Do you know how to make your documents accessible? 

Document accessibility is crucial but often overlooked compared to web accessibility. It significantly impacts many people, and everyone who creates documents as part of their job can contribute to making them accessible. Discover three top tips to help you start thinking about the accessibility of the documents you produce. 

James Baverstock is a Principal Accessibility Consultant at AbilityNet who specialises in document accessibility. He contributes to AbilityNet’s training programmes for Microsoft Office, PDF (Portable Document Format), and InDesign accessibility, as well as conducting accessibility audits for PDFs and Office documents. As a certified Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), he is well-versed in the field.

1. Optimise document structure

When creating a document in Microsoft Word, use appropriate heading styles to mark out sections of your content. Utilise Heading 1 for your main heading and nest other headings appropriately, such as Heading 2, Heading 3, etc., to create a logical structure. 

Using lists can also break up your content and improve readability. Properly styled headings and lists enhance readability for everyone, especially users of screen readers or braille displays, by making the structure more accessible.

2. Utilise the Microsoft Accessibility Checker

Always use the Microsoft Accessibility Checker when working with Word or other Office applications like PowerPoint, Excel, or Outlook. This tool identifies accessibility issues such as images without alternative text and instances of low color contrast between text and background. 

To use the checker in Word, go to Review > Check Accessibility. The checker will highlight problems like charts lacking alternative text and hard-to-read text contrast issues. It also provides additional information on why these issues are problematic and offers guidance on fixing them. Keeping the accessibility checker active while you work allows you to identify and address issues in real time. 

3. Ensure PDFs are tagged

When creating PDFs, always ensure they are tagged. Tags act like invisible labels that inform screen readers about document elements such as headings, lists, tables, alternative text for images, and the reading order of the content. 

To check if a PDF is tagged, look for the “Tagged PDF” field in the Document Properties. Office applications can produce tagged PDFs by default when saving to PDF. By using headings and lists and following the accessibility checker’s guidance, these accessibility features should carry over to the tagged PDF. Adobe InDesign also offers robust tools for producing tagged PDFs. 

Avoid printing to PDF in Office applications and InDesign, as this does not produce tags. Instead, use the Save As Adobe PDF option or select PDF as the format when saving. If you use different software for producing PDFs, ensure it can create well-tagged PDFs, as not all applications offer this capability. 

Learn about document accessibility 

Implement these practices to make your documents more accessible to everyone. For more detailed guidance, check out our following resources:  

• For individual learning: How to create accessible documents with Word training course  
• For you and your team: Organise accessible document team training  
• For your organisation: Creating accessible content in Office 365  

Speak to our accessibility experts 

This blog is a transcription of AbilityNet’s TechShare Pro conference 2023 selection of bite-sized 'Lightning Talks' from accessibility experts, highlighting top tips and advice on accessibility topics. Watch the video recording below.

Join us for TechShare Pro 2024 in person in London or online for two days of sharing and learning about accessibility, disability inclusion and much more... 

Book your ticket for TechShare Pro 2024 

AbilityNet and telecommunications company BT Group has today announced the continuing of its partnership to help improve the digital skills of people over 65, and disabled adults, across the UK.

This partnership for the next year is building on the 2023-2024 ‘Senior Skills Programme’ which delivered more than 1,000 group and one-to-one training sessions in regions across the UK. *Update September 2025: Locations for support are now London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, the East Coast of Scotland, Stoke, Preston, Brighton & Hove (and Sussex), Newcastle, Cardiff, Swansea and the Brecons, Belfast and surrounding areas.

Help for disabled adults, alongside people over 65

Part of the fresh focus for the year ahead will include helping disabled adults, as well as anyone over 65.

AbilityNet's friendly team of Digital Skills trainers can provide free digital skills training to support older people (65+ years) and to disabled adults, in the following geographical areas:

• Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Scottish Central Belt.
• Birmingham and the West Midlands.
• Cardiff, Swansea and Bristol.
• Greater London and London city
• Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth 
• Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham and Hartlepool 

The locations were chosen based on a growing demand for tech support among older people aged 65+ in these areas. 

Book your support session

Expanding on developing digital skills in the UK

Learn more about the partnership in this captioned video following a group of senior learners in Birmingham:

The Senior Skills programme encourages older and digitally excluded people, and disabled adults, to learn more about and use basic online services.

