Home Access programme to close

Released 16/07/2010

Last chance for children with disabilities to apply for grant

Leading disabled charities and their patrons today backed a call for the families of children with severe disabilities or special educational needs to apply immediately for a Home Access package with assistive technology before the Government's Home Access programme closes. Charities backing the call include AbilityNet, Whizz-Kidz and the National Autistic Society.

Since the programme launched in January, more than 430,000 application forms have been issued and over 200,000 low-income families provided with access to a computer and the internet at home. The success of the application process means that Home Access is set to achieve its goals early, and it is now only inviting applications for computer packages from children with severe disabilities or special educational needs until the end of the year.

Nigel Lewis, CEO, AbilityNet, remarked: "Home Access has already opened up the possibilities of the internet to thousands of children, I am pleased to back the call for the parents and carers to apply for the right equipment to allow severely disabled children to join them online."

Warwick Gooch, business services director at Capita, the service delivery operator for Home Access, commented: "We're delighted at the support we have received from charities such as AbilityNet in helping the programme achieve its goals early. We have already processed the applications of more than 200,000 families, and are keen for those with more severe disabilities to also have the chance to benefit from Home Access."

Home Access packages with assistive technology are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. It is anticipated that up to 12,000 children in total with more comprehensive needs, such as those with significant visual impairments, physical disabilities or learning difficulties, could eventually benefit from Home Access, through receiving specially tailored packages suited to their individual needs. These bespoke packages for children with severe disabilities or special educational needs will only be available until the end of the year.

For more information, visit www.homeaccess.org.uk.

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