6 September 2005

A non-profit organisation in the US is planning on utilising the Internet to help challenge stereotypes about disability, in a move that will surely encourage similar organisations across the world to take similar steps.

The National Council for Support of People With Disabilities aims to provide a means for sharing information, resources, ideas and support between people with all types of disabilities, as well as to encourage and support people with disabilities to reach economic independence.

And its impressive website clearly plays a huge part in this strategy, enabling users to apply for suitable jobs and classes over the Internet, as well as gathering their opinions on how best to improve conditions for disabled people through online surveys.

In addition to this, the Council has launched an innovative e-service called the Able Crew, which is aimed at youngsters who are interested in its activities.

Executive director Trisha Fink commented: "We are most proud of our early accomplishment of The Able Crew, which is a comic book and e-based set of educational activities for youth, disabled or not.

"This portrays kids with disabilities playing and achieving accomplishments just like their able-bodied counterparts and learning self-pride in their disability at the same time."

Given the considerable success the Council has already achieved through its online facilities, it is clearly only a matter of time before non-profit organisations here in the UK take note and make similarly innovative use of the Internet in bringing aid and assistance to disadvantaged groups throughout the country.

© Adfero Ltd

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