This year on Thursday the 16th May, it’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The purpose of which is to create discussion surrounding digital access and inclusion, recognising there are more than 1 billion people across the world facing digital exclusion due to disability and other barriers.
In the UK, the Good Things Foundation report that for every £1 invested into digital inclusion, there is a £9 return back into the economy. It is not only vital that people are provided with access to the digital services to get along in day-to-day life, it also has tangible benefits to the UK as a whole.
Meanwhile, closer to home, the Liberal Democrat Cabinet on Stockport Council knows all about the importance of breaking down barriers for people entering the digital world, with incredible leaps being made in the last two years, and no signs of stopping. Cabinet Member Cllr Jilly Julian said-
“It is vital that everyone has access to the wide range of digital services that this Council has to offer. That’s why over the last year we’ve seen success of a number of schemes that are all about providing accessibility to our digital platforms for our residents. We’ve started this effort from home, the Council website uses both ‘Recite Me’ accessibility software alongside a language translation tool which has opened up our services to so many and is used thousands of times a month.
“We also recognise that for many, there are significant barriers to getting online at all, that’s why we’ve set up DigiKnow; a fantastic partnership that provides regular sessions across the borough empowering people with or without disabilities, to develop the skills and confidence to get online and make the most of the digital world. We’re also working to combat data poverty here in Stockport”
“As more and more of daily life is conducted online, it’s crucial that we bring people along with us. Residents with sight loss, dyslexia or from a range of different circumstances have access to our online services thanks to Recite Me. Meanwhile, residents with no experience of using technology, struggle to learn or people simply lacking in confidence online can join our community sessions and get the skills and support they need.”
