News and Blog
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Witnessing 25 years of innovation at AbilityNet
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Alex.Barker on Wed, 05/02/2025 - 09:44</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="Alex sitting at a computer wearing a headset" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/Alex%20Barker%20answering%20the%20AbilityNet%20advice%20and%20info%20helpline%20pic%20600px.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px; float: right; width: 400px; height: 212px;" />In March 2001 a slightly geeky-looking man turned up at the IBM offices in Warwick. </p><p>Wearing a jacket and a tie, I sat down and started my 22-year association with AbilityNet...</p><p>Now, in 2025, as I prepare to move to another organisation, here I reflect on the digital accessibility improvements I've witnessed for disabled people over that quarter of a century!</p><h2>How things have changed</h2><p><img alt="Internet wireless box set up" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/internet.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px; float: right; width: 400px; height: 266px;" />It was a much different time in 2001.</p><p>We take using the web for granted now, but in 2001, fewer than 40% of houses in the UK had internet access. Now, 93% of the population has internet access. </p><p>AbilityNet used to have at least four Advice and Information Officers, armed with files full of printed factsheets that we would send out via the post on a daily basis.</p><p>Everyone who worked in an office would be in the office for every day of the week. Neither Facebook or YouTube were around. </p><p>When I moved into my first home I had dial-up internet. In fact, I remember having a dedicated phone line for my internet use. That's weird to think about now.</p><h2>Windows XP</h2><p>This makes me feel old.... Back in 2001, we were all working on that workhorse of Windows, XP.</p><p>Strangely, as of 2025, 0.23% of computers worldwide are still running XP!</p><p>Back in 2001, if you wanted to change the way that the keyboard or the screen looked, you could do this via the Accessibility Wizard. If you didn't have any sight at all, you could use the Narrator to read text out to you.</p><p>Now, if you have Seeing AI installed you can have documents read out to you by just pointing your camera at a piece of text. Seeing AI will even tell you how old it thinks a person is. (It's not that reliable because it thinks I'm 59, when I'm much younger!!)</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong><img alt="Older woman with grey hair and bald man sitting at computer chatting" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/cfab-olderpeopletech.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 200px;" />AbilityNet can support you!</strong></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Get help with digital: </strong>AbilityNet provides support to older people and disabled people to learn how to use digital devices, via our network of 450+ <a href=" Volunteers.</a> </div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">A volunteer can come out and help you if you're puzzled by your printer or worried about Word. Our volunteers will take the time to get to understand your problem, and they'll do all they can to try to fix your issue and get you started online.</div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Training: </strong>If your company needs<a href="; Disability Awareness Training</a>, AbilityNet can help boost your confidence in supporting disabled employees, and ensuring your digital services are accessible. </div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Free resources:</strong> Get online guidance via our <a href=", factsheets and blogs</a>.</div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Can you support us? </strong>AbilityNet works closely with many organisations as part of their commitment to community good. <a href=" our corporate partner</a>.<p> </p></div><h2>Smartphones</h2><p>There were no smartphones to speak of in 2001.</p><p>The first iPhone was released in 2007 and the first Android smartphone was released in 2008. </p><p>I remember having one of those old classic Nokia phones, and the most exciting thing you could do on the LCD screen was to play games. Web access was possible, but, oh my, was it slow!</p><p>Talking about speed, the 3G network was rolled out in 2001. Major news for mobile phone historians was that the first smartphone with Bluetooth was introduced and the first phone to contain a calendar and a FM radio. </p><h2>Technology now</h2><p>Now, most people have smartphones, although there is an ever-increasing gap between those people who have smartphones and tablets and those who still have "non smart phones" like the old Nokia phones.</p><p>People can do online banking, and browse the web on their phone. We're on Windows 11 now and accessibility both on computers and phones is so much better than two decades ago.</p><p>For instance, back in 2001 you had to buy a voice recognition package - now, with improvements in digital accessibility, you can use the built-in tech. Now, although people still work in offices, the Covid pandemic convinced managers that people were just as productive when they worked at home as they were at the office. </p><h2>The future</h2><p>I can't tell you what is going to happen in the future. I do think though that as technology changes there are always going to be people who are left behind by this "tech evolution". They are going to need support. Friends and family often can't provide this support. So, that's where AbilityNet can step in to help bridge the digital divide.</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong><img alt="Woman using smartphone, smiling" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/smartphone_1.jpg" style="float: right; width: 400px; height: 267px;" />Free webinar: Tips to make your smartphone easier to use</strong></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Join our free webinar on <strong>Wednesday 26 February 2025 between 1pm - 1.45pm GMT </strong>to learn about how to make your smartphone work smarter for you!</div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><a class="inline-styles-button" href="; style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:24px;line-height:29px;padding:20px 28px;">Register your webinar place</a></div></div></div></div><div class="social-share clearfix"></div>
Wed, 05 Feb 2025 09:44:16 +0000
Alex.Barker
3104 at
What are 3 common AI myths?
