RAPL (Remote Assessment Project London)

An estimated 1 million people in London (about one in twelve of the population) would qualify as disabled under the Disability Discrimination Act. Many are unable to use standard computers easily, effectively or at all, though a range of simple adjustments and specially designed hardware/software can enable them to carry out everyday computing tasks. Awareness of what can be done to make computers more accessible is limited among both potential users and staff at community computing facilities.

To tackle discrimination by training staff at local community organisations and providing practical support so they could offer facilities and support for users to complete accessibility self-assessments, including reaching people who might not identify themselves as disabled or be identified as such.

AbilityNet developed an online self-assessment tool guiding users through a series of questions to identify which adjustments, hardware adaptations or software would help them. Staff from a deliberately varied range of centre types - libraries, disability charities, adult-education institutions and community centres - were trained and supported. Users and the staff supporting them could also get help from AbilityNet by telephone and receive supported assessment over the internet via direct access to the user's computer.