Neil Squire Society: Accessibility on Many Levels

While the access to internet is now available in most communities, there continues to be a "digital divide" in the skills to use basic technologies by many users. As new technologies emerge, those individuals are left behind and excluded from the educational, social, and economic benefits from access to the internet and communication technologies (ICT). CAP provides the infrastructure to continue the upgrading of Canadian's Computer Use.

Computer Use is one of nine essential skills identified by HRSDC for successful employment. While CAP funding is unlikely to cover all the costs of a site providing computer use for the public, it is often the difference in terms of providing computer access, and providing computer access along with support, training, and ability to access Government On-Line (GOL) services.
CAP has provided us, the Neil Squire Society, with a foundation to connect with likeminded organizations across the country. It has provided the first link which we have built many programs around, including:

• SOS: Seniors on Seniors Technology, a Senior peer based technology mentoring program (10 sites across Canada)
• ATEC: Assistive Technology Employment Centres, deploying over $10,000 of equipment to 5 partners across BC. This equipment will help people with disabilities access ICT to eliminate or minimize barriers faced by their disability.
• Employ-Ability: A 12 week program for people with disabilities to help them re-enter the workforce. It consists of 3 key modules: Career Development, Wellness for Work, and Computer and Assitive Technology. This program is being provided in 10 CAP sites across the country, and 5 of them are in communities were we do not have a presence. We are working with CAP sites in that community to deliver this programming, with 44% of participants (all people with disabilities that have been out of work for more than 3 years) returning to employment or education.

CAP is the bridge that has allowed us to connect with thousands of people with disabilities over the last 15 years regardless of geographical location. We look forward to continuing to leverage ICT to empower people with disabilities.