We have seen progress in recent years. To drive up quality, various key international standards have been put in place – which include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the 7 Principles of Universal Design, as well as the Government’s UK Social Value focus and expectations.

In the last few years, in the area of assistive technology, as in other areas, we have seen a major shift from hardware and software to more cloud-based solutions, which users can access on the move and not just when on their home computer. The next natural step change will be the increased focus and utilisation of Artificial intelligence (AI). Everyone’s talking about AI and its many benefits now, but most are failing to realise how transformative it could be if it’s used to support accessibility solutions – we don’t often hear about this in the buzz and debate around this burgeoning technology.

From an accessibility and assistive technology point of view these are exciting times with exciting possibilities. AI boasts potential opportunity to build and enable a fully inclusive society.

Neurodiversity and disability in numbers

It’s estimated that around one in seven people (more than 15% of people in the UK) are neurodivergent, meaning that they may learn and process information differently. Neurodivergent conditions include Attention Deficit Disorders, Autism, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia, among others.

According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, 17.8% of people in England and Wales are disabled, which equates to 10.4 million people. However, other sources suggest that there are a lot more disabled people within the UK. The definition of disability and the methodology used to identify disabled people can vary, which may account for the differences in these figures.

In addition to this it’s important we recognise that whether people are disabled or not, there are levels of challenges that everyone faces. Most people will experience some kind of accessibility challenge in their lifetime, whether it’s temporary like a broken arm, ear infection, or going through menopause; age related, such as hearing loss; or a permanent condition.

So, a lot of people, facing a variety of challenges, could benefit immensely from tools and technology that improve accessibility.

AI assisted tools and accessibility

Technology has played an important role in helping to support people and limit the potential impact of the challenges they face. Many systems originally designed to help specific groups of people have benefitted people outside of those groups. Some of these tools include:

• Microsoft Dictate tool and other voice to text software can help those who struggle to type or work best talking through an idea.
• MS Read Aloud tool can read out a document or presentation helping people to understand and process the information, and it can help with concentration (especially if it’s a lengthy document).
• Audio descriptions which explain what is happening can help those who may suffer with their sight.
• Tools such as CoPilot which use Large Language Models (LLMs)can help summarise and spotlight key information from meetings so people can refer to and digest information in an alternative form.
• Tools such as CoPilot to interpret information and/or create content have the potential to remove challenges and make work easier while improving quality and efficiency.
• LLMs such as ChatGPT and CoPilot can rewrite content in a more casual and easier to understand way. This can help people to read, write and navigate information easier, and remove the reliance on physical and sensory capability.
• Transcripts and captions switched on in meetings and included within videos to support those who may struggle with their hearing or for people accessing content in a noisy environment.

The best types of AI technology are coming from places where they think deeply about inclusive design and accessibility. The future of technology depends on it, because designing tech with accessibility in mind means designing great tech for everyone.

What’s really exciting is that the potential for AI to enhance existing solutions – and create new ones – is vast. I’m hopeful about this untapped potential, and I’m confident that AI holds the key to empowering people and building a more equitable society.

What does the future hold?

There are challenges facing the effective use of all kinds of AI, including biases within the algorithms and the security of tools, so we’ll need to work hard to ensure that the technology is serving people, and supporting an equal and equitable society. The potential benefits that using AI can bring as part of modern assistive technology are obvious, and worthy of focus and commitment.

I think we’ll see greater and easier connection between the different types of assistive technology currently available, which will help all users to reap their benefits. It’s only a matter of time before voice activation applications, screen reader applications, and AI language models come together to support each other – this is where the magic will really happen. It might seem like something out of science fiction but think about how much of what we predicted in the past has become the reality of today – just imagine what the youth of today will see in the future.

Originally posted here

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But what is artificial intelligence? 

While we have seen a flurry of information and opinion surrounding the rise of AI and its potential effects on society, often such news items do not define or explain what Artificial Intelligence is. AI can be broken down into a series of subcategories, but this article will focus primarily on generative AI. In Carsten Jung and Bhargav Srinivasa Desikan’s paper ‘Transformed by AI: How generative artificial intelligence could affect work in the UK’ published by the IPPR at the end of March, generative AI is defined as ‘new computer software that can read and create text, software code and data. Cutting edge models have even shown ability reason and apply abstract concepts in a range of disciplines, often at undergraduate level’. In effect, generative AI has the capacity to create content- the most famous example being Chat GPT. This can be contrasted with discriminative AI, which does not create new output, but is able to categorise things based on preexisting data- for example, if you are able to unlock your phone using facial recognition, it is through a discriminative AI model. 

