ICT / communication equipment organisations

This section of Living made easy contains details of numerous communication equipment / ICT organisations and contacts that may be useful. If you find any information that is incorrect please email Data Services to let us know which 'Contact' is incorrect and what information needs changing.

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AbilityNet

Offers an information service for children and adults who find using standard computer equipment and systems challenging and offers advice on adaptive computer technology. Activities include consultancy and assessment services to assist in choice and use of computer equipment at work and at home. Centres established in Warwick, Worcester, Cambridge, London, Reading and Edinburgh.

Address:

  • 90-98 Goswell Road
  • London
  • EC1V 7DF

Access-Ability Communications Technology

Aims to help adults and children with communication disabilities develop their communication skills through Information Technology and to promote the wider understanding of such disabilities.

Address:

  • 3 Wesley Gate
  • Queens Road
  • Reading
  • RG1 4AP

ACE Centre

ACE Centre has a North centre in Greater Manchester, and a South cente in Oxfordshire. They provide information and expertise in the use of technology as an aid to communication. Provides a range of services including in-depth assessments of the communication needs of individuals in education, training of professionals and parents, and research and development. Centres are involved in projects working with manufacturers of equipment by advising on the needs of children with communication issues, or developing specialised software to meet specific accessing and educational needs. They have a library of short term loan equipment and also produces publications. The North centre covers the north of England, North Wales, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland, and the South center covers the south of England, Mid-Wales, Isle of Wight, Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands.

Address:

  • Hollinwood Business Centre
  • Albert Street
  • Hollinwood
  • OL8 3QL

Action on Hearing Loss

National charity which aims to achieve a better quality of life for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Activities include: campaigning and lobbying; raising awareness of deafness and hearing loss; Typetalk Call Relay Service (in conjunction with BT); medical and technical research.

Address:

  • 19-23 Featherstone Street
  • London
  • EC1Y 8SL

AFASIC

Parent-led organisation which helps children and young people with speech and language needs. Promotes understanding, acceptance and equal opportunities. Helpline open Mon-Fri, 10.30am-2pm.

Address:

  • 1st Floor
  • 20 Bowling Green Lane
  • London
  • EC1R 0BD

Aidis Trust

Help people with disabilities communicate more easily and effectively through technology. Provide free independent advice on assistive technology, free technical support and remote technical assistance. The free technical support is via a local rate telephone line 0845 120 3719.

Address:

  • Floor 7
  • 3 London Wall Buildings
  • London
  • EC2M 5PD

Aspire

Provides practical support through projects and programmes to people in the UK living with a spinal cord injury.

Address:

  • Aspire National Training Centre
  • Wood Lane
  • Stanmore
  • HA7 4AP

Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills

Promotes improved services for children and adults with difficulties caused by neurological disease or head injury. Focuses particularly on communication and eating needs. Team consists of therapists, engineers, doctors, lawyers, who offer range of specialist services including independent assessment and consultation. Therapy based on Bobath and other concepts. Training provided for carers and professionals. Carries out collaborative and consultative work with education, social and medical services, product design, development and research.

Address:

  • Whitbourne Lodge
  • 137 Church Street
  • Malvern
  • WR14 2AN

Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice

Provides information and a contact point for members of the public searching for a private Speech and Language Therapist. Provides support and information for members on working as independent Speech and Language Therapists within the UK.

Address:

  • Coleheath Bottom
  • Speen
  • Princes Risborough
  • HP27 0SZ

Association of Teachers of Lipreading to Adults

Aims to promote understanding of the needs of people with an acquired hearing loss, whether partial or total. Works to advance the awareness of the benefits of lipreading and other communication skills in the rehabilitation of people with an acquired hearing loss. Access of information about the range of support services and environment aids is available.

Address:

  • c/o Hearing LINK
  • 27-28 The Waterfront
  • Eastbourne
  • BN23 5UZ

Blissymbolics Communication UK

Enables children and adults with physical disabilities and no functional speech to communicate. Runs an enquiry information line, courses and workshops on the Blissymbol system, publishes a regular newsletter and has a committee run on a voluntary basis by professionals experienced in the field of augmentative communication. Range of publications available. Publications include over fifteen titles available, costing from 90p to 74.75 GBP.

Address:

  • 92 Windmill Road
  • Oxford
  • OX3 7DR

British Computer Association of the Blind

Self-help group of visually impaired computer professionals and users. Website includes the BCAB brochure with information on its aims and objectives, its services, annual subscription and how to become a member. The Association's Constitution is also available on this site. Runs training courses for visually impaired people and the website includes details of forthcoming courses. The BCAB email list, administered at the University of Manchester, is open to BCAB members and other interested parties.

Address:

  • C/O RNIB
  • 58-72 John Bright Street
  • Birmingham
  • B1 1BN

British Deaf Association

Provides advice and information on a range of subjects such as welfare benefits, education and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.