Sarah Brain (pictured), Head of Free Services at AbilityNet says of the partnership and the latest developments:

"Over the past 12 months, we’ve supported more than 5,000 older individuals by providing them with essential digital skills and advice. Building on this success, we are excited to announce that, with the generous support of BT Group, we will be able to continue and expand upon this important work. This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter, where we can reach even more people, helping them thrive and stay connected in an increasingly digital world. Together, we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as technology continues to evolve, and we look forward to making an even greater impact in the communities we serve."

Free webinar: Empowering Seniors: 5 Essential Tips for Online Safety and Support

Older people are keen to learn digital skills

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.

Basic digital skills are now increasingly important for day-to-day life. People who are less familiar with digital devices risk losing access to key services like banking, shopping and health services, as well as software platforms that keep people connected.

What may seem second nature to some is an exciting journey of discovery for older individuals - parents, grandparents, and beyond. From mastering online shopping to connecting through video calls and capturing cherished moments through photos, boosting digital skills is invaluable.

BT Group is committed to supporting the older generation as they adapt to using digital tools and technology. The ongoing partnership between AbilityNet and BT will help reach our mutual goals of an inclusive digital future for all.

Get help from volunteers across the UK

As part of the partnership, the digital skills training is available in person and through online resources, with the goal of helping participants become more independent and able to manage day-to-day digital tasks.

AbilityNet is also very pleased to continue to work with volunteers from BT Group who have been helping to deliver the programme so far at key areas across the UK.

If you're not located in one of the focus areas outlined above, but would like to get digital skills support, please call AbilityNet's tech helpline: 0300 180 0028 (open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm) or contact us online.

* Research carried out by OnePoll in October 2022 of 1500 people over 60 years of age in the UK.

How AbilityNet can help

• Call AbilityNet's Helpline on 0300 180 0028
• Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
• See our database of FREE factsheets
• Access FREE webinars about technology and disabilityy
• Book disability awareness training for your team
   

Hosted by HSBC and organised in partnership with Valuable 500, this year's TechShare Pro a unique opportunity for ad agencies, brand leaders, disability influencers and digital accessibility experts to learn how to deliver authentic representation of disability and accessible ad campaigns.

Day One of AbilityNet’s TechShare Pro 2024 conference centres on the Disability and Advertising Summit. AbilityNet’s Mark Walker is excited by this addition to Europe’s largest accessibility event:

“Brands and ad agencies are beginning to understand the power of disability to deliver value as part of their diversity-focused campaigns. The accessibility and disability community is eager to help brands and their agencies deliver accessible, authentic campaigns that shift public attitudes to disability and deliver real business benefits.

This event is about learning from what works - we’ll hear from the creative teams and accessibility specialists behind some of the most iconic inclusive ads on the planet about what they did and the impact they had.

Trailblazers like Channel 4 have significantly changed public perception of disability. Brands such as Google, Microsoft, HSBC, and Sony will talk about their investment in accessibility and disability inclusion. And Primark will show how they developed and promoted an adaptive clothing range.”

A great opportunity for ad agencies and brands to learn from disability and accessibility experts

AbilityNet is working with Valuable 500, a global network of the 500 biggest brands committed to disability inclusion. Recent Valuable 500 research highlights the rewards for brands that get disability inclusion right but also shows that many brands are still missing out. 

Valuable 500's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Katy Talikowska has an extensive background in the advertising industry and is excited by this opportunity for agencies and their brand clients to build innovative, high-impact campaigns.

“Disability is an important part of the diversity agenda for any brand and ad agencies can really stand out if they know how to deliver authentic disability inclusion for their customers,” she explains.

“AbilityNet is a global leader in accessibility and their TechShare Pro conference is the perfect place to meet and learn from accessibility and disability experts. We’re using it to connect an amazing selection of brands, ad agencies, accessibility experts and disability leaders.

Too many brands are still not making the most of their commitment to disability in their campaigns. This is a unique opportunity for people in the advertising and marketing industry to learn how to deliver authentic representation and accessible campaigns.

By connecting with accessibility specialists brands will get more value from their spend and agencies will be more likely to win work with innovative and accessible campaigns.”  

Join us at TechShare Pro

This hybrid event can shape the future of disability representation in advertising. Mark your calendars for 13 November and join us at the Disability and Advertising Summit during TechShare Pro 2024. 

Check out details for online-only tickets, in-person tickets and the highly sought-after Champions Bundles that offer unlimited online tickets to everyone in your organisation.  

