Inner West Disability Forum - Presentation

Using Digital Technologies to Help People with Disabilities Achieve their Goals

A presentation for the Inner West Disability Forum - 20/10/2018

1987-1992 - Degree in Fine Arts (Multimedia)
1995-2004 - Internet training & website development for not-for-profits & community groups.
2004-2008 - Consultancy & training in educational technology/online learning/e-learning.

Mid 2016 - Became aware that many people with mental health issues struggled with digital access. Either they didn’t have a phone, or had one and didn’t know how to use it or kept running out of data. Realized the importance of digital inclusion through digital access and digital literacy.
Early 2017 - Started developing workshops but only ran one presentation—couldn’t find clients due to a change in funding from block to individual.
From mid-2017 - Running a weekly tech club at Flourish Australia's Buckingham House activity centre (see flyer).
Late 2017 - Became NDIS-registered so I could do one-on-one tutoring and get my foot in the door of the disability industry.

Started in January 2018.

Two types of clients:

Independent, high cognitive capacity, mainly physical disabilities, more sophisticated questions, teach and go.
High dependency & support needs, liaise with carer & support workers, intellectual disabilities and/or severe mental health issues, basic questions, need lots of structure, guidance & support, ongoing sessions.

How I operate:

Assessments, support workers, manuals, client-created instructions, handouts.
Work with clients to identify how technology can help them achieve their goals (see handout).
Good research opportunity to learn what participants need and how to deliver it.
Systematising the process – easier for me & preparation for future programs.

Training / Workshops / Presentations.

Can be for:

Talking to service providers, support worker labour hire agencies, disability employment services, peak bodies, allied health professionals.

Sample Topics:

Researching, buying & using digital devices - smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Selecting the best phone and Internet plans.
Basic tips for getting the most out of phones – how to reduce data usage, free WiFi, power-saving tips.
Finding and installing smartphone apps (Android & iPhone).
Accessibility options - in the device & apps.
Using social media for self-expression and/or support.
Cyber-security & Cyber-safety.
Digital Resources for Mental Health & Wellbeing.

Work experience/work training programs - training people with disabilities to help other people with disabilities use technology.
Website - digitaltechnology.education

SEAN FITZGERALD
Digital Technology Education

Phone: 0404 130 342

Email: sean@digitaltechnology.education

Web: digitaltechnology.education

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