/news-blogs/what-are-3-common-ai-myths
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Alex.Barker on Tue, 03/09/2024 - 09:58</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="AI image of a robot at a desk" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/openart-image_XxpInFwF_1724839150059_raw.jpg" style="float: right; width: 300px; height: 300px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px;" />If you believe some of the myths about AI (artificial intelligence), in a few years AI will mean that people don't need to work and that AI is going to be able to do all our jobs for us.</p><p>Fortunately, it is a myth. Which I'm glad about because if we don't work we don't get paid, so I wouldn't be able to pay the mortgage on my house, or pay for my season ticket for my local football team.</p><p>AI will help me in my job by helping to me to write an email to a client, but I'll still need to tell AI the basic details of the task I want it to do. </p><p>AI is indeed new and exciting, and also a little scary, but there is also a real lack of understanding about how AI works.</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Free factsheet:</strong> <a href="/factsheets/what-ai-and-how-do-i-use-it">What is AI and how do I use it?</a></div><h2>Here are 3 myths about AI:</h2><h3>1. AI is biased</h3><p>One of the biggest myths about AI is that it is<a href="; biased. </a></p><p>Technically speaking AI isn't biased, but the data that AI uses to come up with results is biased. However, as more data is analysed, hopefully some of the bias will disappear.</p><p>It's not going to get rid of all of the content though. Even <a href="; with its Gemini suite, has been criticised for depicting one of the founding fathers of America as being black. AI uses tools to sift data, but if the data is<a href="; biased</a> then AI will report this when you use it. One way of making sure that unbiased results are presented is to make sure that the "training data" is not biased. </p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Free Webinar: How will Artificial Intelligence change accessibility testing? </strong><br /><br />Guests from AbilityNet and Deque discussed how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help improve accessibility testing, and much more!<br /><br /><a href="/AI-accessibility-webinar"><strong>Catch up on the recording </strong></a></div><h3>2. AI can reason like humans</h3><p><img alt="Pizza" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/pizza.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 199px;" />The next myth is about whether or not AI can reason like humans can. Last night my wife ordered pizza. We could have ordered all sorts of other fast food, but we decided on pizza. If you asked an AI client what you could have for fast food it would come up with lots of suggestions, but it would leave you to make the final decision. </p><p>I asked Chat GPT "What should I eat for a takeaway tonight?". This is what it came up with:</p><p>"Choosing a takeaway can be a fun but tough decision! Here are some options depending on what you’re in the mood for:</p><ol><li>Comfort Food: If you want something comforting, go for pizza, burgers, or a hearty pasta dish. These are satisfying and easy to share if you’re with others.</li><li>Healthy Option: If you’re looking to keep it light, try a fresh salad with grilled chicken or a poke bowl. Sushi is also a great option.</li><li>Asian Cuisine: Craving some flavour? Thai, Chinese, or Indian food can offer a variety of dishes like curries, stir-fries, or noodle bowls.</li><li>Mediterranean: If you want something balanced and flavourful, try Mediterranean. A mix of grilled meats, houmus, and fresh veggies is delicious and nutritious.</li><li>Something New: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try something you haven’t had before? Maybe a new local spot or a cuisine you haven’t explored much, like Ethiopian or Korean BBQ.</li></ol><p>What are you in the mood for? That might help narrow it down!"</p><p><a href=" can reason</a>, but it reasons in different ways to humans. It relies on data, not mood.</p><h3>3. AI is empathetic</h3><p><img alt="Illustraiton of side of head, with AI written above it" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/ai.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 200px;" />Yesterday, one of my friends died. We weren't close but we'd exchange a few words when we saw each other when we passed each other in the corridor at the office. Telling an AI client that a friend died elicited this response:</p><p style="margin-left: 40px;">"I'm so sorry to hear that your friend has passed away. Losing someone close is incredibly difficult, and I want to express my deepest condolences. Please know that I'm here for you if you need to talk or simply want someone to listen."