Using broadband to keep in touch

Broadband opens up some great ways of keeping in touch with your friends and family. For some older and disabled people, the Internet can give you opportunities for communicating that may not be possible in face to face or phone conversations.

E-mail

This is one of the main reasons that people use the Internet. You can send information including letters, photographs and music really quickly and many disabled people use e-mail as way of communicating independently. For example people with visual impairments can read and write letters without relying on help. People with hearing or speech impairments often prefer to contact companies like BT using e-mail, as this can be easier than using the phone.

Instant Messenger

Instant Messenger is a way of having an instant chat with friends or colleagues, except you type what you want to say instead of speaking. In the workplace it is an ideal way for deaf and hearing colleagues to communicate. Visit our BSL Broadband guide for more information.

Message board

A message board is part of a website that lets a group of people discuss a subject by typing what they think. If you have an illness or disability you may want to use a message board to share information about your condition with other people or ask a question.

Personal websites

Anybody can create their own website. Some disabled people have set up their own websites to share their life stories and experiences with other people.

SMS Text

More and more people use SMS Texts on their mobile phones to keep in touch. If you do not have a mobile or find using the keypad on a mobile handset too small you can download software onto your computer then use it to send text messages.

Webcams

A webcam is a separate piece of computing equipment, which lets you see who you are talking to. If you are older and your family has moved away you can use a webcam to keep in touch with your grandchildren. Webcams are also popular with some disabled people including British Sign Language (BSL) users. Visit our BSL Broadband guide for more information.