Help Page

From A-buzz Forum

Hints and tips for using this site.

The Technical Bits! This site is Optimised for Firefox 3.6.2, Internet Explorer 8 and Safari 5. It will work with other versions but may not have all the function of the full site. If you experience difficulties try upgrading your Browser software, you can find out which version of browser you are using by clicking on the drop down 'Help' menu, and on About.

LearnGoOn - guide to using the internet is a website designed to help people take their first steps with computers and the internet. Registered users get access to an easy-to-use email system and a wide range of online courses. Click here or see do the BBC online course - BBC Webwise

If you have an impairment or disability and want some help with the internet. See the excellent guide by the BBC here BBC web Accessibility guide

You may like to download Adobe Reader - a universal document reader, downloadable onto any machine/operating system, as well as mobile phones. We have information on this site which is 'downloadable' on this form

Using the site

We have tried to use plain English on the site but will try to do this even more as the site grows. However, many organisations entries are their own words and not ours. When we use the word Parent that means biological parents, separated parents, single parents, foster parents, grandparents, guardians etc. We have tried to use the words Parent Carer often to acknowledge parents also have a caring role. Where possible we explain jargon, acronyms (e.g. SaLT - Speech and Language Therapist).

This site uses a new way of searching and linking topics together. This means that whilst searching you may come across other useful info that can help. No-one 'thinks' in the same way and may search under different names/labels/topics. We've tried to allow for this to make life easier. Once you've found a topic, try then searching under areas, disability type etc. If you see any links we haven't made let us know! This is very much a site where parent carers can contribute to the content, even add content yourself.

• If you know the name of the organisation you wish to search for you may find it quicker to use the Search box in the top left corner.
• Not sure which organisation you want? try searching under the disability type, e.g. autism and you will find organisations which relate to that condition, e.g. Hampshire Autistic Society, National Autistic Society, Down's Syndrome Association

Registration
Registration is only necessary if you wish to use the Chat Forums,OR if you wish to sign up for the Buzz Network and complete your form electronically. To register please follow the instructions. PLEASE NOTE: registration is only for parent carers living in Southampton (or Hampshire as we also work withParent Voice. Applications are screened and not automatic, so it may take a little while for your registration to be authorised. All information is kept strictly confidential. No passwords can be seen by anyone except the user. Using a site nickname is acceptable as long as it's not obscene/insulting others. Commercial companies or services trying to register to spam message boards will have their IP addresses blocked. If you have forgotten your password you can request another through your email address or mail the site admin.

Parent Chat forums - many of us can't just nip out to see a friend and share the burden. The forums are there to give all kinds of support - parent to parent. The best source of ideas/advice and info are often other parent carers. You can ask for virtual advice/hints/tips from your own home. If you're not a regular user of the internet or chat forums, it may be confusing at first. There are separate help pages within the Forums.

Coming soon! site video box for help