This discussion leans into one of the potential issues with Artificial Intelligence – only a limited number of people can understand what it is, let alone how it works. Lack of public understanding about AI can make some mistrust these new technologies, and thus less likely to engage with them and reap their benefits. As noted by Yasmin Ibison in a recent webinar with the DPA and Digital Leaders Unlocking Potential, Navigating Pitfalls: Digital Poverty and AI’s Dual Impact, ‘How do we build trust in AI systems so few of us can understand?’. If the public mistrusts AI, they are less likely both to understand and engage with further decisions made about AI development. 

Diversity and Inclusion 

A recent literature review carried out to assess the interrelation between AI and diversity and inclusion states ‘diversity and inclusion (D&I) considerations are significantly neglected in AI systems design, development, and deployment.’ This can simply be a result of broader, preexisting issues about digital exclusion. Those who are already unable to access digital services and online platforms have less of an online footprint and are thus often less represented in the data sets used to train AI technologies. This means they are potentially more likely to be excluded or discriminated against in processes such as job applications where companies are increasingly using AI technologies to sort through candidates. Equally, if AI is used to inform public policy, those who are most vulnerable may not be represented in these decision-making processes and suffer as a result. 

However, this is potentially easily fixed. Sham’s, Zowgi and Bano’s review also noted that ‘various challenges could be tackled immediately with regard to diversity and inclusion in AI. For instance, including the perspectives of marginalised communities, such as individuals with disabilities and the elderly, in the development process, can support more representation in the training data’. The main takeaway from this, then, is that AI development needs to come hand in hand with broadening the pool of people involved in discussions about AI. 

Education 

Students and parents are often divided in their opinions on the use of generative AI in education. While 41% of children believe AI will be beneficial for education, only 29% of parents think the same, according to a recent Internet Matters Report. Children from higher income backgrounds are more likely to have used ChatGPT- 45% of children in households with an income of over £80,000 have used it, compared to 11% of children with household incomes of under £10,000. This is connected to digital inclusion more generally – children from lower income households who are digitally excluded may have less access to AI technologies. Unless digital inclusion is prioritised, AI may, in fact, widen the digital divide. Equally, as the government has not provided clear guidelines on the use of AI in education, schools are often taking different approaches on how they integrate AI and AI education (including discussion of its potential harms) into the classroom. Clearer national guidance is needed on these matters. 

The job market 

The impact AI will have on the job market remains unclear, as much will depend on how AI develops and what policies will be put in place to regulate it. As companies incorporate AI into their operations, back-office jobs may be most at risk of being replaced by AI technologies in its earlier developmental stages. This would potentially affect women more than men, as women are more likely to occupy these positions, such as receptionists and secretaries (IPPR: Transformed by AI).

However, just as with most things about AI, it is unclear to what extend AI will affect the job market- all will depend on government regulation, affecting whether AI is used to augment the job market and labour output or is allowed to displace workers without boosting economic output (IPPR: Transformed by AI)

In all these cases, it is essential that the government takes action to implement policy surrounding AI development which incorporates not only the voices of those developing these technologies, but also those from the wider public, particularly those who may already be digitally excluded. Addressing broader issues of digital exclusion and social inequality will help mitigate against the danger that AI developments may leave those who are already excluded behind.

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Our mission at dxw is to build services that fit seamlessly into users’ lives, making public services usable and accessible to all – especially to those most in need. Yet, the digital divide is still with us, and as more and more aspects of modern life move entirely online, millions of people are in danger of missing out.

Local authorities provide so many of the services we all rely on, and have a vital role to play in bridging the digital divide. The toolkit provides much needed resources to help them set up the right kind of support to tackle digital poverty.

While it’s true that the majority of people have access to the internet at home, that’s not true of everyone. Ofcom’s most recent Online Nation report says 7% of people still lack internet access at home but the figure for over 65’s is far higher at 18%.

