A digital world accessible to all

AbilityNet is a pioneering UK charity with a global perspective. We believe the power of digital technology should be available to everyone, regardless of ability or age. Our free online resources and a network of over 300 community-based volunteers help individuals with any disability, of any age, to use all kinds of digital technology.

Our teams of experts help organisations of all types and sizes to become more inclusive and to build accessible digital products and services. We are founder members of the global accessibility profession, work closely with some of the biggest businesses on the planet and organise TechShare Pro, Europe’s largest accessibility gathering.

This role involves loneworking/ visiting people in their homes. Some of our service users have additional needs including mental health and sight and hearing loss. We are looking for volunteers who would feel comfortable and confident in supporting people in their home who may have additional needs.

Do you have a passion for the power of technology?  Our vision is to create a world in which digital services are equally accessible to all. We are particularly looking for people who are also able to communicate with people where English is their second language. If you are able to speak any community languages (such as Urdu, Panjabi, Gujarati or Polish) in addition to English we would like to hear from you!

As an AbilityNet Technology volunteer you can help unleash the power of technology to ensure that older people and disabled people are not excluded from the digital world.

• “One of your advisors, Trevor, has been helping me with some very basic computer skills on a tablet that I have hardly touched since it was bought for me as a present from my wife. I suffer from Parkinson’s and it is very difficult for me to concentrate. Trevor has been extremely kind and patient and has opened up a world I hardly knew existed.” – AbilityNet client
• ”Volunteering at AbilityNet gives me the opportunity to build upon my experience and skills in various Assistive Technologies, which in turn enables people to live a healthy and productive life – it’s a truly rewarding and inspiring environment.” – Greg White, AbilityNet volunteer, Manchester

All across the UK our 450+ volunteers support older and/or disabled people at home to offer one-to-one support with their technology, whether that’s a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet.

Our volunteers:

• Troubleshoot technical issues
• Offer impartial advice on technology
• Set up new tech and install hardware and software
• Show people how to use their tech at home e.g. shop online, send and receive
  emails and video call with family and friends
• Make adaptations to support a disabled person’s specific technology needs

What skills do I need?

You don’t need to be a tech guru to help out. If you use a computer at home or work, and perhaps support family and friends with their tech issues, you are likely to have the skills we need:

• A passion to help others
• Be able speak and train individuals where English is not their first language
• Good IT and computer skills
• Knowledge of standard operating systems and software.
• The ability to communicate well with people
• Patience and empathy
• Your own transport or good transport links

• Application form required
• References required
• DBS (criminal record check that the organisation will organise)

• 18+

Own transport desired