</p><p>To me this sounds very formal and clinical. You get so much more empathy from a human being in my opinion. The response I've got from Gemini isn't "from the heart", it has just learnt from an awful lot of data.</p><h2>Myths vs reality</h2><p>Getting rid of some of the <a href=" of AI</a> can only lead to a better understanding of how AI can be used to help people. AI is here to stay and we should embrace it! And if you use Siri or Google, for example, you are already using AI without really noticing it. AI can only get better when the data that it gets is better.</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Further resources about AI:</strong></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Blog: <a href="/news-blogs/5-ways-ai-can-help-disabled-people-workplace">5 ways AI can help people in the workplace</a></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Blog: <a href="/news-blogs/how-artificial-intelligence-can-revolutionise-world-accessibility">How Artificial Intelligence can revolutionise the world of accessibility</a></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 292.031px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial; transition: 0.5s ease-in-out;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div></div></div></div><div class="social-share clearfix"></div>
Tue, 03 Sep 2024 08:58:24 +0000
Alex.Barker
3007 at
Your Apple Watch may be smarter than you think
/news-blogs/your-apple-watch-may-be-smarter-you-think
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Alex.Barker on Mon, 02/09/2024 - 09:51</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>So you have just bought an Apple Watch. Not only does it tell you the time in different cities around the world, and allow you to take calls directly from the watch, but it has got some cool features to help you to be healthier. </p><h2>Posture: stand or roll</h2><p>If you're like me, most of your working life is spent at a desk using a keyboard. Sure, we take comfort breaks or go downstairs to make a hot drink, but for the most part we're fairly sedentary. Sitting in one position for a long period can be detrimental to our physical and mental health. Sometimes we need a gentle reminder to either get up from our desk or just even stretch. </p><p>Luckily, if you have an <a href=" Watc</a><a href="; you can set your device to remind you to <a href=" and move </a>every hour and you earn points towards your Stand Goal. If you are in a wheelchair, it isn't very helpful if you are asked to stand periodically. However, those clever boffins at Apple have thought about this and you can now set your watch up so it knows you are in a wheelchair, and instead of having to stand it suggests you roll your wheelchair to achieve your<a href=" href=", reflect and be mindful</h2><p>We all get stressed and sometimes it is important just to take a bit of time out to focus on something nice. Luckily your Apple Watch has a function where you can take time to <a href=";, and some calming images will appear on your watch.</p><p>If you want to focus <img alt="Image of Apple Watch showing the Mindfulness function" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/watch.jpg" style="width: 300px; float: right; height: 345px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px;" />your breathing, don't worry as there's a function on your watch to help you breathe to relax. </p><p>One of the things that I like is the mindfulness app. Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment and just taking a little bit of 'time out'. One part of the mindfulness app which could be useful is the ability to log <a href=" you are feeling </a>at a particular moment in time. (I've just logged that I'm feeling "pleasant".)</p><p>The information that you give your watch isn't shared with anyone else and if you want to measure your feedback from your watch over a longer period you can do this. It's a great idea just to take some time out of our busy lives to relax and be mindful. Oh, and if the reminders get too annoying you can always turn them off!</p><h2>Apple Fitness+</h2><p>If you want to get fit when using your Apple Watch and iPhone, you can subscribe to<a href="; Apple's Fitness+</a> service. Instead of going to the gym, let the gym come to you! There is guided support from a range of personal trainers available online, which might be the best solution for you if you are busy and want support on demand.</p><h2>Other health tracking</h2><p>Your Apple Watch can also help you track other<a href="; health information</a>. If you have an Android watch you can set up notifications too, but it will vary from device to device. </p><h2>My Computer My Way advice</h2><p>AbilityNet's My Computer My Way website offers simple, free 'how to' guides to make your device easier to use. The guides offer step-by-step instructions on how to adapt your phone, computer or tablet to meet your needs. You can search for a specific operating system, including WatchOS, within My Computer My Way, and also find <a href="/search?key=apple%20watch">a list of guides for your Apple Watch via the AbilityNet site</a>.