Workability Project
Leonard Cheshire WORKABILITY aims to break down barriers that can exist for disabled people in the search for work. The project aims to provide disabled people with the skills and support needed to
gain access to training and employment.
The project will provide disabled adults with computer equipment in their own homes, training them in new skills and providing them with help in the job search process.
As well as free computer equipment, WORKABILITY participants will be given Microsoft software and will become registered college students studying at a virtual college site on the Internet or with
other locally based training organisations. Training in basic Information Technology applications is offered, leading to nationally accredited qualifications.
A network of 'computer volunteers' will provide advice on setting up and using equipment at home.
Criteria to join the project
The project is open to unemployed disabled people, aged between 19 - 55 years, who, by reason of their disability, have been hindered in their search for work. They will be required to be literate
and numerate to a basic standard, willing to study at home for a computing qualification via a virtual college on the Internet and have access to and use of a telephone line for Internet access. They
should have a genuine desire to seek work and have a letter of reference from a suitable professional (reference must come from an Employment Service DEA or an employment agency) to confirm the above.
The project is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged between 19 - 55 years.
Equipment provided
Computer (Pentium based) - becomes the property of the client
Printer - becomes the property of the client
Microsoft Windows 98, MS Office 2000 Professional and Internet Explorer
becomes the property of the client (no software discs are supplied)
Free Internet access - at all times clients are responsible for their own telephone costs.
A minimum specification computer is supplied through the project to enable the participant to complete the programme. Clients interested in having a higher specification computer can request upgrade
details from the supplier when formally accepted onto the project.
Training provided
Training is provided through Colleges offering the 'Royal Society of Arts' Computer Literacy and Information Technology course (CLAIT) Stage 1 which is delivered by e-mail through a Virtual College
Web site www.c-a-t.org. A personal tutor is allocated to each client by the college. In some cases a more personalised course may be offered through another more local training partner.
Employment
Whether it be full or part time employment, voluntary work, home based or office work, Leonard Cheshire WORKABILITY has formed links with employment consultancies who have considerable expertise in
matching disabled people's abilities to work opportunities. Self-employment (if under 31 years) will be supported through our links with the Prince's Trust.
Computer Volunteers
Computer Volunteers are a crucial part of WORKABILITY. The role is voluntary, which means each volunteer commits only as much time as can be spared. The role is one of support, specifically in the
area of computers but also in more general terms.
Volunteers provide help and encouragement to participants throughout the programme. Initially helping with the setting up of the computer equipment, volunteers will help with hardware/software
problems, explain the basics of computer operation and generally act as a friend to the client.
If you are interested in becoming a WORKABILITY computer volunteer, please contact the WORKABILITY team for details.
The Leonard Cheshire WORKABILITY project is an innovative and pioneering programme to allow people with disabilities the opportunity to gain greater independence and an improved quality of life
together with the opportunity to participate more fully in their community.
The project brings together a partnership of organisations from industry, local and national government, education and charity.
Help and Support
Provision of computers and printers: WORKABILITY refurbishes previously used computers and upgrades them to enable the client to participate in the programme. (minimum specification: Pentium
processors).
People: People are required to participate and act as computer volunteers within the project.
Work opportunities: Organisations can offer posts in the work place for successful participants or develop work experience schemes with WORKABILITY for the benefit of clients.
Contributions: Finance to meet the costs of providing special computer adaptations for those people with severe and/or multiple disabilities.
Sponsorship: Sponsorship of aspects of the programme: education (places at the college), equipment accessories for special cases (higher-grade computers with adaptations), travel (to help volunteers
or clients moving to work/work experience modules), distribution costs (delivering equipment to clients), etc.
For further information please contact:
Leonard Cheshire WORKABILITY
Scotland
30 Millbank
London
SW1 4QD
Tel: 020 7802 8200
Leonard Cheshire WORKABILITY
161 Lower Granton Road
Edinburgh
EH5 1EY
Tel: 0131 538 5544
Leonard Cheshire WORKABILITY Northern Ireland
5 Boucher Plaza
4-6 Boucher Road
Belfast
BT12 6HR
Tel: 028 9024 6247
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