Remote access helps disabled

Charity doubles number of assessments for specially-adapted computers

AbilityNet adapts computers for disabled people

Charity AbilityNet has doubled the number of disabled people it can help by introducing remote access technology.

The charity adapts computers for use by disabled adults and children, but staff were spending hours driving across the country to assess needs.

AbilityNet is now using Citrix GoToAssist software to remotely advise users, wherever they live. At a prearranged time, the assessor and the client can be at their computers to take part in a one-to-one online support session.

AbilityNet chief executive David Banes says more than 90 per cent of jobs require some knowledge of IT, so helping people with disabilities to use their computers can help them gain employment.

GoToAssist is being used to deliver remote assessments and IT support to more than 3,000 people per year.

‘Our team of 15 assessors can now do more than four sessions in a day, whereas before they could only do two,’ said Banes.

‘We were anxious that users would feel disconnected from assessors, but they have control over a session as they can see what the assessor is doing in real time on their screen.’