For the past twenty plus years, governments of all political persuasion have invested billions in providing digital public services.

While digital public services are legally obliged to provide offline alternatives, these are of variable quality. And with acute and increasing pressure on public spending, the future for these assisted digital channels which are by their nature more expensive to deliver looks far from secure.

Meanwhile, from banks to utilities to retail, the private sector has increasingly looked online to do business. Whether you want to manage your household bills or book train tickets, it is getting harder to do these things over the phone or in-person.

Quite apart from access to the very services we all rely on to live our lives, there are the less tangible things that people will miss out on by virtue of lack of access. For example, banks close branches as more and more people bank online. Retailers like Debenhams have disappeared from the high street and moved online.

This is why digital inclusion matters and why dxw is proud to support the Digital Inclusion Toolkit. There’s some more information about the toolkit below.

How was the toolkit developed?

100% Digital Leeds and TechResort recognised there was no independent and comprehensive source of digital inclusion advice for local councils.

They decided to join forces and secured £318k of DLUHC funding in 3 funding rounds from August 2020. An agile multidisciplinary team was formed, led by Leeds City Council and TechResort. They created digitalinclusionkit.org, a depository for guides, case studies and insights to support councils’ digital inclusion work.

Who is the toolkit for?

Many councils recognise the need to tackle digital exclusion in their areas, even though this is not a statutory service. Some have officers and policy makers responsible for digital exclusion.  Research found these officers are time poor, often juggling these responsibilities with other work. Many are new to the role. Posts are often temporary. This toolkit is designed to help them.

What does the toolkit do?

It provides a comprehensive “how to” guide for digital inclusion work in the public sector and up to date and actionable digital inclusion news. This ensures officers who are often new to post or working part time can quickly access the latest guidance, and avoid making wrong turns and reinventing the wheel.

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There’s certainly been some overselling going on, and people need to know what the common misconceptions are, and why people are key to GenAI and LLMs producing the results we need. 

“The copilot will sort it”

More and more software vendors are integrating copilots into their data and analytics platforms to turbocharge development, smooth out code migration, and dish out automated insights. This is all great, but these tools do not provide a one-size-fits-all solution and it’s important to remember that. It’s crucial to grasp their limitations before rolling them out to users and understand that you’ll still need developers in the trenches crafting applications.

Copilots can do a range of great and really helpful stuff, one being automatically building reports with built-in insights and anomaly detection. But while features like this are useful, the reality is you can’t just sit back and trust that these reports are flawless. You’ll need to double-check that all the filters and definitions are spot-on to guarantee 100% accuracy. This means every report churned out by copilots will need a human expert’s stamp of approval before it’s rolled out.

“The LLMs can do the maths for us”

These solutions are designed to be like neural networks that mimic the astonishing capabilities of the human brain. But as amazing and as powerful as our brains are, we’re not calculators, and neither are LLMs.

Just like us LLMs are prone to mathematical slip-ups, so banking on them for 100% accuracy is a big gamble. They do shine when it comes to handling basic number crunching on smaller data sets, like your run-of-the-mill sums and averages. But if you’re thinking they can tackle complex mathematical tasks like forecasting or intricate what-if analyses, you’ll be left disappointed.

If we want LLMs to work effectively with our data, it’s wise to have people spoon-feed them pre-summarised and pre-calculated information. That way, we minimise the chances of any mistakes occurring.

“We can move on from data analysts”

LLMs are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide commentary on our data. This is because they excel at condensing information into neat summaries and even spotlighting interesting points and outliers.

However, they’re only as good as the data we feed them, and the amount of information we can share is relatively modest compared to most databases.

At the same time, if we try to use LLMs to produce commentary that involves its base model, such as its internet knowledge base, we risk creating hallucinations where the platform makes up its own story. 

We also can’t yet rely on them to be experts in our fields. They won’t always have the insider knowledge or grasp all the ins and outs that matter when explaining our data unless a human analyst steps in to fill in the blanks  

In summary, while LLMs can help us tell a story with our data, they’re not a one-stop shop and we’ll still need a trusty data analyst to manage and oversee this process.

“We can get rid of our databases”

Theoretically, we should be able to place an LLM on top of all our data and ask it questions, removing the need to write SQL queries. For those one-off inquiries, this can work well. Need to know the status of order 12345? LLMs should be able to answer that with minimal effort.

