Helping people with disabilities go for it online

3.8 million adults with a disability have never gone online, which equates to more than half (54%) of the 7 million adults who have never used the internet. This is a staggering statistic and one that demands far more attention. Barriers, and then some Many of us live and manage a large percentage of our lives online. But for others, barriers persist around website accessibility and, indeed, accessing the internet at all. A recent report by the Royal Society of Edinburgh said: “Whilst the barriers of affordable access, lack of interest or lack of skills apply to all groups, there are potentially multiple factors that will add weight to such challenges for older people and people with disabilities.” I've seen close up how technology can truly transform the lives of people who have a disability, from learning how to use email to contacting friends through Facebook using specialist Eyegaze technology (which enables the person to control the mouse and keyboard through eye movement). But the big difference for many of the people we support is learning that the internet exists at all. The Carnegie UK Trust has published a new report: Making Digital Real: Case Studies of How to Help the Final Fifth Get Online which notes that having access to the internet is now an essential service. But a fifth of UK households remain offline, and often it is the people who could gain the most from internet access that are the least likely to be connected. You may have seen this interesting take on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (below): funny, but also becoming very true.

 Digital Inclusion and Literacy Using technology has increased the need for literacy skills, one of the conversation topics at the SCVO Digital Scotland Festival 2014. The Go4IT Team will be there so please come and see speak to us. I support a fiercely independent and inspiring lady, Caroline, to learn how to use technology. She initially wanted to learn how to send emails and after a one-to-one assessment we helped her choose accessible technology. Caroline is now editor of The Catch Up, a magazine written by and for people with a disability who are supported by Quarriers, and as her IT skills have developed, it has become clear that she needs to develop her literacy skills. I predict that this will be an area of need in the future for many people, and must be included in any digital inclusion strategy. I may use technology out of convenience, but someone with a disability may use technology out of necessity. I strongly believe if we get it right for people with a disability, then we will get it right for everyone. You only have to think about the success of Apple technology and its accessibility features that come as standard. We must ensure that the needs of people with a disability are at the centre of change. During a team planning day, we created a picture to represent Quarriers Go4IT Service across the UK. We pictured the service as a lighthouse shining its light and inspiring digital inclusion all around. Our vision is to build these metaphorical lighthouses across the UK in libraries, community centres and spaces, providing specialist support and access to technology to as many people as possible.