Cooroibah support service game changer: NBN funding gives new ‘wings’ to cyber savvy Butterflies
A $10,000 innovation award from NBN has made a digital world of difference to a group of young people living with disabilities, helping them learn new skills.
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A $10,000 innovation award from NBN has made a digital world of difference to a group of young people living with disabilities, helping them connect to tech-savvy skills like blogging, 3D printing and robotics.
According to the Cooroibah-based disability support service founder Leanne Walsh, Sunshine Butterflies' Tech Connect program is a real game changer.
"Someone living with a disability can achieve so much if given the proper tools and opportunities - the Tech Connect program provides just that and has allowed many of our members living with a disability a pathway to participate in IT activities," Ms Walsh said.
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Sunshine Butterflies' program co-ordinator Liam Kenny said the NBN support would help change the way people living with disability access IT activities.
He said Tech Connect taught important life skills like starting a blog, videography, digital storytelling, robot creation, 3D printing, digital creation and socialising in the digital world.
"During the COVID crisis, people suffered from loneliness and having to adapt to the new way of life which has now moved to be more and more online," he said.
"We focus on making sure that people living with a disability are equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience to be able to adapt to this new digital way of life.
"The program is designed to create an understanding of the technology around us and how we can use it in our everyday lives."
Sunshine Butterflies won the education category in the Innovate with NBN grants program, using the prize to buy new laptops as well as branded Tech Connect T-shirts created by the program participants.
Previously the 15 class members have had to share the one computer.
NBN spokeswoman Kylie Lindsay said the program was developing confidence with computers and inspiring a love for technology at the support centre.
"Covering everything from basic computer skills like writing an email to building websites, the TechConnect program provides a safe environment to learn as well as growing the skills needed for safe social media and website browsing," Ms Lindsay said.
Originally published as Cooroibah support service game changer: NBN funding gives new ‘wings’ to cyber savvy Butterflies
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