Facts and stats about digital exclusion: Get Online Week

Kelly Chan | 20 Oct 2021

Although we focus on digital inclusion all year round, Get Online Week has a special place in AbilityNet’s heart, as it is dedicated to spreading the word about making technology accessible to everyone.

Get Online Week is a digital inclusion campaign organised by Good Things Foundation. This year it runs from October 18th to 24th 2021. 

To celebrate Get Online Week, we’re spotlighting fast facts about digital exclusion and exploring how AbilityNet is helping to create a digital world accessible to all.

Fact 1: 75-year-olds and over are using the internet more 

AbilityNet offers FREE supports to older and disabled people, and we’ve seen more of them getting online during Covid-19. Internet usage among those 75 years old and over has increased to 47%, according to the Office for National Statistice (ONS). 

Earlier this year, AbilityNet volunteers helped over 55s get online by supporting a tablet roll-out into communities through Aspire Creating Communities in West Yorkshire. 

Fact 1: 75+ year olds are using the internet more "Almost half the UK population of people at 75 and over (47%) are recent internet users." - ONS figures Read our blog: abilitynet.org.uk/fact1

Fact 2: More than 300,000 patients use digital forms of therapy

Raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health has never been more important. 

At the end of 2019, the NHS announced that more than 300,000 patients in the UK now use digital forms of therapy.

AbilityNet has been playing its part and has worked in partnership with the NHS and others to tackle digital exclusion and support people's mental health needs.

Fact 2: 300,000+ patients use digital therapy "Over 300,000 patients in the UK now use digital forms of therapy." - National Health Service Read our blog: abilitynet.org.uk/fact2

Call our FREE Helpline on 0800 048 7642 during office hours.

Fact 3: The majority of financially vulnerable people rely on broadband connectivity to manage household finances

BT research showed that the majority (79%) of financially vulnerable people rely on broadband connectivity to manage household finances.  BT is offering at cost broadband for people on Universal Credit.

Meanwhile, AbilityNet has provided free support to many schemes pushing free laptops out into the community. 

Fact 3: Reliance on broadband connectivity to manage household finances "The majority (79%) of financially vulnerable people rely on broadband connectivity to manage household finances." - BT Internet Read our blog: abilitynet.org.uk/fact3

Help us help more communities. Find out more about Corporate Social Responsibility

Fact 4: Globally, more than 1 billion people need one or more assistive products

According to the World Health Organisation, globally, more than 1 billion people need one or more assistive technologies.

Our 300+ volunteers help people make adjustments to people’s technology so that it is easier to use. Our support includes helping those who have a learning disability or difficulty. 

Fact 4: 1 billion+ people need 1 + assistive products "Globally, more than 1 billion people need 1 or more assistive technologies." - World Health Organisation Read how we can help: abilitynet.org.uk/fact4

Fact 5: Organisations that embrace technology inclusion have higher reports of employee retention

Technology is an integral part of our lives, in particular it plays an important role in all kinds of workplaces. 

Deloitte Insights showed that organisations that lead in diversity and inclusion also report higher rates of employee retention.

Find out more about our workplace services.

Fact 5: Inclusion = better employee retention "Organisations who lead in diversity and inclusion also report higher rates of employee retention." - Deloitte Insights Read how we can help: abilitynet.org.uk/fact5

How AbilityNet can help

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.

  • Call our free Helpline. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will discuss any kind of computer problem and do their best to come up with a solution. We're open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0800 048 7642
  • We have a range of factsheets that talk in detail about technology that might help you, which you can download for free. You may find our factsheets about voice recognition and keyboard alternatives useful.
  • My Computer My Way. A free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

AbilityNet accessibility services

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