Challenges can arise though because these solutions can only process small amounts of data at a time. So while they can handle questions about individual records, throw in a more complex query like “What’s my total order value?” and they can then hit roadblocks. They would need to scan through loads of records to find that answer, which would exceed the LLM’s input limits, meaning we would get a result, but it would probably be incorrect.

They would also not know how to calculate and apply precise business definitions that often exist within data models or be able to process complex relationships.   

“Generative AI can generate our charts”

GenAI can create sample code, but this doesn’t mean we can use it to accurately generate code to produce a chart. These platforms would only be able to give us some sample code which we can’t guarantee will work.

It’s the same with images. GenAI can create imaginative images like a cat driving a car, but can’t generate something specific like a bar chart with 15 different bars and labels. For example, if you asked a GenAI platform to produce an image containing a company’s logo, it would generate something that looks similar to that organisation’s branding, but it wouldn’t be a perfect copy. 

When it comes to data and analytics, these tools are text wizards, not miracle workers. You’ll still need the human touch to turn their output into something truly useful.

“ LLMs can fix all our data quality issues”

LLMs can help us manage issues around data quality. Take “Eurpe” for instance; they’ll spot that typo and correct it with minimal fuss. 

However, LLMs aren’t well suited to dealing with large volumes and are not subject matter experts who can natively understand all the nuances within your information.

Lastly, these tools are trained on what’s out there in the digital ether, they’re not equipped to handle what doesn’t exist or the unknown. They will struggle to identify incomplete data.

People and technology in harmony

GenAI and LLMs already have many impressive capabilities that can work wonders when used wisely. But it’s important to remember they can’t replace the vital jobs that developers, analysts, databases, and BI tools do. People, with their expertise and insights, remain the unsung heroes ensuring these technologies hit the mark and drive organisational success. It’s a team effort, with humans and AI working hand in hand to unlock the full potential of data and analytics.

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The UK is facing a major cost of living crisis. Many households are struggling with their rent or mortgage payments, forced to tighten discretionary spending and resort to desperate measures like unplugging fridges to cope with rising bills.

Right now, effectively supporting the most vulnerable groups across the country must be a priority.

Enter Citizens Advice, a UK-based, independent, consumer charity that specialises in providing advice and assistance to people with legal, debt, housing, and similar problems. Their ground-breaking “Closing the Gap” report outlined their vision for improving consumer support in essential services.

The report shed light on the inadequacy of the current approach to data sharing among essential service providers like energy, water, telecoms, and financial companies. It stressed that the customer journey of accessing support is way too complex and disjointed, resulting in people missing out on the support they are entitled to. Additionally, the report outlined what a better system could look like, one that bridges the gap between the support people need and the support they receive.

Early last year, our team conducted Innovate UK-funded research, investigating the value and opportunities of effectively working with permissions data that describes individuals’ preferences for the use of their personal information.

To continue exploring the subject with industry peers, we held a co-creation session in collaboration with the Open Data Institute (ODI). At the workshop, the topic of supporting vulnerable groups emerged as a priority and sparked a passionate discussion about the ways in which open and therefore trustworthy data ecosystems could facilitate ethical data sharing and improve the current system.

Figure 2: Suggested roadmap for an Essential Services Industry Taskforce to establish an ethical data ecosystem to create simple and controllable support services for consumers in vulnerable circumstances.

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The role of digital leaders in shaping sustainable practices and driving positive change has never been more imperative. The gathering of such a great bunch of individuals at the Trampery was a testament to the commitment towards a more sustainable future, and for me and many others I spoke to created such a sense of pride in the strides the UK is making towards a better world.

Reflecting on the day, several key points I wanted to share

Foremost among them was the awe-inspiring showcase of finalists and award winners, whose contributions warrant attention and recognition. I highly recommend exploring their work further, which can be found here. I especially wanted to congratulate Matt Adam who was awarded the Founders Award after a really endearing speech about Matt and both of their founder journeys from Gori Yahaya. 

