Aidis Trust

3 Gunthorpe Street
London
E1 7RQ

Tel (helpline): 0845 120 3719
Tel (office): 020 7426 2130
Web: www.aidis.org

The Aidis Trust was founded in 1975 to help disabled people through information and communication technology (ICT). The Aidis Trust believes that ICT can play a major role in reducing the isolation and social exclusion of disabled people. Through services including a helpline, a website, assessments, training, workshops and on-going support the Aidis Trust enables disabled people to use ICT to increase their independence and confidence.

Aidis Trust Services

• A helpline (0845 120 3719) for all disabled people. This gives information and advice on disability computing as well as technical support for all disabled people: from specialist software to basic problems like installing a printer.
• A website (www.aidis.org) offering:
  • advice, information and support on all aspects of computing for disabled people.
  • a non-profit shop giving substantial discounts to people in receipt of disability living allowance or attendance allowance.
• Free outcomes led home and school assessments to determine the equipment and software that each disabled person needs to make use of ICT.
• Free specialist ICT training (both remotely and at home).
• Free courses for local and national groups, training them to identify and help with the adaptive technology needs of the disabled people they work with.

Opportunities & Difficulties

Information and communication technology (ICT) has become a central aspect of modern life. For disabled people, ICT can be particularly important, enabling communication, education and employment along with every-day things like shopping, homework, research and keeping in touch with friends and family.

At the same time as potentially enriching disabled people’s lives, ICT has the possibility of deepening their social exclusion. If disabled people are unable to make effective use of ICT, British society will erect new e-barriers in place of physical ones such as wheelchair access.