Factsheets

Digital Scams can affect practically anyone in the UK. Action Fraud, our national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, received over 800,000 fraud reports in the year up to June 2020, and up to 85% of those reports involved cyber-fraud. Criminals are making the most of social media, email and messaging services to attack their targets, and getting more sophisticated in how they use technology to grow their reach. But that doesnt mean anyone has to become a victim. By understanding how the fraudsters operate and knowing the key warning signs, you can avoid falling for their scams.

Based on a webinar by AbilityNet, this factsheet offers tips on dementia-friendly website and digital design. You will find practical tips on co-designing with people who have dementia and tips for website structure, simple language, text styling, contrast, presenting multimedia and helping people better process instructions online.

AbilityNet is a charity that supports disabled people.However, the term "disability awareness" isn't always understood. Here, we have gathered some useful resources for guidance.

Some people can only use the keyboard with one hand. This factsheet gives you some advice on the most effective ways of doing this.

This factsheet outlines how WCAG 2.2 benefits disabled people, and details the key points you should act on to comply with WCAG 2.2 requirements. The information below is particularly useful for web developers, content editors and web managers but is also valuable for anyone wanting to know more about WCAG 2.2 in general.

There are more than 4.4 million disabled people in work. (Labour force survey October to December 2020.) This factsheet summarises the steps to support people with an impairment or long-term health condition in work, via reasonable adjustments or accommodations. It also highlights the range of high quality paid for and free services that AbilityNet provides to help disabled people succeed at work. Employing disabled people is good for business. It can help you to: - draw on a much broader talent pool - employ and retain high quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working - improve employee morale and reduce absence through sickness - create a diverse workforce that more closely reflects your range of customers and the community where you operate Under the law, there can also be serious penalties for treating someone less favourably because of a personal characteristic, such as being disabled.

This factsheet offers a summary of the difficulties people with Parkinsons may experience when using their computers, along with information about the adjustments that can make their devices easier to use. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. Most people who develop Parkinsons are over 50, but younger people can develop it too. Parkinsons develops when cells in the brain stop working properly and are lost over time. With thanks to our charity colleagues at Parkinsons UK for reviewing our Parkinsons and Technology factsheet before publication.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting an estimated 9 million people in the UK. Osteoarthritis was previously dubbed wear and tear arthritis because it was thought that the joints gradually wore out over time and was an inevitable part of ageing. However, its now known that osteoarthritis is more complicated than this, and that while the risk of osteoarthritis does increase as we grow older its by no means inevitable. Although osteoarthritis is distinct from rheumatoid arthritis which is an auto-immune disease the two forms have similarities in the way in which they can impact quality of life, but also in the ways in which technology can support people, enabling them to maintain independence. Given that many people with osteoarthritis can experience reduced dexterity and can find it painful to use standard keyboards and mice, AbilityNet has produced this factsheet to cover some of the options that can help make computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones easier to use.

Communication problems affect an estimated 2.2 million people. This includes people with aphasia, autism, cerebral palsy, dementia, head trauma, learning difficulties, motor neurone disease (MND), Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons and stroke. People with these conditions may have difficulty speaking or understanding what is being said. This barrier can affect every aspect of daily life. A large variety of communication aids are available to help people communicate more effectively. Useful aids include no-tech E-Tran frames (a means of using eye-pointing as a way of communicating through pictures, symbols, letters, number and words), and computer-aided communication using dedicated input methods, and dedicated AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools. This factsheet outlines your options when selecting an electronic aid to make it clearer and quicker to communicate. AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) aids can be a purpose-built device or a standard computer, tablet or smartphone running specialist software or apps. Many people combine these high-tech aids with other forms of non-verbal communication, including gestures, facial expression, pictures and signing. Everyones communication support needs are different and selecting the right communication aids for an individual will depend on their particular needs, personal preferences and abilities. With so many aids to choose from, we emphasise the importance of seeking a comprehensive assessment by a speech and language therapist. This will ensure that all the important factors are considered including the individual's motor, visual, cognitive, language and communication strengths and weaknesses. The therapist can also make a referral to a specialist communication aid centre if necessary. Communication is a two-way process and it is very helpful to include family members and carers in an assessment. Ongoing training and support can also help to ensure the success of the selected aid(s). Additionally, with the cost involved, it makes great sense to have a free trial before committing to the purchase of any expensive communication aid.

Technology moves on at a really quick rate.There is always a lot of pressure from producers of technology to update your device. But doyou need to do this? And when you do, what are the key things to remember?

Although using and interacting with information technology (IT) is becoming increasingly intuitive, it is not a natural process and therefore, some level of training will be needed for anyone. Training is also the most efficient way to improve confidence and encourage further independent learning. AbilityNet provides free IT support to help older people and disabled people to use technology to achieve their goals. We have a network of friendly volunteers who can help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones. Currently, we are providing all of our support remotely. We are often asked about teaching and training on computer skills, this factsheet provides the details of the companies, charities, and government initiatives that can provide this.

RA is an auto-immune disease and quite different from osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear form of arthritis which many people get to some degree, particularly as they get older. People with RA experience disabling pain, stiffness and reduced joint function as well as severe fatigue, which can have a huge impact on quality of life for them and their families. Given that many people with Rheumatoid Arthritis find it painful to use a standard keyboard and mouse, AbilityNet has produced this factsheet, with the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) to cover some of the options that can help make computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones easier to use. This factsheet is part of AbilityNets free Advice and Information service. If you have any questions at all about anything in this factsheet, or any other aspect of assistive technology, please contact us.

