ISSUE #79 cont'd -- Information about ...

BC COALITION OF PEOPLE

WITH DISABILITIES

I wanted to let you know more about this organization. See under Resources for some basic information about them. These people provide a number of really helpful services to those of us with disabilities, whether physical and/or mental. They also put out a publication called “Transition” four times a year. Their Fall/Winter 2011 edition is mostly about using technology and that’s something that some of us have difficulty with.

Dealing with computers, the internet, cell phones, automated services and other technology is a part of our everyday world now. It seems we have to accept it whether we like it or not. And some of us don’t. For the most part, I don’t mind, but there are times that these things can drive me right down into depression and I think that’s because I feel so frustrated and so powerless to do anything.

However, I picked up a copy of Transition yesterday and noticed there were a number of articles about using technology. I have to say I really appreciate that they covered this topic. There are some very good articles in it such as “Asking for Help: 13 Tips” ...

“Asking for help can be difficult for most of us. Sometimes we’re ashamed to let others know about things we can’t do or that we’re uncertain about our abilities. Asking for help sometimes feels like a sign of weakness or failure. We may also be afraid that our request will be refused or be an imposition.

Researchers have found, however, that people underestimate others’ willingness to help. Here are some tips when you need help to understand technology – or any other area in your life!....”

There’s another article about a project called the Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI) which provides funding for equipment and assistive devices for people with disabilities that help them reach employment-related goals. There is an article about a company called Simply Computing that “teach(es) people how to make computer ownership a simple and great experience. We work with our clients to show how they can use technology to enrich and simplify their everyday experiences. This is especially true for our clients with disabilities.”

There are also other organizations listed who help people with disabilities use computers and other technology.

On the other side of this subject Robin Loxton writes about Keeping Government Services Accessible. He talks about the fact that more and more services are moving to online and that there is the assumption that everyone has access to computers AND that they can easily use one. But for many people with disabilities this isn’t true. Whether it’s a physical disability or a cognitive problem it may not be doable. He cites the Ministry of Social Development who provide PWD (Persons With Disabilities) income assistance. You can now apply online for it but there are over 60 questions on a computerized questionnaire.

“To do this, the applicant will need not only language literacy skills – and government websites are famous for not using plain language – but also computer literacy skills. If the applicant can’t manage this detailed, long computer questionnaire, they will need help.”

Robin also writes

“It has also been reported that some people discovered much later in the process that their application had not gone through because they had unknowingly made a computer error. Clearly, the Ministry of Social Development has more to learn about implementing user-friendly systems.”

And finally

“Computers and the internet are important tools that can help us do things that we could not do before, but technology can never completely take the place of people. Government decision-makers should keep in mind that most people who walk into a Ministry of Social Development office would much rather deal with a person than being directed to a computer terminal.”

If you want to contact them to receive this publication

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
204-456 W Broadway
Vancouver BC V5Y 1R3
Tel 604-875-0188
Fax 604-875-9227
Transition only: trans@bccpd.bc.ca
BCCPD: feedback@bccpd.bc.ca