The battle for digital inclusion

SHOPPING, banking, social media – for lots of us, technology and the internet make our lives easier and we can’t live without it.

However, for those who are not online, the digital world can be overwhelming and bewildering, with many choosing to stay offline.

In Wales, 15% of the population are not online – a figure which then doubles for disabled people overall.

A recent Ofcom report showed that blind and partially-sighted people are also less likely to own and use technology – 48% of people with sight loss own a smartphone, compared to 66% of consumers without a disability.

At RNIB, we know that people with sight loss can face many barriers to using technology and getting online.

For example, many worry about the cost of equipment, about keeping up-to-date with the latest technology and confidence in their ability.

Connectivity is also still an issue in many parts of Wales.

This can make it impossible for people with sight loss to access services that are digital by default and exclude them from the benefits of being online.

We recently completed RNIB Cymru’s three-year Lottery-funded project Online Today, and during that time supported 6,002 people with sight loss across Wales.

The project provided bespoke support to blind and partially-sighted people to get online, stay online and use digital technology.

Some 79% of participants felt more independent, 73% felt happier and 70% felt they had more contact with friends and family as a result.

As one person put it: “Now that I can use the internet, I feel I can really connect with what’s going on in the world rather than being out of the loop as people with sensory loss unfortunately so often are.”

Everyone should be able to get online with ease, not just to access services but being included in a digital world can improve wellbeing and independence.

If you have sight loss and need advice or support contact RNIB on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk

■ Hannah Rowlatt, RNIB Cymru Digital Skills Officer