With computers, it all clicks
SELF- PROFESSED computer geek William Dines felt confused when he found out his son was on the autism spectrum.
Like many parents, Mr Dines was not sure how best to support his child. Then he realised he could develop a greater connection with his son and others in the autism support community through computers.
Mr Dines moved from the US to Australia in 2014 to be with his wife and two children. Now, he has been awarded The Gordon’s community achievement award in recognition of his dedication to helping others in the autism support community and through the men’s shed movement.
Mr Dines, who is both a paid member and a volunteer at the Lara District Men’s Shed, said he never previously realised the power of computers to both connect and isolate people.
“I fought pretty hard to get computers into the shed. I refurbished computers and brought them up to usable standards and got programs on there for free,” Mr Dines said.
“I now volunteer my time to teach retired men how to use the internet and Microsoft Word, all they need so that they can correspond on the computer.
“It’s important because everything you do (is digital) in today’s age — like if they want a grant they need to know how to use a computer. Without that access it would be very limiting.”
After realising how much computer access could assist community groups, Mr Dines decided to look for other groups that could use help.
“My son was diagnosed on the autism-spectrum — with Asperger syndrome. He is high-functioning, but it has been an interesting trek in life,” Mr Dines said.
He and his wife became involved in autism support group Treehouse Geelong and realised many families needed online access to their National Disability Insurance Scheme programs but did not have computers.
Mr Dines has refurbished and recycled discarded computer units and donated them to the club to be used by both families and their children.
He said the process had helped him develop a great relationship with his son.
The Gordon student said he was “blown over” to have been awarded for his community work. “I was absolutely flabbergasted,” he said.