When Bec’s laptop finally stopped working after more than a decade of getting her through university, replacing it wasn’t financially possible. At the same time, she was preparing to return to the workforce and needed reliable access to technology to update her resume, apply for jobs and attend interviews.
Bec, who is in her early 50s, graduated from university in 2023 after working towards her degree for more than 10 years while navigating complex mental health. After feeling well enough to return to the workforce last year, she began updating her resume when her old laptop “finally bit the dust”.
Unable to afford a replacement, Bec contacted Centre for Accessibility Australia and received a laptop within a week, through the Accessible Tech For All initiative.
“Right away, I updated my resume and started applying for jobs online,” Bec said. “I even had a couple of job interviews via Zoom, which I could attend thanks to my trusty new laptop! One of those interviews landed me a job!”
Bec is now working as a Social Worker in a mental health organisation.
“I get to support people like I was supported. I get to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” she said. “It’s a great little laptop that literally changed my life!”
The laptop continues to be part of Bec’s everyday life. She uses it to stay connected, access information, watch movies and YouTube, listen to podcasts, browse social media and work on creative projects including photo editing and creating documents. She also plans to use it for online professional development and with voice control software.
For Bec, access to technology is about much more than owning a device.
“Accessing technology is a fundamental human right that enables people with disability to live independently, learn, work, and connect with the world,” she said. “Access to technology matters to foster independence, sustain equal opportunities, maintain dignity and privacy, and improve usability for everyone.
To find out more about the Accessible Tech for All program, including how to apply for a laptop, donate a device or support access to technology for people with disability, visit the Centre for Accessibility Australia website.