Keytools happy for AbilityNet’s Success

Keytools, the UK’s leading provider of adaptive technology for the disabled, will be presenting AbilityNet, a widely known national charity that helps the disabled to improve their life through technology, with a cheque at a grand presentation on the 13th of January 2005 at the BETT Show on stand SN60. The reason for celebration is AbilityNet’s success at the New York Marathon, held on the 7th of November 2004, when Shuna Kennedy, CEO of AbilityNet successfully completed the 26.2 mile marathon and was able to fulfil her aim of raising over £9,000 to support at least four people with disabilities. About AbilityNet AbilityNet is a charity that brings the benefits of computer technology to adults and children with all types of disabilities. Through its network of twelve centres, it offers a comprehensive range of services to disabled people, professionals, employers and statutory bodies. It provides free information and advice on any aspect of computer use by disabled people including individual assessment of technology needs, adapted computer equipment with full training and technical support, a programme of awareness education, and consultancy for employers on system and workstation adaptations, as well as website accessibility. In 2003 AbilityNet handled over 19,000 enquiries from disabled people and those supporting them through its national free phone service and regional centres. In addition, the charity's consultants saw over 2,000 disabled children and adults face-to-face for individual assessments, equipment, training sessions and home support visits. In the same year, AbilityNet's professional education courses and seminars attracted nearly 4,000 staff from public, private and voluntary sector organisations, seeking to develop their awareness of adaptive technology for those with disabling conditions and learn practical solutions to apply in the workplace, at home or in education. AbilityNet is dependent both nationally and locally on grants and donations from charitable trusts and companies, to carry out its work on behalf of disabled people and those who support them. For more details, please contact Sandra Mareska Baid from Keytools at sandra.baid@keytools.com Tel:02380584314 ext 1023 or Carrie Saintfreedman at carrie.sf@ntlworld.com from AbilityNet Tel: 01926 429595. Alternatively call AbilityNet’s free phone helpline on: 0800 269545 Issued by: Caroline Saint Freedman, AbilityNet Press or log onto www.abilitynet.org.uk.

02/02/2005