New program boosts digital inclusion for disabled Aussies

The Benevolent Society and WorkVentures have launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing digital inclusion for people with disability. The Digital Inclusion Program provides access to devices, online connectivity, and support to improve digital literacy skills.

Participating clients from The Benevolent Society receive a free laptop computer, 12 months of complimentary Internet connection, and ongoing training and technical support. The pilot program, which started in November 2023, is already assisting over 60 Disability Services clients across metropolitan and regional areas of New South Wales and South Australia.

Feedback thus far has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants have reported increased connectivity with support networks within the community, a crucial factor for those residing in rural areas. Plans are in place to expand the program to include Queensland, with a focus on supporting more than 100 clients from the Women's Space in Labrador and the NDIS Early Childhood Approach Program in Logan City, Redland City, Brisbane City, and Moreton Bay Regional Council areas.

The initiative comes in response to statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which indicate that 1.1 million people with disability do not use the Internet. The program aims to bridge this digital divide by enabling access to devices and connectivity and providing training to improve digital literacy skills.

Jeremy Halcrow, Executive Director of Strategy and Quality at The Benevolent Society, emphasised the importance of digital access, stating: "With services, including finance, education and health, increasingly being delivered online, it's more important than ever that no one gets left behind. Our Digital Inclusion Program is removing barriers to digital access for people with disability so they can become more confident finding the information and services they need online and to help them engage with friends, family, health practitioners, schools, or networks so they can participate equally in the digital world. We're extremely proud to partner with WorkVentures to bring this program to life and to widen the program's reach to support more people in the future."

Jacob Muller, Director of Technology and Social Impact Solutions at WorkVentures, added: "Digital inclusion is more than just access to devices and connectivity; it's about ensuring that everyone has the skills and support to thrive in the digital age. Through this partnership, we're proud to contribute to the holistic empowerment of people with disabilities, enabling them to reap the benefits of the online world with confidence and independence."