Book now for Early Bird savings 

But hurry – in-person tickets are limited and the Early Bird discount is available only until 1 October 2024. Secure your spot today and join us for an unforgettable event. 

What happens at TechShare Pro?

TechShare Pro 2023 was hosted by HSBC in London, with over 2,000 in-person and online attendees from around the world. Check out the highlights reel below.

By guest blogger, Research and Evaluation Officer, Ell Martin

The right device and an internet connection are both essential to being digitally included.

That’s why, with funding from the Nominet Members' GiveHub, AbilityNet was able to gift 178 tablet devices to people who needed them.

This project was made possible by our partners; Nominet, the official manager of the .uk domain name, who supported us to manage and distribute the programme, and Amazon and Lenovo supplied the devices. 

Working with community partners

The tablets were distributed through 27 of our local community partners across the UK, along with SIM cards so they could connect to the internet anywhere. 

However, a device is only helpful if you know how to use it. Therefore, those who received a tablet were supported to use them through one to one and group support sessions provided by staff and volunteers.   

Feedback from both our partners, and people who have received a laptop (within this project we call them ‘learners') has demonstrated the wide-reaching impact a tablet can have.

This includes improving health and wellbeing, using tech to support impairments, connecting with friends and family, accessing key services, looking for work and finding employment, gaining skills, and pursuing hobbies. 

The need for a device 

Learners had a huge array of reasons for wishing to use a tablet, from needing a device to apply for jobs, to wanting to explore hobbies. The most common underlying reason was that they didn’t currently have the right device that suited them. 

For example, one learner with rheumatoid arthritis had a smartphone but couldn’t use its full functionality. A tablet with a bigger screen enabled her to tap on the right area, and therefore use it a lot faster than her phone. Not only this, but they were sharing an old laptop with their children, so a tablet enabled all the family to use digital devices when they needed. 

A tablet having a bigger screen than a smartphone was beneficial for multiple reasons: another learner was completing some online courses, which were difficult to complete through his phone, but much easier on a tablet. A third learner, who has glaucoma, mentioned that their phone was too small for them to see and use it properly.

Cost as a barrier

Another key barrier to many people accessing devices is cost. This includes both the device and connectivity.

Research from April 2024 highlighted that close to one in 10 households were struggling to afford their mobile or broadband service (Ofcom, Communications Affordability Tracker, 2024).

Rochdale Borough Council told us:
“I am so thrilled to receive the tablets to gift to residents who are totally digitally excluded and would hugely benefit from a device of their own. I am happy that the tablets come with free data. It removes the barrier of no connectivity.”

Using the tablets to manage health online 

Those who are now using the tablets have told us that online is “a global library and instant access to information and knowledge I wouldn’t have had access to” and their tablet has “opened a whole new world”. Overwhelmingly, learners reported that their wellbeing improved since having the tablet.

One key reason learners’ wellbeing improved was that the device enabled them to manage and support their health conditions and disabilities, as highlighted by the examples above.

Improving wellbeing and mental health was highlighted by half of the partner organisations we worked with and those who received tablets. One person said being able to listen to music on the tablet improved mental health. Another learner said receiving the tablet after their mental health was very low “has given me the boost I needed to make the change”.

One factor that consequently improved wellbeing was being able to contact family and friends through messaging apps and video calls, reducing loneliness.

Another was adjusting accessibility settings. One learner told us the autocorrect text and increased font size helped their dyslexia, in turn enabling them to stay connected with people. 

Spotlight on community

One of our partners gifted a laptop to an allotment group so they could become more confident online, and promote their shop. One of the group said:

“Thank you for allowing me to have a Chromebook. I am retired and use my spare time to volunteer at my local allotments. We are expanding our garden shop and I want to get online to create articles. My skills online are rusty to say the least. I would like help to get online. The committee will also use the device to do minutes for meetings and order new stock. We will ALL benefit in some way. This device will help me to communicate with more people. Thank you so much.” 

Newfound confidence and skills

Feedback from the project supported by Nominet also highlighted that many learners had improved both their digital skills and confidence since receiving a device.

