UCanDoIT is a charity that teaches people with disabilities how to use computers on a one-to-one basis in their own homes.
Reaching people with disabilities has always been a challenge and to do so without using funds that could be used to provide tuition even more so. We find that whilst social services and sensory impairment units refer people on to us the turnover of staff in these departments often means we have to reintroduce ourselves on a regular basis.
UCanDoIT started in 1998 in the belief that the Internet can change the lives of disabled people bringing them a greater level of independence and combating social exclusion. Since then we have taught almost 3,500 people with over 80 differentdisabilities from all backgrounds and all age groups.
We now have over 70 tutors in the UK, a large percentage of them in Greater London where we originally started but also in the Home Counties, Wales, Birmingham and Devon. Many of our tutors are themselves disabled and some are former learners who have chosen to pass on their skills.
We have a dedicated Scottish charity primarily funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Supporting 21st Century Life. We have 9 tutors many with a background in teaching assistive technology as well as funding for learners needing reconditioned computers and any software needed.
We have also won funding from the Westminster Foundation to extend our home training services to disabled people in Liverpool, Manchester and surrounding areas.
If you or anyone you know would like to apply to learn with UCanDoIT please contact enquiries@ucandoit.org.uk or call 020 7730 7766. Details can also be found on our website at www.ucandoit.org.uk
Debbie Brixey
Public Relations
UCanDoIT