</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Contact AbilityNet if you are disabled or a senior citizen and need support with your digital devices - call our helpline on 0300 180 0028 or <a href="/at-home/request-free-it-support-home">request help from an AbilityNet volunteer</a>.</div><h2>How AbilityNet can help you with tech for free</h2><p>If you're over 65 years of age or a disabled adult and are looking to build your digital skills, AbilityNet offers <a href="/btdigitalskills">free digital skills sessions</a> in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, the East Coast of Scotland, Newcastle, Cardiff and surrounding areas. We can also help you if you live outside these areas - <a href="/free-tech-support-and-info/request-free-it-support-home">contact us for support.</a></p><p>Trainers can build something bespoke for your group or for an individual and run sessions including:</p><ul><li>Getting to know your Smartphone or Tablet</li><li>Staying Safer Online</li><li>Getting started with Email</li><li>Using Social Media, e.g. Facebook</li><li>Online entertainment, e.g. watching TV online</li><li>How to access Public Services e.g. Gov.UK</li><li>How to make a video call</li><li>How to manage your health online</li><li>How to bank online</li></ul><p><a class="inline-styles-button" href="/btdigitalskills" style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:24px;line-height:29px;padding:20px 28px;">Book a free session</a></p><p> </p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Does your organisation need Disability Awareness Training?</strong></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Increase your confidence in meeting the accessibility needs of your diverse workforce (and customers!) by attending our Disability Awareness Training and offering it to your team. Learn from disabled people who share their experiences in our compelling set of courses.</div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><a class="inline-styles-button" href="/speak-our-experts-about-training-your-teams" style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:24px;line-height:29px;padding:20px 28px;">Ask us about training for your team</a></div><h3> </h3><h2>How AbilityNet can help you</h2><p>AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.</p><ul><li>Call our helpline: 0300 180 0028<br />Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls</li><li>Access free <a href=" technology. Topics include <a href=" recognition</a> and <a href=" alternatives</a>.</li><li><a href=" Computer My Way</a>: a free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.</li></ul><h2>Support AbilityNet</h2><p>If you're able to help us help others please <a href="/support-us/how-to-donate-to-abilitynet">donate to AbilityNet</a></p></div></div></div><div class="social-share clearfix"></div>
Mon, 02 Sep 2024 08:51:30 +0000
Alex.Barker
3008 at
How to manage in a digital world
/news-blogs/how-manage-digital-world
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Alex.Barker on Thu, 01/08/2024 - 11:43</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="AbilityNet volunteer Jordan standing wearing lanyard outside a residential house" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/jordansmall_1.jpg" style="float: right; width: 400px; height: 267px;" />X, or Twitter as it used to be called, is a great way of complaining about things, or at least bringing topics of interest to other people's attention.</p><p>Recently, <a href=" spied a thread on X</a> that had started with this comment, "My dad is nearly 90 and every official communication he gets requires the downloading of an app or the setting up of an online account. How do older people without relatives manage?"</p><p>Being helpful I then replied to highlight <a href="/free-tech-support-and-info/request-free-it-support-home">AbilityNet's volunteer support</a>, available to older people and disabled people, for free. (Jordan, pictured, is one of our tech volunteers who helps people in his area in Wales.)</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Contact AbilityNet if you are disabled or a senior citizen and need support with your digital devices - call our helpline on 0300 180 0028 or <a href="/at-home/request-free-it-support-home">request help from an AbilityNet volunteer</a>.</div><h2>Change is harder, as we age</h2><p>As we get older, our ability to cope with change and new concepts becomes less and less. I'm 52 and I can't cope with change. I like things to be the way they always were.