Address:

  • Bushell Street Mill
  • Bushell Street
  • Preston
  • PR1 2SP

British Dyslexia Association

National charity acting as a co-ordinator for 96 independent local dyslexia associations and 130 supporting corporate members. Aims to improve awareness of dyslexia through information, education and training. Range of publications available. Helpline open Mon, Wed, Fri, 10am-12.30pm, 2-4.30pm.

Address:

  • Unit 8 Bracknell Beeches
  • Old Bracknell Lane
  • Bracknell
  • RG12 TBW

Centre for Social and Communication Disorders

Aims to provide a complete diagnostic assessment and advice service for children, adolescents and adults with social and communication disorders throughout the UK.

Address:

  • 393 City Road
  • London
  • EC1V 1NG

CommunicAbility - The James Powell UK Trust

Aims to help disabled people overcome communication problems. Supplies simple communications equipment and gives advice.

Address:

  • 18 St Mildreds Road
  • Cliftonville
  • CT9 2LT

Communication Matters

National organisation concerned with the needs of people with complex communication needs. Can provide information and support on augmentative and alternative communication systems. Members include people who use augmentative and alternative communication and their families and enablers, as well as people from all disciplines that work with people who have complex communication needs. It is the UK branch of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC). Encourages and supports the establishment of augmentative and alternative communication user groups for both adults and children.

Address:

  • Catchpell House
  • Carpet Lane
  • Edinburgh
  • EH6 6SP

Convey

Design and deliver bespoke information and behaviour change campaigns to assist people with disabilities to communicate with hard-to-engage audiences. Provide support for disabled people who want to stand for election, or apply to a political party for selection as a candidate for election.

Address:

  • 16–18 Chapel Street
  • Glossop
  • SK13 8AT

Deaf Plus

Self-help information and advice service run by deaf people to assist deaf people or their families. Offers personal support, face-to-face information and advice as well as telephone advice, and runs email and web based services. Breakthrough operates equipment centres and runs training programmes for self development and development of work skills.

Address:

  • BVSC, The Centre for Voluntary Action
  • 138 Digbeth
  • Birmingham
  • B5 6DR

Deafax

Provides training, support and education to deaf people. This includes assisting with life skills development, literacy and numeracy educational assistance, and training for Teachers of the Deaf in the use of ICT in teaching programmes.

Address:

  • The Saunderton Estate
  • Wycombe Road
  • Saunderton
  • HP14 4BF

Deafblind UK

Deafblind UK is a national charity offering specialist services and human support to deafblind people and those who have progressive sight and hearing loss acquired through their lives. Our aim is to enable people living with this unique disability to maintain their independence, quality of life and to reduce the isolation that Deafblindness creates. We achieve this through campaigning, education and the provision of practical and emotional support via independent living teams, personal communicator guiding and interpreting services, rehabilitation support, adaptive equipment to assist with daily living, a volunteer befriending service and a free telephone Information and Advice Line providing information, advocacy and quidance.

Address:

  • John and Lucille van Geest Place
  • Cygnet Road
  • Hampton Peterborough
  • PE7 8FD

Digital Unite Ltd

Company offering computer and Internet training.

Address:

  • Unit 2B Poles Copse
  • Poles Lane
  • Winchester
  • SO21 2DZ

Electronic Aids for the Blind

Works to improve the independence and levels of achievement for blind and partially sighted people of all ages, through provision of specialist or suitably adapted electronic equipment, where no statutory or personal resources are available. Applicants must be registered blind or partially sighted and may apply either directly or through Social Services.

Address:

EmpTech

Provides information resources on assistive technologies that are designed to help those with specific difficulties or disabilities work and study more effectively. The database includes product descriptions, links to manufacturers, suppliers with addresses as well as other related resources including advice and training guides where available.

Address:

Foundation for Assistive Technology

Promotes collaboration between researchers and developers of assistive technology. Produce online database of research and development into assistive technology, organisations and services and events.

Address:

  • 302 Tower Bridge Business Centre
  • 46-48 East Smithfield
  • London
  • E1W 1AW

Highland Community Care Forum

Highland Community Care Forum works with users of Community Care Services and their carers to develop the confidence, skills, knowledge and networks through which they can become the central influence on services which affect their lives.

Address:

  • MacLeod and Mac Callum
  • 28 Queensgate
  • Inverness

I-CAN

Aims to create a society where the special needs of children with speech and language impairments are recognised, understood and met, allowing them the same opportunities in life as other children. Run two specialist schools, four language resource centres, and a national professional development programme offering courses to professionals including speech and language therapists and teachers.

Address:

  • 8 Wakley Street
  • London
  • EC1V 7QE

IT Can Help

A network of volunteers who provide free local computer assistance to disabled people. Part of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Address:

  • First Floor, Block D
  • North Star House
  • Swindon
  • SN2 1FA

IT Enables

Project to investigate how disabled people use information and communication technology (ICT). Created created a charter to provide clear guidelines on how best to develop ICT working to ensure it includes and benefits disabled people.

Address:

  • RNID
  • New Technologies
  • London
  • EC1Y 8SL

JISC TechDis

Aims to enhance provision for disabled students and staff in higher, further and specialist education and adult and community learning, through the use of technology.