Addressing the ‘E’ in ESG, CGI’s Head of Sustainability, Mattie Yeta set the tone with a poignant discussion on the significance of data in driving sustainable development. Her wealth of experience in this arena provided compelling insights into emerging focal points from very comprehensive slides. A notable highlight was the panel discussion featuring Dr. Maria Carvalho of NatWest, shedding light on the bank’s proactive approach in supporting sustainable practices among the UK’s SME sector. Dr. Carvalho underscored the pivotal role financial institutions play in facilitating the transition to a net-zero economy, emphasising the importance of customer engagement and the provision of tailored tools and services. Dr. Carvalho’s presentation showcased NatWest’s initiatives, including empowering SMEs to track their carbon footprint and that of their supply chain partners which was impressive to see. 

Andrew Morris, VP at aql, furthered the conversation by elaborating on the utilisation of “Good Energy,” offering valuable insights into aql’s pioneering efforts in this area. Julie Furnell, CEO of Mobilityways, shared compelling insights into the environmental benefits stemming from remote working, particularly in achieving Zero Carbon Commuting.

Then onto the ‘S’ in ESG, Duncan Parker, MD of The 44 Group, delivered a keynote on the Purpose Revolution, emphasising the role of investment in driving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Then the panel, featuring Moses Setler of Screen Share and Becky Burgess of Rochdale Borough Council, highlighted the transformative potential of digital inclusion, with an incredible story on the impact of refugees and community support initiatives.

Julia Chippendale from We Are Group advocated for a unified “one front door” approach supported by technology to streamline support services for vulnerable people, exemplifying this through partnerships such as the excellent one with Lloyds Banking Group to provide digital skills assistance from the comfort of people’s homes.

Turning to the ‘G’ in ESG, discussions centered on governance amidst societal challenges. David Kempster shared insights into property-level governance, while Mariam Chrichton, CEO of 7Sataya, articulated the importance of global technology solutions in fostering positive impact.

Louise Campton of Primary Goal shared an inspiring narrative of leveraging training levies for continuous professional development (CPD) in schools. We then had Gori Yahaya of Upskill Universe and Elizabeth Vega, CEO of Informed Solutions, engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue on organisational culture management, which from what I could see really resonating deeply with the audience.

Finally, what a team!  special acknowledgment goes to the Digital Leaders Team for their commendable efforts, supported by Daisi Parker on the day too. The magnitude of their accomplishments, including hosting numerous events and honouring outstanding organisations, underscores their dedication to fostering meaningful change. This fantastic event was in a week where the team also led 80 other events with 12,000 registrations. Just incredible. 

Looking ahead, it is evident that digital leaders will continue to exert a profound influence on ESG initiatives, setting new benchmarks for responsible leadership and sustainable business practices. The journey towards a more sustainable and inclusive world remains ongoing, with digital leaders spearheading the transformative agenda and I am so proud to have played a small part in the day

Can’t wait for next year! 

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The rise of people affected by chronic health conditions in the UK has become an unavoidable problem, one that is only increasing with lack of resource within the NHS.

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•   At This is Milk, Angela has developed and delivered a ‘neurodiverse first’ online learning platform, Neve Learning, which will meet the needs of people with learning challenges such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficit disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and by doing so, means learning is more impactful for everyone.
•   At CAS, Angela and George have worked together in the CivTech 8 process to solve a challenge using AI to help improve safeguarding for vulnerable consumers. This has improved staff wellbeing, has potential for the same on consumers, and acts as a safeguard for all whilst always keeping a human in the loop.

Creating inclusive environments

Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in communication and navigation of societal norms. AI can serve as a bridge across these gaps, enabling them to participate and contribute more effectively.

The perspective gained from our professional experience emphasizes the role of AI-driven adaptations led by neurodivergent minds. Such initiatives can foster inclusive workplaces, educational settings, and communities. AI can automate tasks, adjust workspaces to accommodate sensory sensitivities, and improve communication clarity. Moreover, AI can provide personalised support in education, creating immersive environments for skills development and academic success. This approach, centred on unique perspectives and experiences, often results in services and products that benefit everyone.

Ethical considerations

While embracing the potential of AI, it’s crucial to navigate its use with ethical considerations in mind. This includes addressing privacy, consent, and algorithmic biases to ensure responsible and equitable use. Additionally, there’s a call to develop and nurture neurodivergent individuals within the workforce, recognising their diverse strengths..