</p><p>But I'm also a realist and I know things are going to change, whether I like it or not. Change can be a good thing, but if you are going to change things you do need to make sure that you take people with you. </p><p>Sadly, sometimes I'm not sure if organisations realise this. </p><h2>Don't assume</h2><p><img alt="Older woman using a laptop sitting at a kitchen table" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/olderwoman.jpg" style="float: right; width: 400px; height: 267px;" />There are many things we now can do online, be it getting a doctor's appointment or buying a train ticket or even doing online banking. </p><p>It is assumed that we know how to do these simple tasks. Just because I'm confident with my smartphone doesn't mean that my mum who is 80 is going to be confident with hers. In fact, I know that she's not and the only reason she got it was so she can Facetime with her grandkids. </p><p>Although I'm happy to give my elderly parents technical support, often it can lead to frustration on both our parts. </p><p>But where do you go to get support if you don't have a family member to show you what to do?</p><h2>Free help is available!</h2><p>If you are disabled or are an older person and need help with your tech or digital devices, please contact us to <a href="/free-tech-support-and-info/request-free-it-support-home">ask one of our AbilityNet volunteers for support</a>.</p><p>Our network of 450+ tech volunteers around the UK are always patient and are quite happy to show you what to do, as they understand you might not get it first time around.</p><p>Most of our volunteers have helped people who are in exactly your position. </p><p>Of course, there are lots of people who have out-of-date technology, and you'd be surprised at the number of people who contact us who don't have smartphones. </p><p>You'll be glad to know that there are <a href="/webinars/top-tips-boosting-your-digital-skills-bt-group-and-age-uk">lots of smartphones designed specifically for elderly people</a> who might not want all the 'bells and whistles' of a new piece of fancy technology. </p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>How to boost your online skills: free learner factsheets</strong><br /><br />Make the most out of life in a digital world using this range of factsheets and other resources build online skills and confidence. <br /><br /><br /><a class="inline-styles-button" href="/factsheets/how-boost-your-online-skills-learner-factsheets" style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:24px;line-height:29px;padding:20px 28px;">Download your factsheets</a><br /> </div><h2>Support your users</h2><p>But sometimes what is missing from this move to everything going digital is the support from organisations when they change over to digital. It can sometimes seem that they just expect people to get on with the new systems.</p><p>Some people are going to struggle to get on with whatever provision has just gone digital only. </p><p>Although there are support networks like AbilityNet available to help people embrace tech, when moving systems over to digital there must be support staff available who can cope with frustrated users and have the time to walk people through the changes.</p><p>Going digital is inevitable. However, don't just assume that everyone is going to be confident with making the move. There are going to be a lot of people who will struggle. That's why our <a href="/free-tech-support-and-info">Advice and Information</a> service is there to help you. </p><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><div id="mytexttospeechdiv" style="opacity: 0.1; position: fixed; z-index: 1000000; background-color: rgb(33, 150, 243); text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); right: 10px; top: 10px; line-height: 30px; height: 30px; width: 30px; cursor: default; border-radius: 25% !important; padding: initial;"><div id="mytexttospeechdivinner" style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 0.2rem; height: 0.2rem; border-radius: 50% !important; background-color: white;"> </div></div><h2>How AbilityNet can help you with tech for free</h2><p>If you're over 65 years of age and looking to build your skills, AbilityNet offers <a href="/btdigitalskills">free digital skills sessions</a> in areas in and around London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff. We can also help you if you live outside these areas - <a href="/free-tech-support-and-info/request-free-it-support-home">contact us for support.</a></p><p>Trainers can build something bespoke for your group or for an individual and run sessions including:</p><ul><li>Getting to know your Smartphone or Tablet</li><li>Staying Safer Online</li><li>Getting started with Email</li><li>Using Social Media, e.g. Facebook</li><li>Online entertainment, e.g. watching TV online</li><li>How to access Public Services e.g. Gov.UK</li><li>How to make a video call</li><li>How to manage your health online</li><li>How to bank online</li></ul><p><a class="inline-styles-button" href="/btdigitalskills" style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:24px;line-height:29px;padding:20px 28px;">Book a free session</a></p><p> </p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Does your organisation need Disability Awareness Training?