How corporate support drives digital inclusion: TechShare Pro 2024 insights

TechShare Pro 2024 logoAttending TechShare Pro (TSP) in November was an energising experience, surrounded by an incredible accessibility buzz.

Conversations with organisations, both large and small, showcased a shared passion for making online experiences accessible to everyone.

AbilityNet's partnership with BT Group

My time at the event also highlighted the essential gap that needs attention - ensuring that individuals have the basic skills and confidence to access these platforms in the first place.

At AbilityNet, where I head up charitable services, we witness this challenge daily. 

For millions of disabled and older individuals, the digital world is a confusing and sometimes frightening place, and this lack of familiarity exacerbates the digital divide. As digital technology continues to evolve, the risk of marginalisation for those without basic skills grows.

Combat the digital divide

One of the most inspiring moments at TSP was hearing from corporates taking a proactive stance in supporting customers’ first steps toward becoming digitally skilled and confident. 

At AbilityNet, we’ve seen first-hand what’s possible when businesses take this responsibility seriously. For over 12 months, we’ve partnered with BT Group to make a real difference in this space.

Amy Caton smiling onstageBT Group's Amy Caton (pictured, right), Senior Programme Manager, Social Impact at BT Group, speaking at TSP, explained how her organisation and other businesses are stepping up to not only create accessible platforms, but also to help people overcome the barriers to accessing them in the first place.

"It just feels amazing to see the impact of people coming in filled with concerns around the different barriers or feeling that digital's not for them and then being empowered and seeing what a difference that's making in their lives. So providing that safe space and, perhaps a peer group to support people through that learning journey, can be quite transformative," said Amy.

Together AbilityNet and BT Group has supported thousands of older and disabled people, helping them build their confidence and skills online. From practical training to personalised guidance, these efforts have helped individuals embrace technology in ways they never thought possible.

Watch the recording of the TechShare Pro session below.

How you can make a difference

When asked at TechShare Pro what advice Amy would give to other corporates who can see that they have a responsibility to customers or their communities, Amy responded:

TechSharePro Amy Caton, Paul Bepey and Amy Low on stage"I think one thing that we definitely see the benefit of it from is working in partnership. So finding organisations as charities or AbilityNet or other not for profits, those kinds of organisations that are experts in their field and ask them how they can help you solve the problem and meet those challenges." 

Technology holds the power to transform lives, but only if it’s accessible and usable by everyone. Corporate leaders have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to ensure this happens. Supporting AbilityNet to support disabled and older individuals is not just the right thing to do; it’s a smart investment in a more inclusive, innovative, and connected world.

It’s also not just about bridging the gap between those who have access to devices and those who don’t—it’s about ensuring that everyone can confidently use these tools to improve their quality of life.

Thinking about a corporate partnership with a charity?

You can help make a difference in people's lives. Supporting digital inclusion isn’t just a social good; it aligns seamlessly with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.

By supporting charities and initiatives that focus on digital skills training for disabled and older individuals, businesses can help close the digital divide and empower people who are often left behind in today’s technology-driven society.

Actions like donating funds or devices, sponsoring events, funding corporate volunteering, or partnering to deliver community training programs showcase a company’s dedication to driving meaningful change.

You can make a difference with any donation or initiative. Consider us this new year with a corporate or individual donation, or a corporate partnership. 

Let’s work together to close the digital divide and make the digital age an age for everyone.

Contact us

 

Woman looking at phone sitting in kitchen settingFree webinars aimed at older audiences
AbilityNet and BT Group joint logoMany of our webinars are aimed at older people and some of the issues they may commonly face. Join us for upcoming sessions supported by BT Group, including:

Wednesday 26 February 2025 - 13:00 GMT

Tips to make your smartphone easier to use

Register for smartphone webinar

Tuesday 18 March 2025 - 11:00 GMT

Travel Made Easy - top apps for seniors on the go

Register for travel apps webinar

Online support with digital skills

If you or someone you know is looking for digital skills support, access our free resources: 

 

This blog highlights discussions from AbilityNet's annual disability and accessibility conference, TechShare Pro. Catch up with all the sessions with an archive ticket to access all of the TechShare Pro 2024 recordings

Supporting data

  • 3 million older adults in the UK are offline - from data collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
  • 7 million disabled people in the UK are affected by digital exclusion, according to recent reports from organisations like Ofcom, the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
  • BT Group’s research shows that two thirds (65%) of older people think that you’re never too old to learn new skills, with almost half (49%) open to learning tech skills specifically.