Prior to being gifted a tablet, one learner could only text on a basic mobile and use a remote control for a TV, but after having support, we were told of the learner’s newly acquired confidence:

“There has been a marked change. He now knows how to switch on a device and use it without fear of breaking it. He has an email address and has started to send messages to his friends. He has also used WhatsApp to make some video calls and used it to message people. He is also progressing in how to access the internet, and search for things.” - Morley Digital

Since using the tablets, learners have been able to communicate with friends and family, access essential services, apply for and search for jobs, operate  a tablet for the first time, use accessibility settings, shop online and navigate documents. One learner has been offered a job and will use their tablet to check shifts and complete the online paperwork needed. 

Looking forward, learners want to continue to grow their confidence, enrol on online courses, share their skills with others, shop online, pay bills online, and look for jobs!

A huge thank you to Nominet Members' GiveHub, Amazon and Lenovo for their support to enable these learners to have their worlds opened and wellbeing improved. 

Free webinar: Empowering Seniors: 5 Essential Tips for Online Safety and Support

Further resources

• Free Digital Skills training for older and disabled people via AbilityNet
• Book digital inclusion training for your teams
• Support AbilityNet with fundraising at your organisation
• Find out about practical tips to shield yourself from scams
• Sign up to our newsletter for updates on assistive technology, accessibility and more 

Three cheers for our patron Martha Lane-Fox who has successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of AbilityNet!

Martha, 20 years on from when she suffered a stroke and broke 26 bones in a life-changing car crash in 2004, conquered the three highest peaks in the UK, completing the final mountain climb on 7 September.

Speaking to us reflecting on her Three Peaks achievement, Martha said:

"It was the lowest lows and highest highs of my life, but thinking of people who long to climb but cannot spurred me on."

Martha was joined on the challenge by her two seven-year-old boys, and climbed Snowden in April, and Scafell Pike in May in aid of four charities, including AbilityNet.

The other chosen charities who will benefit from Martha's support:

• dayonetrauma.org helps people navigate the recovery from extreme physical trauma.
• Iamthecode.org trains girls in refugee camps with computer science and digital skills.
• Horatio's Garden which nurtures the wellbeing of people after spinal injury.

"Please help me to help these different charities, all of whom plug vital holes in different systems of care," says Martha on her Martha's Mountain Mayhem fundraising page. 

You can still support Martha in her amazing challenge, which so far has raised an incredible £356,054.72 for the charities.

Donate to Martha's fundraiser

Martha's role with AbilityNet

Martha Lane Fox (Baroness Lane-Fox of Soho) became AbilityNet's patron in 2011. She took part in our Look No Hands campaign, alongside Stephen Fry, which showed how challenging technology can be to some disabled people. She also won our Tech4Good Special Award in 2023.

AbilityNet's Digital Skills project with BT Group is supporting people 65+ and disabled adults with getting online and using technology, such as:

- learning how to use email
- make video calls
- use online banking and book medical appointments

Find out about Free BT Digital Skills sessions for people over 65 

Support AbilityNet via your organisation

Would your employees benefit from supporting AbilityNet charity in its goals to help older people and disabled people with technology?

We have many Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership opportunities supporting our work helping older and disabled people through technology, from free support such as volunteering, to sponsorship and fundraising. Employees at organisations including BT Group and CapGemini, for example, have AbilityNet volunteers within their workforces.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss working together - we'd love to have a chat!

How AbilityNet can help you

• Call AbilityNet's helpline on 0300 180 0028 
• Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
• See our database of FREE factsheets
• Access FREE webinars about technology and disability

“Our residents are now less scared of their devices and more confident to complete simple tasks by themselves.” - Vicki, Activity and Volunteer Organiser at ExtraCare Pannel Croft

Ofcom, the UK government's communications regulator, commissioned AbilityNet as part of a project to enhance media literacy skills among disabled individuals and older people in Birmingham.

The broader Ofcom project involved AbilityNet and 12 other organisations across the UK. Ofcom released its report this week which outlines the results of the 14-month initiative to improve media literacy skills within targeted groups in the UK.

How AbilityNet helped

Prior partnership projects and digital exclusion research had identified the lack of confidence and skills amongst the residents of ExtraCare retirement villages, with 65% surveyed noting a lack of confidence with technology and 59% of staff asked to support with tech at least once a week.

To help boost digital skills confidence with the residents, AbilityNet developed and delivered three training modules to residents across seven different residential villages and resource centres in the Birmingham area.

Residents completed three sessions:

• a gentle and basic ‘Introduction to technology’ session
• a scam awareness session
• a session aimed at achieving at least one new digital skill

The training project aimed to upskill 200 residents across 45 group sessions, providing 30 devices and connectivity to those in need, and including using the skills of local volunteer teams.