</strong></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Increase your confidence in meeting the accessibility needs of your diverse workforce (and customers!) by attending our Disability Awareness Training and offering it to your team. Learn from disabled people who share their experiences in our compelling set of courses.</div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><a class="inline-styles-button" href="/speak-our-experts-about-training-your-teams" style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:24px;line-height:29px;padding:20px 28px;">Ask us about training for your team</a></div><h3> </h3><h2>How AbilityNet can help you</h2><p>AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.</p><ul><li>Call our helpline: 0300 180 0028<br />Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls</li><li>Access free <a href=" technology. Topics include <a href=" recognition</a> and <a href=" alternatives</a>.</li><li><a href=" Computer My Way</a>: a free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.</li></ul><h2>Support AbilityNet</h2><p>If you're able to help us help others please <a href="/support-us/how-to-donate-to-abilitynet">donate to AbilityNet</a></p></div></div></div><div class="social-share clearfix"></div>
Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:43:45 +0000
Alex.Barker
2995 at
Making online connections with rare condition Moebius Syndrome
/news-blogs/making-online-connections-rare-condition-moebius-syndrome
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Alex.Barker on Tue, 23/01/2024 - 11:00</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="Alex Barker" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/alex-head_0.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; float: right; width: 180px; height: 258px;" />AbilityNet Disability Consultant Alex Barker has a very rare disability called Moebius Syndrome.</p><p>In this blog, released to mark <a href="; target="_blank">Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day 2024</a>, he explains how technology has enabled a community of people with the same condition to come together from all corners of the world.</p><h2>What is Moebius Syndrome?</h2><p>I celebrated my 50th birthday last year. </p><p>Back in 1972 when I was born the world was a very different place. I was born with an extremely rare condition (researchers estimate that the condition affects 1 in 50,000) called <a href=" Syndrome</a>. This means that I'm unable to smile or to show any facial expression. If I knew how to play poker I'd have the best "poker face" ever. I don't have all my fingers or toes either. What I do have is a loving family and they have supported me throughout my life. </p><h2>Lack of accessible information</h2><p>However, one of the difficulties that my family faced back in the 1970s was that information about Moebius Syndrome was hard to come by. The Moebius Syndrome Support Group in the UK consisted of people who had children with the condition writing to each other to share information, or by having a meet-up every so often.</p><p>If you wanted to research information you had to go to a specialist library and spend hours wading through content trying to find information, and then finding a photocopier to make a copy of that info.</p><h2>Online support for rare conditions</h2><p><img alt="Text reads: Moebius Syndrome Awareness Every Day" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/MSAD_Digital-Artboard-1-122221-300x114.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; float: right; width: 300px; height: 114px;" />There are many stories of people who have Moebius feeling lost and alone because they couldn't find anyone to share their experiences with. When I started university in 1995 the internet was still fairly basic. I decided that I would set up a website hosted on Geocities for people living with Moebius in the UK... but this platform is sadly long gone! </p><p>I wasn't the only one setting up an online space to discuss Moebius. Slowly but surely the community developed with lots of people all around the world starting their own websites, or "Home Pages" as they used to be called. I gradually started to reach out to people that had Moebius.</p><p>I even started to reach out to a woman in Florida with the same condition. We used to make each other "mix tapes". She used to spend her summers in California and I met up with her one year. I also met people from France, Sweden and Norway with the condition. The internet was becoming so useful for people like me to connect with other people in the same situation.</p><h2>Romance within the Moebius community</h2><p><img alt="Two hands shaped together like a heart, with a sunset in the background" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/heart.