AbilityNet is a UK based charity that provides guidance, information, assessment and training on the subject of computing and disability.
In the 1980s a small team of people at IBM helped disabled people adapt and adjust their computers. This service was not set up on a commercial basis, but IBM realised it was needed and so in 1992 gave start-up funding for a separate charity to carry on the work of this group. That initiative saw the beginning of AbilityNet.
In 1998, with a reputation as a leader in this field, it was only natural to merge with another charity with a growing reputation for excellence in adaptive software. The Computability Centre and The Foundation for Communication for the Disabled (also around since the 1980s), joined to form AbilityNet.
In January 2010 AbilityNet were joined by the IT volunteer brokering charity It4communities.
In September 2011, AbilityNet were joined by IT Can Help, a UK network of volunteers who are able to offer free local computer assistance to disabled people. IT Can Help is also supported by British Computer Society, BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT.
AbilityNet is a pioneer in the field of website accessibility in Europe.