The NewLink Project Information technology training and community enterprise: an innovative adult education programme to build accessible pyramids of access to higher education in the East Midlands for people with a disability (or related disadvantage). Part 1. Description of NewLink Project courses and activities

The paper describes a system for the provision of courses in Information Technology and related subjects for adults with a disability at accessible centres in the East Midlands region of the United Kingdom. Courses provide for a diverse range of needs, through a common resource of equipment and software at each centre. These courses include basic literacy, computer awareness, intermediate and advanced IT and business skills, and the system ultimately provides access to higher education through some modules which can earn credit towards the University of Nottingham Certificate in Extra-Mural Studies. Courses are now provided at 11 different locations and involve over 400 disabled adults. Community businesses run by former trainees and senior trainees have been set up at five centres.