Enhancing Digital Inclusion for Adults with Disabilities: Insights and Innovations
This report explores the effective strategies employed to support individuals with disabilities in their digital inclusion journey. It highlights the positive impacts of staff secondment, volunteer services, and a dedicated steering group. Key findings reveal that 20% of members have commenced college education due to club involvement, while 45% have acquired personal computers. Feedback indicates significant benefits from participation, including improved social interaction and heightened aspirations. Barriers like technology awareness and costs are discussed, alongside innovative plans like ACCESS IT and specialized staff training for sustainable support.
Enhancing Digital Inclusion for Adults with Disabilities: Insights and Innovations
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Presentation Transcript
How? • 1 staff member for every 2 to 3 people • Staff Secondment & Volunteer Service • Digital Inclusion Steering Group • Quarriers Project Innovation Fund
Evaluation – Key Findings • Higher level of support wanted • Desire to learn more • Key activity in all members’ care plans • 20% of members have started college as a direct result of coming to the club • 45% of the members have purchased their own computer • Remaining 55% want their own computer
Feedback • “I like meeting and talking with others in the club” • “I enjoy coming along as it has given me a new lease of life on things I have always wanted to try” • “Would not miss it” • “The club has helped me a great deal a lot more than what you think” • “I feel I can do more than what I thought I could do”
Reaching Out Meet Chris Elliot who has Cerebral Palsy • Pilot Technology Needs Assessment DVD
Barriers • Lack of awareness of assistive technology • The potential of the Internet? • Fear of technology & what to buy? • Cost of computers and broadband • Cost of assistive technology • Lack of funding and / or awareness of • Limited staff time to support & train (Chris) • Not viewed as a core support tool • Limited training and support for Adult Disability
Solutions A Digital Inclusion Business Plan • New support service (ACCESS IT) • Introduction of Technology Needs Assessments • Specialist Training for Staff and Adults with Disabilities (Stepping Stone Course)
Remaining Barriers Cost • Basic Computer • Broadband • Assistive Technology & Software • Staffing costs (Remploy) (Remploy) (?) (?)
Thank you for listening We welcome any questions and feedback Diane Wright & Buddy Gallacher diane.wright@quarriers.org.uk Tel: 01505 616087 We are only limited by our imagination…