A group of Birmingham City Council employees who work at the city's older people's resource centres, alongside staff members from the residential villages, also attended three online interactive staff training sessions to help embed digital skills further.

Free webinar: Empowering Seniors: 5 Essential Tips for Online Safety and Support

An overwhelming success

As a result of the digital skills training sessions provided, an impressive 98% of residents reported feeling more knowledgeable about technology after completing the sessions. In addition, 85% rated their ability to use digital devices as average, good or excellent after sessions, and 97% rated their ability to stay safer online as average, good or excellent after sessions (versus only 46% pre the sessions).

This collaborative effort involved multiple organisations and charities addressing the challenges faced by their beneficiaries.

In summary, the Ofcom commissioned project has proven to be overwhelmingly successful, achieving seven out of eight of its outcome targets in providing vital media literacy skills that enable disabled people to thrive in the evermore essential digital world.

However, consistent funding and government support are essential to address the significant need for media literacy training nationwide. Without these resources, only a fraction of the problem can be addressed.

View a summary of AbilityNet's project and download a detailed PDF report of the work undertaken in Birmingham to boost digital media literacy skills:

Download AbilityNet's report

Further resources

• Find out about practical tips to shield yourself from scams
• Make sure your employees are equipped with inclusion best practices - get in touch for training for your team
• Sign up to our newsletter for updates on assistive technology, accessibility and more 

Hybrid working, which involves employees splitting their time between the office and remote locations, has become the new standard for many organisations. While this flexible arrangement offers significant benefits, it also presents unique challenges, particularly in ensuring accessibility for all employees.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published new guidance in September 2024 to help employers understand their legal obligations and the practical steps to take to best support disabled employees with hybrid working. 

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said: 

“The duty to make reasonable adjustments needn’t be costly or difficult. Our guidance provides practical tips and advice produced with the assistance of industry bodies and experts so employers can ensure they are complying with equality law.”

Robin Christopherson’s contribution to the Equality and Human Rights Commission guide 

AbilityNet’s Head of Digital Inclusion Robin Christopherson, a leading figure in the global community of accessibility and digital inclusion, provided insights for the guide. Robin’s expertise helped shape the guidance, ensuring it addresses the unique challenges and opportunities that hybrid working presents for disabled employees.

Robin said “Flexible and hybrid working can be vital elements in a happy, productive and truly inclusive workforce. This new guidance will enable your organisation to benefit to the full, whilst avoiding the pitfalls.”

The guidance is for employers, managers, and leaders who are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. The guidance includes: 

• Practical tips: Learn actionable strategies to support disabled workers in a hybrid work setting. 
• Insightful questions: Gain a deeper understanding of how to tailor your approach to everyone's unique circumstances. 
• Case studies: Explore real-world examples that illustrate successful inclusion practices. 

Access the guidance on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website.

More resources on hybrid work for disabled employees 

Free webinar playback: How to make remote and hybrid work accessible for every employee

Get your hybrid working model assessed 

Our expert workplace consultants can help you to gauge your organisation’s current cultural state and work with you to prioritise which improvements will have the greatest immediate impact which will form the roadmap for your ongoing disability inclusion journey.  

We can help you look at your 'ways of working', which can include the hybrid working model your organisation has set in place. Get in touch to find out more about our Disability Inclusion Gap Analysis. 

Speak to our workplace experts

Blog: Top portable technology for hybrid work 

If you believe some of the myths about AI (artificial intelligence), in a few years AI will mean that people don't need to work and that AI is going to be able to do all our jobs for us.

Fortunately, it is a myth. Which I'm glad about because if we don't work we don't get paid, so I wouldn't be able to pay the mortgage on my house, or pay for my season ticket for my local football team.

AI will help me in my job by helping to me to write an email to a client, but I'll still need to tell AI the basic details of the task I want it to do. 

AI is indeed new and exciting, and also a little scary, but there is also a real lack of understanding about how AI works.

Here are 3 myths about AI:

1. AI is biased

One of the biggest myths about AI is that it is biased. 

Technically speaking AI isn't biased, but the data that AI uses to come up with results is biased. However, as more data is analysed, hopefully some of the bias will disappear.

It's not going to get rid of all of the content though. Even Google, with its Gemini suite, has been criticised for depicting one of the founding fathers of America as being black. AI uses tools to sift data, but if the data is biased then AI will report this when you use it. One way of making sure that unbiased results are presented is to make sure that the "training data" is not biased. 

