03.02.25

New policy brief recommends measures to promote digital inclusion of disabled people

Categories: School of Health and Society

With policy agendas increasingly focussed on promoting a ‘digital by default’ approach, online access and digital skills are now essential for many aspects of life, including work, education, and welfare.

With around one million disabled adults in the UK having no internet access at home, a new policy briefing paper led by Professor Daiga Kamerāde, from the University of Salford’s School of Health and Society, aims to help close the digital disability gap.

Daiga, Professor in Work and Well-being at the University, said: “Our research shows that disabled adults still encounter significant barriers to digital inclusion, particularly in terms of volunteering and employment. These barriers can limit participation in work and social life, undermining equality and social inclusion. By shedding light on the digital barriers faced by disabled adults, we want to pave the way for a more inclusive society, where no one is left behind in the digital age.”

The policy briefing recommendations include:

  • Extending the Access to Work Scheme to cover voluntary work.
  • Collaborative partnerships among government agencies, voluntary sector organisations, and disabled communities to co-create solutions.
  • Government funding for devices and internet access, together with tailored digital skills training and support.
  • Disabled communities should be engaged in policy development to ensure policies reflect their lived experiences.

You can read the policy brief in full here.

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