U Can Do I.T. brings valuable skills to those with disabilities

9.36.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 13th Sep 2007

IT Training Can Make a Real Difference

Tom Brake MP visited Lesley McCall on Wednesday at her home in Clockhouse to witness first-hand the computer training that she is receiving from the London-based U Can Do I.T. charity.

The charity's aim is to help blind, deaf and disabled people become computer literate. Lesley's tutor, Pauline Dolling, is part of the charity's dedicated staff. They succeeded in training 240 people last year.

Lesley receives ten two-hour sessions over the course of ten to twelve weeks in addition to a 'refresher' session three months later and another six months further on. The sessions are designed to help the individual better understand how to use core I.T. functions, such as writing and sending e-mails, accessing the internet and managing photos, thus providing them with greater freedom and choice.

U Can Do I.T. is currently only able to concentrate its training program in the London area but hopes to expand its service throughout the UK as soon as the necessary structures and funding are in place.

For more information about U Can Do I.T. visit their website www.ucandoit.org.uk.