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; float: right; width: 300px; height: 200px;" />Fast forward 15 years or so and I started chatting to another woman in the USA who had Moebius and what started off as friendship soon became much more. We got married in her family church in Lexington, North Carolina in November 2018. Our trans-Atlantic courtship got lots of coverage on the internet, and it culminated with the <a href="; target="_blank">New York Times</a> taking pictures at our wedding!</p><p>January 24th every year is<a href="; target="_blank"> Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day </a>(MSAD) where people are encouraged to wear purple to raise awareness of the condition. Technology helps us to get our message out to all the corners of the world and to give people a better understanding of the condition.</p><h2>Lived experience of disability is valuable in the workplace</h2><p>What has my condition got to do with my work as a Disability Consultant at AbilityNet? Well, it means that I have lived experience of living with a disability. I've got a really good understanding of how difficult it can be sometimes to get my work done.</p><p>A good example is that my writing looks like a five-year-old's, but put me in front of a keyboard and I can really show my talents off. Another example is that I know what it is like to have <a href="/factsheets/how-apply-access-work-grant">Access to Work</a> support. When I worked in an office I found public transport difficult to use, so Access to Work paid for a taxi to take me to and from work. Finally, I love giving presentations, and I love making atendees laugh. Quite ironic as I can't show facial expression!</p><p>I've also got a really good handle on how useful tech is for me to do my job well. I share this experience and provide information on how to you can help others in your workplace with physical disabilities in an <a href="/training/removing-physical-barriers-%E2%80%93-dont-disable-me-digital-disability-awareness-training">AbilityNet training course: Don't Disable Me - Removing Physical barriers</a>. I also run <a href="/free-tech-support-and-info/support-for-charities-and-orgs/book-your-free-sessions-about-disabilities">free disabilities sessions</a> to educate community groups and charities about disability and technology.</p><p>Disabled people often have to remove physical barriers to enable them to live, study and work effectively. I’ve used technology to enable me to study at college and university and I love passing on my experience to other people so they can benefit from the same positive opportunities that I’ve had.</p><h3>Further resources</h3><p>Webinar playback: <a href="/webinars/how-technology-can-help-people-parkinsons">How technology can help people with Parkinson's</a></p><p>Ask Alex: <a href="/news-blogs/ask-alex-voice-recognition-technology">Voice recognition technology</a></p><p>Factsheet: <a href="/factsheets/how-apply-access-work-grant">How to apply for an Access to Work grant</a></p></div></div></div><div class="social-share clearfix"></div>
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:00:37 +0000
Alex.Barker
2589 at
12 scams to be aware of and how to avoid them
/news-blogs/12-scams-be-aware-and-how-avoid-them
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Alex.Barker on Thu, 18/01/2024 - 16:09</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">This article was originally published in December 2022. Updated January 2024.</div><p><br />The internet opens you up to a whole new world of opportunity, but it also exposes you to a wide variety of online scams. Our Guide of 12 scams helps alert you to some common scams and how to avoid them.</p><p>The Twelve scams cover:</p><ol><li><a href="#Whstapp">WhatsApp Messenger scams</a></li><li><a href="#shopping">Online shopping fraud</a></li><li><a href="#Delivery">Delivery scams</a></li><li><a href="#brushing">Amazon 'brushing' scams</a></li><li><a href="#ecard">E-card and gift card scams</a></li><li><a href="#supermarket">Supermarket scams</a></li><li><a href="#refund">Refund scams</a></li><li><a href="#Fake">Fake websites</a></li><li><a href="#Microsoft">Microsoft Support Scam</a></li><li><a href="#secret">Facebook bonus scams</a></li><li><a href="#bank">Banks scams</a></li><li><a href="#travel">Travel scams</a></li></ol><h2><a id="Whstapp" name="Whstapp"></a>1. WhatsApp Messaging scam</h2><p>WhatsApp Messenger is a simple, convenient and powerful way of <a href="/news-blogs/coronavirus-keep-touch-family-using-whatsapp">keeping in touch with family and friends</a>. Its popularity, however, has made it a popular target for scammers, and messaging scams are on the rise. </p><h3>What's the scam?