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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
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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 You • digitalaccess@rnib.org.uk