Meet One Of AbilityNet’s Long Serving Volunteers- Matthew

This Volunteers’ Week we want you to meet one of our fantastic and long serving tech volunteers Matthew who has been helping to deliver technology support to the older and disabled since 2014! Matthew graduated from the Ulster University in Computing Technologies in 2017 and is currently working as a Software Engineer.

We asked Matthew what he loves about volunteering with AbilityNet and why you might like to become a volunteer too!

“Volunteering at AbilityNet is really gratifying and impactful, you meet some lovely and genuine people who are a pleasure to support. lt is a great feeling to have when you know your help really makes a significant impact on someone, even if it is only very basic IT support, a truly rewarding experience.”

Our volunteers use their IT skills to help in all sorts of ways – from showing clients how to shop online, to assisting with special hardware and software adaptations that would meet a disabled person’s specific needs.

Matthew says “The expense of hardware and software for accessibility is often extortionate which makes our service even more valuable as we have a range of experience in this area, accessible to those who really need it for free. For example, one of my repeat clients relies heavily on accessibility hardware/software due to his Parkinson’s condition in which coordination worsens often and he is unable to perform some tasks. We troubleshoot most things together in the aim to make his setup work for him in the best possible way with the tools available such as the use of eye tracking and mouse keys.”

We also asked Matthew what he has learnt in his time being a volunteer with AbilityNet and he goes on to say;

“I have found that I have helped a lot of people in a lot of different ways over the years. From debugging and fixing software or hardware issues, to general IT support, to having a chat after a tough day or even a bit of DIY! Above everything I’ve learnt that people are really appreciative, always making sure I have a cup of tea in hand at the very least!

I love volunteering for AbilityNet and It’s always been great for a challenge, getting up to speed on something new with every visit. There is so much flexibility and room to work around my daily schedule, only snippets of why I have been a volunteer for AbilityNet for 8+ years and hopefully for many more. One thing I do ask to you, the reader, is to help us spread the word to friends and family so that we can help as many people as we can who really need it or hey why not even go one more and join us.”

Would you like to become a volunteer for AbilityNet?

We’re always on the look out for volunteers and if you’d like to get involved like Matthew, please find out more via the link – https:///at-home/join-our-volunteers

We look forward to hearing from you!

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How AbilityNet can help

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.

• Call our free helpline. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will discuss any kind of computer problem and do their best to come up with a solution. We’re open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm on 0800 048 7642
• We have a range of factsheets that talk in detail about technology that might help you, which you can download for free. You may find our factsheets about voice recognition and keyboard alternatives useful.
• My Computer My Way. A free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.