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Disabled and elderly broadband users given free remote help

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Posted at 12:11pm by

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Disabled and elderly broadband users will receive a free remote assistance service under a scheme launched by the British Computer Society.

The volunteer-staffed service will enable users who encounter problems with their computers to phone an assistant who will be able to remotely access the computer and amend the problem.

Bob Twitchin, chairman of ITCanHelp, said: "Through the advances in technology our volunteers are now able to help disabled people with their computer problems without paying them a visit.

"This means we can offer help to clients where we might not have traditionally had a volunteer in the region. It also means that volunteers can deal more efficiently with some of the more simplistic problems that occur."

Work carried by the volunteer will be logged, with clients able to view their efforts at all times. They are also free to suspend work at any time.

Since being founded in 1994, ItCanHelp's network of 50 staff has helped more than 5,000 elderly or disabled internet users.

3 comments

  • Mrs Linda Morgan, 2nd February 2009.

    This is a brilliant idea. I am disabled after a head injury and also have a bowel problem. Since my head injury I isolated myself and am slowly finding help from alot of people. I couldn't afford technical help from anyone and sometimes I get stuck and its the simpilist thing I have done it is invaluable to think someone would be there to help. Can you tell me how to get this technical help please.

    Reply
  • Robert Bridson, 2nd March 2009.

    I am trying to help an elderly disabled neighbour with an internet problem. She has dial up access but needs to go on Broadband. The problem she faces is that she has an emergency phone system (Careline I think) plugged in which is not compatible with Broadband. I have spoken to Careline who know about the problem nationally but no-one seems to have an answer.
    Any advice would be welcome.

    Robert Bridson

    Reply
  • A Taylor, 23rd July 2009.

    Robert - have you tried one of the broadband mobile PAYG dongles? That will bypass the normal phoneline! One of the major companies have a PAYG dongle with a 1Gb download rate which does not expire! (some of the companies give a certain download, but if you do not use it, you lose it!) I have recently bought one of these for my 78 year old mother, who is happily surfing for the first time, and is loving it! It seems an ideal solution for people who are not going to use the internet for large volumes of traffic.

    Reply

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