a difference in individuals’ lives

Our focus is on helping older and disabled people. As our Impact Report shows, we have reached people with mobility, learning, hearing and speech, and vision and colour impairments. 

Our end of year statistics shows how we’ve made a difference to individuals’ lives. Of the people we’ve helped 82% feel better able to use technology, 90% feel more knowledgeable, and 78% find it easier to manage day-to-day life. 

People also more independent (72%), less isolated (68%) and less stressed (79%) with 65% saying they have greater participation in new activities. 

AbilityNet's FREE resources online

We also have a suite of FREE online resources.

These include My Computer My Way, which can show you how to adjust tablets, smartphones and computers to make them easier to use across operating systems. 

In 2020 there were over 1.7 million MCMW sessions. 

Our FREE factsheets offer specific advice on topics such as Autism and Computer and Alternative Keyboards and Mice. Over 78,111 were viewed in 2020.

How AbilityNet can help

Does your institution need to improve digital accessibility?

Join the latest in our regular free webinar series focusing on digital accessibility at public sector and higher education institutions. Get valuable tips and advice from accessibility experts and practitioners in our next webinar designed especially for public sector professionals:

HE/Public Sector Update: How Cardiff Metropolitan University meets accessibility targets: 23 February 2021, 1pm GMT.

 AbilityNet Live logo

Building showing Cardiff Metropolitan University crest and blue sky in backgroundCardiff Metropolitan University logo

Cardiff Metropolitan University will share with us its journey towards meeting its accessibility goals in time for the September Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR) deadline in 2020. 

In this webinar, learn from Annie Horn, Learning Support Manager at Cardiff Metropolitan University about how she worked with others to identify accessibility needs and make changes to the University's processes and procedures to meet the PSBAR deadline in September last year.

She'll be speaking with Alistair McNaught of McNaught Consultancy, about how the university identified its accessibility needs, prioritised its activities and achieved its accessibility targets.McNaught Consultancy Logo

"This wasn’t just a box ticking exercise but an opportunity to provide the best user experience we could," says Annie. 

Find out in this webinar what priorities were set to help Annie and her team focus their accessibility work, and create manageable steps to change.

Also covered in the webinar:

 

Register now

 

Who will benefit from this webinar?

This webinar is for anyone working in the public sector, particularly those in a higher or further education setting, and those working on creating online content.

The webinar will last for one hour and include a question and answer session. 

Find out more about Meeting accessibility regulations at Cardiff Metropolitan University.


How AbilityNet can support you in your accessibility journey

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