</h3><p>You may receive a message from someone pretending to be a family member. As in <a href=" example</a>, scammers may ask you to transfer money for an emergency. Typically, the notes come from the accounts of hijacked accounts. </p><h3>How to avoid WhatsApp scams</h3><p>Advice from WhatsApp is to stop before you act. It's excellent advice for this and all scams, as revealed in our <a href="/webinars/free-webinar-how-avoid-12-scams-christmas">Free webinar with Greater Manchester Police</a>, and an earlier <a href=" session,</a> which featured Take 5 and others. First, ask if the message makes sense? Would a relative send this type of message? Finally, if you have any doubts, call the person and ask if they sent the message. </p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="; title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><h2><a id="shopping" name="shopping"></a>2. Online shopping fraud</h2><h3>What's the scam?</h3><p>Scammers hook you into fake websites claiming to sell items such as clothing, games consoles and other desirable goods, which never arrive. According to UK Finance, in 2020, people lost £27 million to fraud in the first half of the year. </p><p>That amounts to £720 per case, on average. </p><h3>How to avoid online fraud</h3><p>In this case, the adage "if it looks too good to be true, it probably is" is one to recall. Bargain prices on the year's must-have gifts should ring alarm bells. Buy from websites that you recognise. Where you don't recognise a retailer, look at their website and check for other means of getting in touch. For example, do they have a chat function, and does it work? Is there a registered address in the UK?</p><p>Avoid links that come from unsolicited emails, which are more likely to be scams. </p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><a href="/factsheets/internet-scams-and-how-avoid-them">Download our FREE factsheet on how to spot a scam and avoid it</a></div><h2><a id="Delivery" name="Delivery"></a>3. Delivery scams</h2><h3>What's the scam?</h3><p><img alt="A box displaying the amazon logo on its side" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/a%20box%20with%20amazon%20logo.jpg" style="margin: 10px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 200px;" />You'll receive an email (or text) letting you know that you've received a parcel or are due to receive one. There are many varieties of this scam. One from the Post Office, for example, asks you to enter personal information that it requires before it can send your parcel. The report includes personally sensitive information such as a bank account detail or date of birth. </p><p>Later, you will receive a phone call from scammers who will use this information to convince you they are your bank and empty your account. </p><p>Similar scams, saying you have a parcel, may appear to come from Hermes, DPD and amazon. </p><h3>How to avoid delivery scams?</h3><p>First, ask if you're expecting a parcel? You might be.</p><ul><li>However, there's no need to enter sensitive information to receive one, and none of the major delivery companies will ask for this - if an app or message is asking for this, it should raise alarm bells. </li><li>Next, check with the company (not the delivery company) where you placed an order using your online account rather than an email. Again, don't click on links from within the email. </li><li>If it's asking for money or personal information, it could be a scam. </li><li>Check the address of the email sender and if it looks suspicious, ignore it. </li><li>Watch out for generic greetings and grammatical errors, which suggest this is a scam. </li></ul><h2><a id="brushing" name="brushing"></a>4. A surprise delivery from amazon</h2><p>You might receive an amazon delivery you weren't expecting as part of a so-called amazon "brushing" scam. </p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><img alt="AbilityNet, in partnership with BT Group logo" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/AbilityNet%20In%20partnership%20with%20BT%20Group_RGB_v2.png" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 400px; height: 80px; float: right;" /><strong>Free webinar: Empowering Seniors: 5 Essential Tips for Online Safety and Support</strong></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><p><img alt="Group of older people looking at a smartphone and smiling" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/Screenshot%202024-02-15%20165248.png" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 171px;" />Our free webinar in October 2024 shared top tips for connecting and staying safer online if you are a senior citizen or a disabled adult.</p><p><br /><br /><a class="inline-styles-button" href="/webinars/empowering-seniors-5-essential-tips-online-safety-and-support" style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:24px;line-height:29px;padding:20px 28px;">Watch the webinar</a></p></div><h3>What's the scam?</h3><p>Amazon Marketplace sellers send packages (often from China) to boost their sales volumes and reviews. Consumer champion, Which? <a href="