We believe that digital inclusion covers the following three key activities:
1. Digital skills
This means being able to use digital devices (such as computers or smart phones and the internet.) This is important, but a lack of digital skills is not necessarily the only, or the biggest, barrier citizens face.
2. Connectivity
This is access to the internet through broadband, wi-fi and mobile. People need the right infrastructure but that is only the start.
3. Accessibility
Services need to be designed to meet all users’ needs, including those dependent on assistive technology to access digital services.
The barriers
We know many citizens face many barriers. Research for the UK digital strategy has identified a number of barriers, and more than one may affect citizens at any one time.
They are:
- Access - not everyone has the ability to connect to the internet and go online
- Skills - not everyone has the ability to use the internet and online services
- Confidence - some people fear online crime, lack trust or don’t know where to start online
- Motivation - not everyone sees why using the internet could be relevant and helpful
We know that as access, skills and confidence improve, it is increasingly important to tackle other barriers, including:
- Design - not all digital services and products are accessible and easy to use
- Awareness - not everyone is aware of digital services and products available to them
- Staff capability and capacity - not all health and care staff have the skills and knowledge to recommend digital services and products to patients and service users
We are also mindful that some sections of the Cornish population are more likely to be digitally excluded than others. These are:
- Older people
- Citizens in lower income groups
- Citizens without a job
- Citizens in social housing
- Citizens with disabilities
- Citizens with fewer educational qualifications excluded left school before 16
- Citizens living in rural areas
- Homeless people
- Citizens whose first language is not English
Interested in helping to tackle digital exclusion?
We are really interested in expanding the network, if you would like to join, use the link below.
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