Unlocking potential through inclusion

These strengths could be encouraged still further through the potential of AI to unlock the brilliance of neurodivergent minds, who often approach problems from unique angles. With approximately 20% of the population falling under the ‘neurodiverse umbrella’, existing solutions to learning delivery usually fall short. Imagine the impact of this population segment having equitable access to education and opportunities. AI can offer stepping stones to equity, assisting with navigation, drafting, memory aids, and more. These solutions are not just hypothetical; they already exist and are within reach.

Overcoming fear and bias

Addressing the fear around AI, especially in aiding neurodiverse communities, is crucial. Society, as it stands, is not always accommodating to those with differences. Bias exists within education systems and society at large. However, AI, when used thoughtfully, can help eliminate these injustices. The conversation must shift towards finding the balance between fear and progress, leveraging AI to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

AI and neurodivergent minds: A perfect match

For neurodivergent individuals like ourselves, AI represents a canvas upon which we can design and deliver functions that cater to diverse needs. AI networks and neurodivergent minds excel at identifying patterns and solving problems outside conventional frameworks. This synergy presents immense possibilities for innovation and problem-solving.

Choosing optimism and potential

In conclusion, the discussion advocates deploying new technologies like AI to create a better society and address contemporary challenges. While change can be daunting, the authors choose optimism and potential over fear. AI, in collaboration with neurodivergent minds, can lead humanity into the next stage of the human experience. As we navigate this evolving landscape, the emphasis remains on inclusivity, ethics, and leveraging technology for the collective good.

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17% of the community is not using the internet, and given that the world is only now practically only underpinned by digital infrastructure, that is a pretty startling and sobering statistic. Some people are, therefore, excluded from the very life opportunities (health, education, and finance opportunities, to name but a few) that everybody should be entitled to, to live, let alone thrive.

The advantages of digital inclusion are evident, especially amid the current cost-of-living crisis. Increased productivity in the UK, more job opportunities, access to higher-paying employment, and finance tools enable individuals to take responsibility for their fiscal circumstances, take control of their finances and feel more financially secure.  Reports from partners like Lloyds Bank’s Consumer Digital Index 2023 and, more recently, Barclays Truth Report reinforce the benefits of digital inclusion. The Nominet Digital Youth Index also underscores the issues we face for young people.  

From a policy and regulation perspective, this has always been a cross-party agenda, and it was also encouraging to see the addition of digital inclusion as part of a proposed financial inclusion strategy from Labour’s plan for financial services, Financing Growth. 

There is a strong drive or dependency for digital inclusion across sectors, such as the NHS’s long-term health plans, with the advent of virtual wards, the consumer duty regulation for finance, transport moving to digital tickets, and the proposals for the BBC and other networks to move to digital – the PSTN switch off. All of these changes need the right support in place for people before they are implemented, a holistic approach that is not fragmented or siloed by sector.

Loads of amazing initiatives exist, and the profile of the digital inclusion crisis has increased, as exemplified in last week’s ITV’s Tonight programme, which is brilliant to see. But, the multitude of programmes and initiatives in the digital inclusion space have created a complex landscape. Simply put, individuals who are facing digital exclusion for whatever reason don’t know which way to turn. Many community-based organisations provide superb support, but signposting to these resources means that the weekly sessions they provide are stretched. This makes it challenging for individuals to access the support they need when needed, which sometimes makes people feel compromised if they can’t access resources when needed. Online support exists, but this assumes people have access to data and tech and have basic skills, and if you enter the search term “free digital skills”, there are billions of page references, making things a tad confusing for individuals with low-tech or digital confidence to say the least!

Community centres and the wider community in general play a vital role in fixing this, which is a crucial part of the solution. However, we need to be clear that it is not the only solution, and it has to be inclusive by design as a priority. We would not expect the community to have to build a ramp into a retail branch for people who need that facility. It is squarely the retailer’s responsibility to provide an equitable and accessible solution for its services. The same should be true for digital inclusion. The numbers are too large to signpost everyone who needs help in an already stretched sector, which often lacks investment and is not underpinned by efficient use of technology to drive optimum capacity and simple user journeys. In addition, people need fully inclusive services, regardless of where they live, ethnicity, standard of education, financial circumstances or mobility.

