Cambridge OnLine
 Switched On Communities

switchedOn communities    PC World - The UK Computer Superstore
 


Cambridge OnLine is to receive more than £32,000 from PC World to help put disabled people in the East of England in touch with technology.

PC World’s initial three year ‘Switched on Communities’ programme will finance equipment, training and support to enable many disabled people, particularly those with severe reading, writing or communication difficulties, to access a computer.

Equipped with the right hardware and software adaptations to meet their personal needs, many previously impossible tasks – such as writing a letter, keeping a diary or shopping on line can be realised.

With the expert help of national computing and disability charity, AbilityNet, Cambridge OnLine will train their staff and volunteers to have a greater understanding of specialist kit available, and an extended understanding of accessibility needs, which they will then communicate to a further 32 voluntary organisations across the East of England. 

A BIG Welcome to the following groups who have recently joined the Switched On Communities project:

 Bushey & Watford PHAB
Cam Trust
Rowan Humberstone
Hertsmere Worknet
Reboot / Red2Green
209Radio
Cambridge Youth Foyer
The Centre at St Paul's
Horizon OnLine

To find out all the groups we are working with, click here and follow this link.

Helping you to support your disabled users

Through the switchedOncommunities project we can provide you with:

·        Training showing you how to adapt computers to meet the needs of disabled users

·        Resources a range of keyboard and mouse alternatives; software to support struggling readers and CD-Roms with further information.

·        Help and support to identify the access needs of your learners

·        Opportunities to link with PC World


About Switched On Communities

switchedOncommunities is a three year community investment programme funded by DSGi, best known for their high street brands PC World and Currys.digital.

Through switchedOncommunities we hope to impact the lives of thousands of disabled people, bringing within easy reach everyday tasks such as banking, shopping, communicating, education, volunteering and work opportunities.

Working with You

To do this we are working with grass-roots community organisations, like yours, providing you with equipment, training and support so that you can support disabled users in your area.

PC World staff nationally will be getting involved in volunteering and fundraising.  We will be developing links with our local PC World stores during the project.

What will it cost?

The training, equipment and support is free to voluntary sector organisations.  All that we ask is that you provide us with reports on your beneficiary numbers.

 

Like to find out more?

Talk to:

Andrew Entecott:        andrew@cambridgeonline.org.uk

                                0845 458 0192

Cambridge OnLine are delivering this project with the support of AbilityNet.  www.abilitynet.org.uk/soc