For immediate release
Information Technology is playing a vital part in helping to improve the quality of life for significant numbers of disabled people, by enabling them to participate more fully in society. Information Technology is often the only way in which disabled people can communicate clearly with family and friends.
By helping disabled people to understand and get the most out of information technology, the IT–Can–Help Network (ITCH) is broadening their horizons in ways unimaginable a few years ago.
IT–Can–Help is a project of the British Computer Society Disability Group (BCS-DG) and was devised by Ken Stoner, who is himself severely disabled by Motor Neurone Disease. The project was launched in 1994 following a two year development programme and aims to address the current shortfall in the availability of technical assistance for disabled people using computers. It is built around a network of volunteers who are prepared to offer disabled people free, computer-related assistance.
When he was forced to retire at the age of 52, as Chief Engineer of a drilling rig manufacturer due to the onset of Motor Neurone Disease, Ken Stoner worked for a time as a REMAP engineer designing special equipment for other disabled people.
… More/
– 2 –
While he was with REMAP he realised that many disabled people without any family or friends to sort out their computer problems for them, would not receive the help they so vitally needed. So in 1992 he joined the Board of the BCS-DG and set about championing IT support for disabled computer users.
The BCS-DG is a special interest group that focuses on how computer technology can help those with special needs, and has been working with the voluntary disability sector for over 20 years.
Ken Stoner found the BCS-DG Board was already thinking of launching an IT Support project and that his and their ideas ran along broadly similar lines. This like mindedness together with REMAP experience quickly saw him put in charge of what has now become the IT–Can–Help Network.
Pilot study
“The project took two years to develop,” said Ken, “followed by an eighteen month pilot study in Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire. This gave us valuable insights into the running costs and administrative structure required to run the project successfully. It also proved there was a definite need for this type of scheme.
“The pilot study also highlighted the need for independent fund raising to supplement the financial support we were being given by the BCS-DG, if we were to meet out target of completing a national network by end of 2003. With 39 counties in England and Wales already operational, a Scottish Network nearing completion and a local contact in place in Northern Ireland, we are well on the way to achieving this.”
ITCH is run by a 12-strong Steering Group. There are currently eight areas within the U.K., each with its own Area Organiser. Each of the counties within an area has its own Controller coordinating the activities of the Volunteers, who reports to the Area Organiser.
… More/
– 3 –
A County Controller’s responsibilities include: recruiting volunteers, network administration, advertising for clients and promoting the ITCH Network throughout their county. All applications for assistance are channeled through and assessed by the County Controller, who then contacts the volunteer(s) geographically closest to the applicant to see who can respond the soonest. Applications may come from disabled people person themselves, their carer or other person acting on the client’s behalf. Requests can arrive by telephone, e-mail or post.
Safety first
The interests and security of clients are paramount and all would-be volunteers are carefully vetted by the County Controller. Prospective volunteers must submit a detailed application form to the County Controller and include the names and addresses of two referees; references are always obtained. Once they have been accepted, volunteers are provided with an ID card bearing their photograph and other details.
IT–Can–Help is growing fast and providing a lifeline to disabled people by solving their hardware and software problems, and helping them to gain confidence in using a computer.
– ends –
[Add date issued here]
For more information visit www.itcanhelp.org.uk or contact:
|
Mike Still Press Officer IT–Can–Help Woodhay Fir Tree Lane Little Baddow Essex CM3 4SS
Tel/Fax: 01245 223250 e-mail: [email protected] |
[County Controller’s name & address, etc.] |