AbilityNet
Encyclopedia
AbilityNet is a UK based charity
that provides guidance, information, assessment and training on the subject of computing and disability
.
In the 1980s a small team of people at IBM
helped disabled people adapt and adjust their computers. This service was not set up on a commercial basis, but IBM realised it was needed and so in 1992 gave start-up funding for a separate charity to carry on the work of this group. That initiative saw the beginning of AbilityNet.
In 1998, with a reputation as a leader in this field, it was only natural to merge with another charity with a growing reputation for excellence in adaptive software. The Computability Centre and The Foundation for Communication for the Disabled (also around since the 1980s), joined to form AbilityNet.
In January 2010 AbilityNet were joined by the IT volunteer brokering charity It4communities
.
AbilityNet is a pioneer in the field of website accessibility in Europe.
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
that provides guidance, information, assessment and training on the subject of computing and disability
Disability
A disability may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these.Many people would rather be referred to as a person with a disability instead of handicapped...
.
In the 1980s a small team of people at IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
helped disabled people adapt and adjust their computers. This service was not set up on a commercial basis, but IBM realised it was needed and so in 1992 gave start-up funding for a separate charity to carry on the work of this group. That initiative saw the beginning of AbilityNet.
In 1998, with a reputation as a leader in this field, it was only natural to merge with another charity with a growing reputation for excellence in adaptive software. The Computability Centre and The Foundation for Communication for the Disabled (also around since the 1980s), joined to form AbilityNet.
In January 2010 AbilityNet were joined by the IT volunteer brokering charity It4communities
It4communities
iT4Communities is a UK national IT volunteering charity that introduces volunteer IT professionals to charities needing IT help and support.iT4C was set up the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists, the 100th City of London Livery Company in 2002 and since then has registered over 5,500...
.
AbilityNet is a pioneer in the field of website accessibility in Europe.