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