Access Learning Centre

Access Learning Centre
This is a unique facility based next to the RaKAT operation which aims to offer training, advice and information on all issues relating to access for disabled people. The Centre is a partnership initiative between RaKAT, KVA, Royal Borough Kingston and Superhighways as a support project providing a service to voluntary and community organisations in the south London sub-region.
Its main aims are to provide:-

1. A learning centre for areas related to non-domestic access issues.
2. An accessible centre for learning.

ALC Outside Building ALC Inside Training Room ALC used for Midas Training

Through a grant from the ChangeUp capital fund, the Centre is a fully equipped with assistive technologies to offer local voluntary and community organisations training and best practice information on the use of specialised information and community technology (ICT) equipment and software, in order to improve workforce development opportunities (both volunteering and paid employment) for people with disabilities. The Centre will also showcase assistive technologies to the clients and members of the community and voluntary organisations, providing a facility where individuals can come and try out specialist equipment.

Located Keyboard Split Keyboard Large Keys Keyboard
Mouse and Keyboard Use
Supports Trackerball Joystick
Some of the many computer accessability items that we have here.

Consultancy from AbilityNet who provide a wide range of services to individuals, professionals in the field of disability, employers and the public sector has helped to provide the source of a good range of assistive technologies from screen reading software to alternative input devices such as switches and joysticks. AbilityNet came to give a presentation at the Centre’s well attended open day on December 1st 2005.

Chris Guinness, Supported Needs Co-ordinator from Kingston Volunteer Centre said, “The Centre will be a great resource for my project. I will be able to refer both the organisations I am targeting and the individuals with disabilities wishing to volunteer to the Centre for information and advice. Through raising awareness, group training and one to one support we will be able to increase volunteering opportunities for people with a range of disabilities.”

AbilityNet product demonstration

A demonstration given by AbilityNet in the new Access centre to show off the different equipment available for people with varying disabilities.

"What has been developed at the Access Learning Centre is a tremendous opportunity to raise awareness of issues related to ICT accessibility for people with or without perceived ability issues. It will act as a showcase of 'reasonably' affordable devices and software, to enable people to achieve their potential in their current workplace or their potential work environment." Paul Allen, Superhighways ICT Support Worker