News

Great news for "Action for Better Access" and Disabled Football Supporters. We have now entered into an agreement with FL Interactive the digital arm of the Football League to roll out our Accessibility webpage service to Clubs throughout the United Kingdom.



The Charity "Action for Better Access" are now working as Official Partners with the University at Blackpool and Fylde College.




Press Release - Cyber-charity to tackle internet inclusion

A North West based Charity is set to improve internet access for a huge range of disabled people including football fans up and down the country.

Action for Better Access uses cutting edge ROKTALK technology to convert text to speech in several different languages ensuring blind and visually impaired people are not left behind by the digital revolution.

In addition the Website also uses a clever assistive technology software Widit, which provides a visual depiction of almost any word for people who find reading difficult such as those with severe dyslexia and other cognitive issues.

The Charity, run by Reverend James Webber and co-founder John Kelly who runs their IT Company Access Network Equality, are already providing a more accessible Webpage for Blackpool FC, their Premier League rivals Fulham and Notts County FC.

They have even held talks with the Football League about rolling out an accessible page for every club outside the top flight.

Rev Webber said: “An estimated 80 million people in Europe are said to have a variety of disabilities – ranging from dyslexia, cognitive and learning difficulties, through to severe impairments such as blindness.
“Many people would assume the Internet to be out of reach of these users; in fact, with the aid of assistive technologies the World Wide Web has given many disabled people greater autonomy than ever before – as long as the web sites they use are accessible.
“Our aim is to help disabled people and and to assist service providers to become more digitally inclusive and thereby enabling them to attract a wider customer base.”

The Charity has already been backed by Fylde MP Mark Menzies and Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard, who have agreed to become Honorary Presidents and apply the technology to their websites.
Mr Menzies said: “I’m extremely conscious that while people are forever extolling the value of the internet there are some people who feel excluded.
“They shouldn’t, particularly because of a disability, so naturally I’m supportive of the work that John and James are doing.”

Paul Maynard MP added “I was most impressed with the service “Action for Better Access” provide and am more than happy to act as an Honorary President.
“After seeing the product in action I can see a huge potential for bringing better access of the internet to more and more people.”
It’s not just the local politicians and football club who are backing the charity locally.
“Action for Better Access” have also produced an alternative format accessibility Webpages for both Blackpool International Airport and Blackpool Zoo and a number of local and National Charities.