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Resources and Links

Checklists

carved wooden computer and worker

Internet activism

  • The Virtual Activist Netaction’s guide to using the internet effectively for activism and campaigning.

Organisations offering ICT support for voluntary sector organisations

  • LASA Knowledgebase The knowledgebase is designed to help community and voluntary sector organisations access the benefits of information technology — an excellent source of independent ICT information and advice.
  • NCVO ICT Development Services: Resources for ICT in the non-profit sector (in England).
  • Circuit riders: http://www.lasa.org.uk/circuitriders/
  • Techsoup: US-based technology resource for non-profits
  • GreenNet: an ethical ISP that has been connecting people and groups who work for peace, the environment, gender equality and human rights since 1986.
  • Leading the way to ICT success: 2002 report of a study of the issues affecting
    the use of ICT in the voluntary and community sectors.

Accessibility

AbilityNet is a registered national charity with over 20 years experience helping people adapt and adjust their information and communications technology. AbilityNet helps disabled adults and children use computers and the internet at home by offering a ‘one stop shop’ for assistive technology needs. AbilityNet’s education services help students achieve more. Using assistive technologies (AT) improves opportunities and independence for students with SEN.

Together with icthub, Ability net have produced two very useful accessibility guides:

  • Easy Free and Quick ICT Accessibility (PDF 492 KB) explains why accessibility is vital to your work, clarifies your legal obligation, and tells you how easy it is to make simple practical improvements to your accessibility.
  • Web Accessibility Pack for Voluntary and Community Organisations (PDF 1.7 MB) — a practical introduction to web accessibility.  The pack explains what web accessibility is, the benefits and what the law says, as well as giving guidance for web managers, commissioners, designers and developers.

Hard copies of both publications are available free of charge from the NCVO: email louise.brown [at] ncvo-vol [dot] org [dot] uk or call 020 7520 2507.

Charity software suppliers

  • Pugh Software Discounted software for charities, educational establishments, and students.
  • Phoenix Software tel: 0845 265 1265 (ask for voluntary sector sales)
  • Lasa Suppliers Directory The Suppliers Directory connects voluntary and community sector organisations with suppliers of ICT products and services (mainly in England).
  • AVG anti-virus charity and educational discounts.

Open source software

Recycling/disposal of old computer equipment

  • Pass IT on: Edinburgh-based charity which adapts donated computers for people with disabilities.
  • Computers For Charities
  • Computer Aid provides the highest-quality, professionally refurbished computers for reuse in education, health and not-for-profit organisations in developing countries.
  • PC Recycler: This computer reuse project is based in Blackpool, Lancashire, UK, and runs as a social enterprise. Computer equipment for this project is collected free of charge from anywhere in mainland UK (subject to terms and conditions).

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