Digital inclusion for people with disability
People with disability in Australia are more at risk of being left behind in the digital world.
People with disability in Australia are at greater risk of not having the skills, support and affordable access they need to be safe and confident online.
Since 2014, the rate of digital inclusion for Australians with disability has changed very little. The Human Rights Commission describes digital exclusion for people with disability being due to multiple interlinking factors: lack of internet access, the high cost of assistive technology, digital ability, and socio-economic factors.
Research has shown that people with disability use digital and social media less than people without a disability in Australia. People with disability are also more likely to experience online safety issues such as cyber-bullying, harassment, image-based abuse and technology facilitated abuse.
For people living with disability, there is an additional barrier to digital access beyond an affordable internet connection – the technical accessibility of websites and apps. This can create barriers for people being able to communicate and equally access information online.
Additional, tailored supports and resources are needed for some people with disability to participate equally in the digital world.
What we're doing
Find out more about how we're supporting people with disability to cross the digital divide and advocating for more digital inclusion programs.
Impact stories & Insights
We work in partnership with community organisations and people with lived experience to support people to learn in ways that work best for them.
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Safer Internet Day – Releasing our new report
Ellen Skladzien, CEO Down Syndrome Australia and Jess Wilson, CEO Good Things Foundation Australia share their insights on bridging the digital divide for people with intellectual disability this...
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Bridging the digital divide for people with intellectual disability: Roundtable Report
Our recommendations on how to close the digital divide for people with intellectual disability.
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Federal Pre-Budget Submission 2022/2023
We have four key recommendations for the Australian Government to address in the 22/23 Federal Budget.