One in 4 people experience mental health issues of some kind in England each year, and 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England. This factsheet covers how assistive technology can help people with their mental health. Its not a fix, but Assistive Technology (AT) and apps (free and paid-for) can form part of a holistic approach to gaining support.

AbilityNet is working withtelecommunications company to help older and digitally excluded people to make the most out of life in a digital world.

As part of this activity, we've created a range of factsheets and other resources to help older people build online skills and confidence.

Work and study pressures, together with the always on culture, can be significant causes of stress. If not managed, stress can lead to long-term sickness, anxiety and depression. There are many ways you can use your computer, tablet and/or smartphone to become better organised, more productive and hopefully therefore less stressed. Small changes to how your computer is set up, and to the software you use, can make significant differences.

This factsheet provides an overview of how you can use voice recognition. You can use voice recognition to control a smart home, instruct a smart speaker, and command phones and tablets. In addition, you can set reminders and interact hands-free with personal technologies. The most significant use is for the entry of text without using an on-screen or physical keyboard. Communication technology continues to evolve rapidly. Using voice recognition to input text, check how words are spelt and dictate messages has become very easy. Most on-screen keyboards have a microphone icon that allows users to switch from typing to voice recognition easily. For some disabled people who might struggle or find it impossible to work with a mouse or keyboard, speech recognition enables a world of productive possibilities. It can free people from typing and keyboard use, helping those with physical impairments and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injury from excessive typing or mouse use. For example, people with dyslexia can write more fluently, accurately and quickly using voice recognition and may find it less stressful than conventional handwriting or typing. For employers, enabling voice recognition in systems and encouraging its use in the workplace can be a reasonable adjustment: preventing discrimination against and maximising the productivity of disabled staff.

Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects the processes involved with fluent reading and writing. It is estimated that dyslexia affects approximately 1 in 10 people, with 1 in 25 classed as severely dyslexic. It is what we now recognise as a neurodivergent condition. Neurodivergence recognises that humans are not all the same. A neurological difference, such as dyslexia, is a normal variation of the human experience with many positive and desirable character traits and a fundamental part of a persons identity. This factsheet gives an overview of how people with dyslexia can use technology to make things easier for them. Much of this help is built into devices or available for free.

A screen reader allows people who are blind or visually impaired to use their computer. This factsheet provides an overview of the main screen readers available for people to use with their computer or mobile devices. It has been written to help people determine which is the most appropriate for their needs and includes summary information about the screen readers built into the operating system alongside other free or commercial products. As with all assistive technologies, no one size fits all, and people may find it useful to try more than one before settling on their preferred tool. In the UK there are almost 2 million people living with sight loss. According to the RNIB only one in four people registered blind or partially sighted is in employment, and this number is falling. As such, the promotion of awareness about screen reader technology plays a vital part in the continued welfare, education, and employability of people with visual impairments.

This factsheet highlights some of the actions you can carry out quickly on your computer by using key combinations rather than using the mouse to navigate menus and options. These key combinations are referred to as shortcuts as they are often a much quicker way of carrying out tasks. They can also be particularly useful for repetitive actions.

This factsheet looks at repetitive strain injury (RSI) the term most often used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repeated movement and overuse. It looks at the symptoms and causes of RSI (also known as Upper limb disorders (ULDs)), cumulative trauma disorder or occupational overuse syndrome, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, and the steps that individuals or employers can take to protect themselves and their staff. It is important that employers understand their legal responsibility to provide any reasonable adjustments to protect their staff from injury and prevent discrimination. Computer use is one significant cause of RSI, and this factsheet includes practical information on both reducing the risk and responding effectively to any cases that may arise in an office environment.

1.5 million people in the UK have learning disabilities. Easy Read is a method of making information easier to understand for this group.

Nearly one-in-five of people living in the UK have a disability of which a growing proportion are aged 65 or over. Many of these people struggle to use a standard telephone or mobile phone, and would benefit from a suitable alternative. This factsheet provides an introduction to the various types of telephone and mobile phone that are available to make communication easier for someone with an impairment. Manufacturers of more accessible telephones and mobile phones include Amplicomms, Doro and Geemarc, and many of the models they produce are readily available form major retail outlets. However, please note that this factsheet is not intended to be exhaustive. Anyone who might benefit from a different kind of phone that would be easier for them to use is strongly advised to seek specialist advice.

Autism or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder is "a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them" (National Autistic Society, June 2020). Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways. Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels of support. Autism is a neurodivergent condition. Neurodiversity recognises that humans are not all the same and a neurological difference such as autism is a normal variation of the human experience with a number of positive and desirable character traits and a fundamental part of a persons identity. It should be recognised that there is an ongoing debate regarding the language used to describe people on the autism spectrum as well as identity-first terms such as autistic or Aspergers.(2015 research conducted by The National Autistic Society (NAS), the Royal College of GPs and the UCL Institute of Education.)

This factsheet outlines some of the ways that technology can help improve the experience of learning for people experiencing a broad range of learning disabilities, differences or learning preferences.