Address:

  • C/O The Higher Education Academy Building
  • Innovation Way
  • York
  • YO10 5BR

Meru

Designs and makes equipment for children and young people with disabilities when no other solution can be found.

Address:

  • Unit 2, Eclipse Estate
  • 30 West Hill
  • Epsom
  • KT19 8JD

National Blind Children's Society

Provide an education advocacy project to help parents and schools integrate partially sighted and blind children. Run an Information Technology support section helping partially sighted and blind children to obtain PC equipment designed for their needs. Can provide funding for the IT equipment. Publish books on various needs eg large print. Run activity weeks for visually impaired children.

Address:

  • 33 Market Street
  • Highbridge
  • TA9 3BW

Percy Bilton Charity

Provides one-off grants to older people and people with disabilities or mental health issues. Financial assistance can be provided for electrical and gas appliances, household goods, and clothing. All applications must be made by a social worker employed by the local or health authority.

Address:

  • The Percy Bilton Charity
  • Bilton House
  • London
  • W13 9NB

ReCOM

Charity that looks for donations of redundant IT equipment and then redistribute this to individuals, charities and community.

Address:

  • 348A Gospel Lane
  • Olton
  • Solihull
  • B27 7AJ

RNIB

National charity which aims to achieve a better quality of life for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Activities include campaigning and lobbying; raising awareness of deafness and hearing loss; medical and technical research and care services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing with additional needs.

Address:

  • 105 Judd Street
  • London
  • WC1H 9NE

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Professional body and administrative headquarters for speech and language therapists in the UK. Responsible for the promotion and maintenance of high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct of speech and language therapists. Holds a register of members and has an information department which deals with enquiries from members and the general public. Information department open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.

Address:

  • 2 White Hart Yard
  • London
  • SE1 1NX

Sense - the National Deafblind and Rubella Association

Provides services, advice, support and information for deafblind people of all ages, their families and professionals in the field. Families are supported through a national network of parent's self-help groups. Runs holidays for deafblind children and adults, offers respite care, further education and rehabilitation services. Long term residential care is available in group homes for deafblind individuals throughout the UK. Works and campaigns with local authorities and other voluntary organisations to develop services for deafblind people, and to raise awareness. Produces a quarterly magazine.

Address:

  • 101 Pentoville Road
  • London
  • N1 9LG

Sesame Institute UK

Uses movement and drama with mentally and physically challenged people. Runs training courses, workshops and demonstrations. The organisation runs a full time postgraduate course for people who wish to be practitioners in the Sesame method - course runs from the Central School of Speech and Drama.

Address:

  • 27 Blackfrias Road
  • London
  • SE1 8NY

Signalong Group

Signalong is a sign-supporting system based on British Sign Language. Is designed to help children and adults with communication difficulties, mostly associated with learning disabilities. The Signalong Group has researched and published the widest range of signs in Britain. It also provides publications, training and advice.

Address:

  • Stratford House,
  • Waterside Court
  • Rochester
  • ME2 4NZ

Speakability

Provide support, advice and literature for people with Aphasia and their families. Educate the general public about Aphasia and support those who wish to set up groups for people with Aphasia and their families. Campaigns for better services for people with Aphasia and thier carers. Run a training programme for professionals and carers. Produces various publications DVDs and newsletters.

Address:

  • 1 Royal Street
  • London
  • SE1 7LL

The Communication Trust

Raises awareness, influences policy and promotes best practice on behalf of children with speech, language and communication needs. Is a coalition of nearly 50 voluntary sector organisations and an advisory group.

Address:

  • 8 Wakley Street
  • London
  • EC1V 7QE

The Makaton Charity

Makaton is a language programme which provides a basic means of communication and encourages language development in children and adults with communication difficulties. The programme uses speech, signs and symbols to provide a multi-modal approach to communication development. The Makaton Charity provides training to parents, carers and professionals, publishes a wide range of resources and offers a free family advisory service.

Address:

  • Manor House
  • 46 London Road
  • Camberley
  • GU17 0AA

The Sequal Trust

Aim to provide support to children and adults who are severely disabled and depend on electronic communication aids and adaptations through fundraising for such equipment. Aims to help people of all ages with speech, movement and learning difficulties.

Address:

  • 3 Ploughman's Corner
  • Wharf Road
  • Ellesmere
  • SY12 0EJ

UCanDoIT

Provide computer training for disabled people on how to use the Internet in their own homes at an affordable cost. The project arranges for qualified tutors to visit disabled people in their own homes, who check that computer equipment is up-to-date and in working order and then delivers a course of sessions.

Address:

  • Highfield House
  • 4 Woodfall Street
  • London
  • SW3 4DJ

Voice UK

Aims to build a network of information and support so that families can help each other to overcome the possible isolation of learning to use and understand the Alternative Communication System.

Address:

  • Rooms 100-106 Kelvin House
  • RTC Business Centre
  • Derby
  • DE24 8UP

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