2. AI can reason like humans

The next myth is about whether or not AI can reason like humans can. Last night my wife ordered pizza. We could have ordered all sorts of other fast food, but we decided on pizza. If you asked an AI client what you could have for fast food it would come up with lots of suggestions, but it would leave you to make the final decision. 

I asked Chat GPT "What should I eat for a takeaway tonight?". This is what it came up with:

"Choosing a takeaway can be a fun but tough decision! Here are some options depending on what you’re in the mood for:

1. Comfort Food: If you want something comforting, go for pizza, burgers, or a hearty pasta dish. These are satisfying and easy to share if you’re with others.
2. Healthy Option: If you’re looking to keep it light, try a fresh salad with grilled chicken or a poke bowl. Sushi is also a great option.
3. Asian Cuisine: Craving some flavour? Thai, Chinese, or Indian food can offer a variety of dishes like curries, stir-fries, or noodle bowls.
4. Mediterranean: If you want something balanced and flavourful, try Mediterranean. A mix of grilled meats, houmus, and fresh veggies is delicious and nutritious.
5. Something New: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try something you haven’t had before? Maybe a new local spot or a cuisine you haven’t explored much, like Ethiopian or Korean BBQ.

What are you in the mood for? That might help narrow it down!"

AI can reason, but it reasons in different ways to humans. It relies on data, not mood.

3. AI is empathetic

Yesterday, one of my friends died. We weren't close but we'd exchange a few words when we saw each other when we passed each other in the corridor at the office. Telling an AI client that a friend died elicited this response:

"I'm so sorry to hear that your friend has passed away. Losing someone close is incredibly difficult, and I want to express my deepest condolences. Please know that I'm here for you if you need to talk or simply want someone to listen."

To me this sounds very formal and clinical. You get so much more empathy from a human being in my opinion. The response I've got from Gemini isn't "from the heart", it has just learnt from an awful lot of data.

Myths vs reality

Getting rid of some of the myths of AI can only lead to a better understanding of how AI can be used to help people. AI is here to stay and we should embrace it! And if you use Siri or Google, for example, you are already using AI without really noticing it. AI can only get better when the data that it gets is better.

Access to the internet, online services, and digital tools is increasingly essential in areas as broad as education, employment, healthcare, financial independence, public services and social inclusion. Yet, for millions of disabled people, the promise of digital inclusion remains unfulfilled. This disparity is stark, contributing to what is known as "digital poverty" – the lack of access, skills, and opportunities in the digital realm.

As we approach End Digital Poverty Day on 12 September, it’s crucial to explore how disability can impact digital poverty, making it even more difficult for disabled individuals to participate fully in society. Let’s look at some of the additional barriers that disabled people may face.

Affordability

One of the most significant barriers to digital inclusion for disabled people is financial. On average, disabled individuals have lower disposable incomes due to various factors, including higher living costs related to their impairment, limited access to employment, and the need for specialised care or equipment. This financial strain often results in reduced ability to afford devices, the on-going broadband and mobile contracts, or assistive technology that could improve their access to digital devices.

In the UK, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports that nearly half of all people in poverty are either disabled or live in a household where someone is disabled. This financial hardship directly impacts their ability to stay connected in a world where digital engagement is becoming increasingly essential in our daily lives.

Useful resources for finding funding, and navigating the cost-of-living crisis 

• Cost of Living crisis: helpful digital resources
• Factsheet: Finding funding for an adapted computer system
• Webinar playback: Cost of living crisis and how digital can help 
   

Ageing and Digital confidence

Many older adults have lower levels of digital confidence. The Age UK charity highlights that nearly half of people aged 75 and over have never used the internet, and for those who have, a significant proportion struggle with even basic tasks like using a search engine or setting up an email account. Many also lack the often essential, on-going support of family or friends.

Moreover, the prevalence of disability or impairment increases with age, and this demographic trend presents another challenge to digital inclusion. Older adults are more likely to experience disabilities that can affect their ability to use digital devices. For instance, vision impairments, hearing loss, and motor difficulties are common in older age, and these can make navigating websites and apps much more challenging.

These access challenges associated with ageing, combined with a lack of confidence or support, exacerbate the particular digital poverty and exclusion experienced by older people.

