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ICT in Practice
This section offers links to materials and services which aids the practical application of ICT
Managing ICT for the benefit of staff and service users can be complex: the increasing numbers of "Accidental techies" within homelessness organisations means that often extra support and resources are required. The Guide to Managing ICT in the Voluntary and Community Sector offers information on starting with ICT, budgeting and buying ICT, maintaining ICT systems and, policies and procedures.
Accessibility
Accessibility of ICT is key for functioning and engagement by staff and service users. It is important for all areas of ICT to be acessible and for considerations to be made to maximise access as soon as possible in the planning stage of developing ICT.
The Easy, Free and Quick ICT Accessibilty Guide discusses why accessibility is important to voluntary organisations, easy, low cost ways to improve accessibility for computers and ways to plan for accessibility.
Accessiblity for websites is very relevant to homelessness organisations supporting those with multiple needs. The How to Commission and Design Accessible Websites Guide offers guidance to commissioners, developers and editors of websites on ways to improve all areas of websites for users.
Communication and Social Networking
The increasing development of digital technology and the internet have meant that increased levels of communication and participation can take place within projects for staff, service users and the wider community. Email, forums and blogs act as quick, and easy to use sources of communication that can benefit those working with people at risk of homelessness. The campaiging and consultation in the age of participatory media guide discusses the value of digital media to support VCOs dialogue with other agencies and Parliament.
New media uses are valuable for both staff and services users and the New Media Case Studies guide highlights the ways blogs, RSS, Second Life and accessiblity options are available to improve service.
ICT Hub have produced the ICT Foresight: How Online Communities can make the Net Work for the Voluntary & Community Sector document which highlights the ways in which networks and blogging can be co-ordinated to improve the running of third sector organisations.