Small Robots, Big Ideas. Making Tech Accessible

Aim

Raising the funds to be able to purchase a box van & pay our part time staff so that Accessible Coders can run as smoothly as possible

Meet some of the team!

Hi I'm Kelly a volunteer director of Accessible Coders, I have disabilities that effect my mobility, when I was asked to join Accessible coders I was honoured. I have really felt as though I belong and it has made me see that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. 'not just disabled, we're uniquely-abled'

In the picture from the left is Ben one of our volunteers, he has a degree in Multimedia design and Business management and is currently working on his Small Robots, Big Ideas plan for our first presentation. Anthony is a Director and chief of Augmented and alternative communication. He has always wanted to run a business and is a whizz at coding, Anthony attended the service when it was known as Accessible App Apprenticeship (AAA). Amy another one of our volunteers despite having a disability she has always wanted to try everything so when we asked her if she would like to be a part of Accessible Coders she didn't hesitate. Amy is also a whizz at coding and loves the planning side the most. Our service is disability led and will eventually be able to offer paid employment the further we go on.

Who we were.

When we were known under the name Accessible App Apprenticeship (AAA) registered as a CIC in 10/2014. We concentrated on coding app's that were accessible as people with disabilities were finding barriers to some app's. This was a great success, but when the covid-19 pandemic hit, our service was badly affected. Sadly two of our students passed away because of social isolation and loneliness, this broke our hearts and the service but we decided to come back bigger and better.

What we're going to do now.

We are still keeping everything we learnt in AAA and the same style of teaching and are adding a little twist. Our small Robots, Big Ideas is going to work towards being a roadshow that will travel around the UK giving presentations using technology that has been built by our members and programmed by them also. A lot of people with disabilities do not feel are able enough to achieve and learn coding but we make that possible, Accessible Coders makes it their top priority to not leave anyone behind. We will be creating new ways and techniques as well as making old technology more accessible. Including a robot show!!

What will we spend the money that is raised on?

A box Van

We are raising funds for a box van which will be used as our roadshow workshop. this van will be converted to have accessibility for people with disabilities, and also be able to have an awning on the side of it for when we need more space. The picture is the kind of van we would like.

Wages for two staff for 6 months

At the moment Our two staff members are volunteering their time, with the cost of living rising our two staff are now at the point of perhaps needing to find other employment if we are unable to pay them. these two staff are an important part of the team and if we can secure their time then this will help us to run smoothly and on track for our project. If we can pay them then they can dedicate even more time for us.