Computer Comfort
Increase Your Access by Improving Your Computer Skills
Computers are an important link to the outside world. If you have a disability, the knowledge and skills to use a computer can greatly increase your independence, your access to resources, and connections with your family and friends.
Computer Comfort provides the perfect starting point to develop those computer skills. If you have a disability, we provide one-on-one computer tutoring at no cost in a supportive, comfortable environment; a refurbished donated computer for the home, if needed; and ongoing technical support.
Computer Comfort is also available online via Distance Learning.
You Qualify If:
- You have a physical or sensory disability
- You are able to communicate independently (verbally or augmented)
- You want to improve your computer skills
What We Offer:
- Free computer skills tutoring
- A great starting point to develop basic computer skills
- Learning at your pace, with lesson plans based on your needs
- A comfortable and supportive learning environment
- Ongoing technical support
How It Works
You will be matched with a volunteer or staff member to work, once a week, on your own self-determined goals. You can learn to use:
- Basic computer skills (Windows and Mac)
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet, including social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
Do you have a computer to donate?
Computer Refurbishing
Assistive Technology
In our Computer Comfort classroom, you will have access to a wide range of advanced assistive hardware and software to help you overcome any physical barriers preventing you from successfully using a computer.
Some of these assistive devices include:
- Alternative keyboards
- Alternative mouse pointers
- Screen magnification software
- Voice recognition software
Our Assistive Technology specialists will provide equipment trials, evaluation and support.
Need assistive technology? You may be interested in:
Solutions
Makers Making Change
WorkBC Assistive Technology Services
Course Information
The program is designed to be flexible and responsive to your individual goals and needs. Typically, you enroll for a four-month session, meeting a volunteer or staff member in our classroom for two hours each week.
The Computer Comfort classroom is normally open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm. Schedules vary in each region. Please contact your regional office for more information.
Contact info:
Regional offices
Looking to Volunteer?
Working one-on-one with Computer Comfort participants as a tutor, you will help participants achieve greater independence and access. You will make it possible for participants to learn at their own pace and provide them with the guidance they need to reach their goals.
If you would like to volunteer for our Computer Comfort program, please complete this .
Find out more about our volunteer opportunities.
Contact Us
You can contact the office nearest to your location for more information or to apply.
British Columbia
Burnaby
Munesh Raman
Computer Comfort Coordinator
T 604 473 9363
muneshr@neilsquire.ca
Nanaimo
Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre
Marie Little
T 250 758 5547
marie@ndrc.info
Vernon
Independent Living Vernon
Kelly Jensen
T 250 545 9292
kelly@ilvernon.ca
Penticton
Footprints to Technology Centre
Mindy Rollins
T 250 492 5298
mrollins@pib.ca
Saskatchewan
Nikki Langdon
Regional Manager, Director of Consultation and Assessment
T 306 781 6023
nikkil@neilsquire.ca
New Brunswick
Charles Levasseur
Regional Manager / Assistive Technology and Learning Disability Specialist
T 506 856 9101
charlesl@neilsquire.ca
For all other regions, please visit our Distance Computer Comfort Program page.
Support Computer Comfort by making a donation!
Kudos for the Computer Comfort Program
The Computer Comfort program was the proud recipient of a City of Vancouver Access & Inclusion Award (new window) in 2012.