Yorkshire Supports Disabled Workers

An innovative project which provides computer training to help disabled people get into work has been awarded a £50,000 grant from North Yorkshire County Council.

A1 Computer Works in Colburn, North Yorkshire, provides training and employment support to adults with disabilities.  The courses help suitable candidates to achieve entry-level computer technician qualifications.

The scheme offers services to the voluntary sector and to local businesses ranging from website design to computer repairs and advice.

Disability no Barrier

The project’s chief officer, Tanya Cooke, commented: “A1 Computer Works has been running for about 10 years now.  Our mission then was to create employment and help unemployed people learn new skills.

“When we saw this funding was available we were thinking about what we could do to help people with disabilities.  For the last three years we’ve been teaching computer basics – so we thought we would combine the two.”

Flexible

The funding is being provided through North Yorkshire County Council’s Innovations Fund which gives out grants to groups involved in developing innovative, flexible and personalised care and support schemes for adults.

Tanya continues: “We’re more interested in what people can do than what they think they can’t – so even if you think you wouldn’t be able to benefit from this, come and challenge us to help you.”

For more information on the project call 01748 831953.