It’s also essential to consider not just the availability of digital support services but also the motivation for individuals to adopt them. Collaborative and coordinated efforts involving various sectors and stakeholders, alongside ongoing support for those in need, are crucial for sustainable and effective solutions. This is not just because people need consistent messaging regardless of whether they are in a bank, shop, government building, or community centre, but also because we have to simplify their journey and have a shared approach to the cost.

A unified investment case involving all sectors is necessary to ensure comprehensive support for digital inclusion. This approach aims to distribute costs and responsibilities equitably among stakeholders, including content providers like Netflix. This should not all be at the taxpayer’s expense.

The solution, too, needs to be equitable and include all the sector’s strengths, e.g., the strategies from Citizens Online, the Champions model from Digital Unite, the data banks, and community coordination with Good Things Foundation.

We also need to leverage the “right time and place” and our own services, using behavioural methodology to enable the shift in motivation. We have to have support in place at the point of need for the NHS, councils, retailers, banks, etc.  

We also need to leverage the “right place, right time” to provide easy access to resources and to enable a shift in motivation. We have to have support in place at the point of need for the NHS, councils, retailers, banks, etc.

We Are Group proposes establishing a streamlined support system, such as a one-stop shop for consumers, where individuals can easily access the assistance they require based on their specific needs and circumstances. This pulls together the strengths of the sectors not in competition but in harmony. This recommendation is endorsed as part of the Digital Inclusion APPG’s State of the Nation report published last year.  

Ultimately, creating a centralised brand-agnostic support system funded by all stakeholders is crucial for promoting, enabling and achieving digital inclusion and ensuring that everyone can benefit from the advancements in digital services.

Individuals will be able to navigate the digital landscape with ease and be included if we provide tailored support at the point of need. To do this, you need to effectively use #tech4good to offer the best of the sector while enabling the scale of a single-user journey and the efficiency of one operating system.

We Are Group is only one part of the solution, the bit that brings all the brilliant community support together (with the added at-home telephone service) for the customer when needed to create one user journey. This crucially enables sustainability too, as it aggregates the administration efforts, ensures optimum value for money, and provides social impact on return data.

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The white paper outlines the progress of its Tech4Teachers project, supported by Intel, as well as a donation from the Barclays COVID-19 Community Aid Package. The scheme supplied laptops to teachers in schools with high pupil premium numbers, as well as wraparound digital skills CPD (continual professional development) training for teachers.

Underscored by a survey conducted by the DPA, approximately 700 teachers covering 200 schools found high levels of digital exclusion amongst teaching staff. In total, 47 per cent of those surveyed did not have suitable technology to enable them to teach remotely, highlighting a large unmet need of teachers being able to access devices to benefit their student’s education.

Digital technology enhances student engagement through multimedia content, gamified learning platforms, and online forums. These tools create interest and participation in learning.

The use of technologies in education also addresses diverse learning needs by incorporating adaptive platforms and assistive technologies, ensuring inclusivity for students with disabilities through features like closed captioning and screen readers.  However, teachers need support with skills and techniques to embed digital learning into the curriculum.

The scheme has helped to overcome the need of access to digital devices in education, and limits the digital divide among teachers, creating equal skills and tools of technology among all schools.  Through its white paper, the charity is calling for digital skills to be embedded into teacher training.

The scheme resulted in 85 per cent of teachers experiencing significant support with their teaching with a laptop, and 80 per cent acknowledging an improvement with their digital skills. The project was evaluated by the University of Wolverhampton, and the white paper sets out a number of key policy recommendations for government.

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, said:

“There is currently a significant unmet need among teachers to access devices for student support in education. Teachers feel insufficiently supported in integrating technology into the curriculum, due to limited time in the working day for engaging with tech skills.”

“The integration digital competence in education, including teacher training programmes and ongoing professional development, should be a key focus for the Department for Education and industry as we look to equip schools and teachers with the resources they need to provide the best level of education. Additionally, exploring possibilities for Ofsted and teacher training providers to further emphasise these skills is crucial for addressing these challenges.”

“Currently, there is limited opportunity for teachers to enhance their digital skills or engage in continued professional development, largely due to lack of time. The current reality is that, for teachers aspiring to incorporate digital teaching methods, the responsibility falls on them to pursue this learning independently, often sacrificing personal, unpaid time outside of regular work hours.

Originally posted here

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