AbilityNet Digital Lifeline Impact Report 2021

Published September 2021

AbilityNet supports people of any age living with any disability or impairment to use technology to achieve their goals at home, at work and in education. In 2021, we were proud to be part of the Digital Lifeline initiative led by the Department for Culture Media and Sport, which supported people with Learning Disabilities, Difficulties or Differences. 

Digital Lifeline was an emergency response project delivering devices, data, and digital skills support to digitally excluded people with learning disabilities. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) provided funding for the initiative, delivered by Good Things Foundation in partnership with AbilityNet and Digital Unite.

Read case studies of people we’ve helped at www.abilitynet.org.uk/learningdisability. 


The project is also supported by Learning Disability England, the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group, self-advocates and other disability and digital inclusion organisations.

AbilityNet provided support to tablet recipients, including providing an assessment. This fits perfectly with our overall FREE services. We provide student and workplace assessments, digital accessibility services, free online expert knowledge, a free helpline and free home support provided by a team of volunteers.

A picture of the impact report

Key facts from our Digital Lifeline Impact Report 2021

Our impact on individuals

  • 92% better able to use technology
  • 92% more confident
  • 90% better able to manage health and wellbeing
  • 79% less lonely and isolated
  • 76% more connected to friends and family
  • 73% better able to participate in education
  • 66% more connected to the community
  • 18% better able to access money/banking/benefits

“I didn’t have anybody visiting, and I couldn’t see anyone. I got myself in a bit of a mess with things like putting out the rubbish. It was a lot better keeping in touch after I got the tablet.”

Jameela received support from AbilityNet through Digital Lifeline

Our impact on organisations

  • 100% better able to support learners
  • 92% knowledgeable and confident about tech
  • 95% able to work in a more disability-inclusive way
  • 100% better able to engage with learners

“Tablets are built into people’s routine now... it’s something they’ll continue for the rest of their lives...everyone seems to be enjoying them.”

Community Partner

Read more in the downloadable versions:

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