This Father’s Day, we wanted to share the story of David, aka Dad the Hacker. David took part in our Distance Computer Comfort program to learn how to use his cell phone more effectively and to enhance his technical computer skills.

David was paired up with program coordinator Gordon Watt as his tutor. Their sessions took place over Zoom, which David hadn’t used before, but he became familiar with it through the classes. “I enjoyed working with Gordon and his knowledge was great,” he says.

“I’d say it worked flawlessly,” he remembers, adding, “It was at the right time when computer use – virtual meetings and connecting with people – became such a big thing due to COVID. It’s enhanced my ability to communicate via computer, and allowed me to help my wife, answering her questions on how to use Zoom. She is now using it for business purposes. It gave me the knowledge that I was able to pass along and make things better – not only for myself, but my family too.”

Another big change for David is that he now helps his kids with their technical questions – and it comes with a new nickname.

“I give my kids heck,” he laughs. “I say, ‘You guys are the ones who are supposed to know this stuff and be able to answer my questions.’ After this course, they’re coming to me for support with computers, Wi-Fi for their video games. Dad the Hacker, they call me!”

Last year we supported 6,641 people like David, and it was made possible by our amazing donors. Your donation enables us to provide assistive technology, digital literacy, and employment supports to people across Canada. Thank you for supporting our work to empower people with disabilities.

If you would like to learn how to get involved or to donate, please visit: neilsquire.ca/donate.