Digital inclusion for connection: digital inclusion for disabled adults
Findings from a pilot on digital inclusion for disabled adults, focusing on confidence, skills and social connection.
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This report sets out findings from a small-scale pilot with disabled working‑age adults. It combined research and pilot delivery to explore barriers to digital inclusion for this group, what support works, and whether increased digital inclusion can help reduce loneliness.
The pilot was shaped by co-design and the principle of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ ensuring that disabled people’s views were reflected from the outset in the research, pilot design, delivery, and evaluation.
The pilot found that disabled adults may face the same challenges as other digitally excluded groups, but these overlap with disability-related barriers like inaccessible design, and limited awareness or affordability of assistive technology. The survey of 525 disabled adults found:
- Only 13% of disabled adults agree that new technology is often designed with disabled people in mind;
- Amongst those who use assistive technology (40%), only a quarter (25%) say that they can comfortably afford it;
- Amongst those who don’t currently use assistive technology (60%), 39% don’t know what assistive technologies are available.
The pilot was delivered to 40 disabled adults, and the findings highlight the importance of trusted, accessible support that is flexible and ongoing, particularly where needs are complex or change over time.
Findings on loneliness were limited due to the short delivery period but provide a starting point for further research. Qualitative findings suggest digital inclusion is most effective in supporting connection when it helps people take part more fully in everyday life.