I left school at 16 and did a Modern Apprenticeship at Leeds College of Technology. I was given a scholarship to Leeds Metropolitan University on an MA into Higher Education course. I was the first student to complete this in the country obtaining a BA in Information Management 2.1 (hons) I got married had two children and began teaching for Joseph Priestley college and attended night school to do a PGCE.
I then began teaching ‘Computer Skills Classes’ to learners with physical and sensory impairments in Adult Social Care for Leeds City Council and I have taught this learner group for the last 13 years. More recently I have also started to deliver computer sessions to learners with learning difficulties, mental health problems and the elderly community at Holt Park Active and Osmondthorpe HUB to support ‘Digital Inclusivity for everyone!’
My computer classes focus on diversity and equal opportunity for all. I recognise how the computer can help to break down the barriers to social isolation for my learners. I am proud to be able to share my skills and knowledge to enable my disabled learners to forget geographical distance and access issues. This enables people to gain control of their own affairs through online shopping, email, social media, internet banking and improving their skills on the internet to allow them to lead more independent lives.
