Tackling Digital Exclusion: Older People with Sight

Loss and the Internet

Angela Edwards and Robin Mackenzie Spinks

The Digital Inclusion Context

• Race Online 2012 and Go On UK, Go On Gold initiatives

• Move towards digital by default in all areas of life

• Digital inclusion and social inclusion

• Lack of connectivity and marginalization

• BT and RNIB working in partnership since late 2011

Project Aims• Identify the barriers and enablers to

getting online for older people with sight loss

• Identify the types of activities that people would like to engage with

• Make recommendations that will enable older people with sight loss to get online if they so wish

Methodology• Multi method approach to research

• Telephone survey of 300 blind and partially sighted people

• In depth interviews and discussion groups

• Telephone interviews with IT trainers

• Literature review and CCP framework

Key Findings

• Getting interested

• What is needed to get online

• Making it work

• Enjoying the benefits

• Managing the risks

Recommendations for RNIB

• RNIB innovatively promoting the benefits to getting online in relation to everyday activities

• Working in partnership for the digital inclusion of older people with sight loss

• Working to enhance support through formal training, volunteer services, telephone support and peer support

Recommendations for Government

• Prioritise digital inclusion of older people with sight loss as a social inclusion measure

• Financial assistance to achieve this

• Recognise that some people will remain offline

Outcomes• Launch of Accessible Online campaign and 180 Day

WebSight Challenge in association with PC Pro

• Production of Getting Started guides

• Switch On to Technology month 2012

• Planned Roundtable with key stakeholders hosted by BT

• RNIB WebWatcher network has launched

• Opportunities for inter generational learning

Thank Youdigitalaccess@rnib.org.uk