Linking everyone to the internet

Computer man wants to connect those with disabilities to the web

‘‘ LIKE SENIORS, I THINK PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY ARE A GROUP OF PEOPLE BEING LEFT BEHIND. DAVID FREDERICKS

FOR five years Toowoomba computer skills teacher David Fredericks has been getting seniors onto the internet and in touch with the world.

Now, he is taking on the challenge of helping people with intellectual disabilities to similarly broaden their horizons by accessing the internet and other services through their computer.

“I like to teach by doing rather than have them take notes or read a book,” Mr Fredericks said of his teaching methods.

“It’s like driving a car, practice makes perfect so you’ve got to just do it.

“It can be a bit daunting (for seniors) at first but I get a thrill when they finally get it.

“I provide the service in their home as every senior has a different computer and I need to train them on the particular computer that they are using.

“I have a lady in Highfields who is 91 and continues to take lessons so you’re never too old to start.”

Mr Fredericks said the key to teaching people computer skills was patience.

And, that’s the key to teaching his new clients in people with intellectual disability.

“I was teaching people over 65 but now I’m opening it up to teach those with a disability,” he said.

“Everything these days is done online and if I can help them to learn to use the computer it will help them apply for jobs online or access their Centrelink account.”

Mr Fredericks is a registered NDIS provider and holds Blue and Yellow cards.

“I have a few clients booked in already, one has ADHD.

“Like seniors, I think people with a disability are a group of people being left behind.

“I believe this is the first service of its kind in Toowoomba.”

Mr Fredericks can be contacted through his website at davidf.com.au or by phoning 4633 2313.

“They can fill in the contact form there on the contact page,” he said.

“This too is in-house training; I go to them.

“At the end of the day, if you can get to the Google page, the world is at your fingertips.”

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Photo: Kevin Farmer COMUNICATON FOR ALL: Computer trainer David Fredericks has been connecting seniors to the internet for five years, now he wants to open it up for people with a disability.