Useful resources for improving digital confidence for older people

• Digital Skills Training for disabled adults and anyone aged 65 and over 
• Request Free IT Support at Home 
• Factsheet: Technology for Seniors 

Inaccessibility of websites and apps

Even when disabled individuals can afford digital devices and have the skills and confidence to use them, they often encounter another significant barrier: inaccessibility. Many websites and apps are not designed with accessibility in mind, making them difficult or impossible to use for disabled people.

For example, vision-impaired users may rely on screen readers to navigate the internet. However, if a website is not properly coded with alternative text for images or if it doesn’t work with a keyboard and requires the use of a mouse, or if it relies heavily on visual cues without text descriptions, it becomes inaccessible. 

Similarly, individuals with motor impairments may struggle to use apps that require precise touch interactions if they include small buttons or tightly spaced controls.

The global web accessibility guidelines clearly set out how to make web content more accessible and inclusive but, despite it being a legal requirement in the UK and many other countries around the world, adherence to these guidelines is far from universal. 
As a result, many disabled people find themselves shut out of essential online services, from banking to booking an appointment with the doctor.

Lack of awareness of accessibility technology and features

A further issue compounding digital poverty among disabled individuals is the lack of awareness or knowledge about assistive technology and accessibility features that could greatly improve their access to digital devices and services. Most modern devices come equipped with a range of accessibility settings, such as text-to-speech, screen magnification, and voice control. However, these features are often underused because users are either unaware of their existence or find them too difficult to configure without assistance.

For instance, a person with a hearing impairment might benefit from subtitles on video content, but they might not know how to enable this feature. Similarly, someone with dyslexia could find reading on a screen easier if they knew how to change font sizes or text and background colours.

The AbilityNet website is also crammed with information on that other area that is so vital; assistive technology. If the accessibility settings in your devices don’t meet your needs, then there is a wealth of specialist software and devices that should be able to help. If you’d like to email or talk to someone about what solutions or settings you could benefit from, do get in touch with us.

Get in touch
 

Let’s end digital poverty

As we prepare to mark End Digital Poverty Day, it’s essential to recognise the unique challenges that disabled people face in the digital age. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach that includes raising employment levels within our talented disabled community, improving the affordability of getting online, enhancing accessibility standards, raising awareness of existing features, and providing targeted support to those who need it most.

Only by tackling these barriers can we move towards a more inclusive digital society where everyone, regardless of age or impairment, can benefit from the opportunities that the digital world offers.

Don't miss our talks at Connected Britain 2024! 

Join me on 11 September 2024 for a pivotal talk at Connected Britain 2024 in London on 'Overcoming the UK’s Digital Divide'. In this session, I will join a panel and explore the progress made in the past 12 months toward bridging the digital divide in the UK. 

As an Association Partner, we are pleased to offer an exclusive 15% discount on tickets. Use the promo code ‘ABILITY15’ when purchasing your tickets to take advantage of this special offer. Additionally, Connected Britain offers a free ticket programme for members of the public sector, broadband operators, and more. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the UK's digital future.

Learn more and get your tickets

AbilityNet’s TechShare Pro conference returns this November for the eighth year. Taking place online on 13 and 14 November 2024, the event will be hosted by HSBC at Canary Wharf.
  
TechShare Pro is the premier gathering for the global disability and tech community, spotlighting ground-breaking topics such as the European Accessibility Act, Accessibility Leadership and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Accessibility. 

An exciting addition this year is the Disability and Advertising Summit, bringing together leading figures from the advertising and marketing industry, disability influencers and accessibility experts.  

Brands such as Google, Channel 4, HSBC and others will share examples and discuss how and why brands and agencies can deliver authentic and accessible advertising campaigns. 

Europe's largest gathering of accessibility and inclusion professionals continues to offer: 

• Two days packed with insights and networking with industry leaders
• A groundbreaking Disability and Advertising Summit  
• Updates and debates about AI and accessibility, tech innovation, disability and digital inclusion, culture change, managing burnout and much more. 

Learn more and book your ticket

A new focus: authentic representation in ads 

Mark Walker organiser of TechShare Pro and Head of Marketing at AbilityNet is delighted to announce the new Disability and Advertising Summit.
 
“We’re proud to announce that TechShare Pro is back for its eighth year, gathering the many people and organisations building a digital world accessible to all. We’ve got an amazing mix of sponsors, and a brilliant set of speakers and we’re delighted to be back at HSBC for a second year. 

Our core themes are disability, technology and innovation, but our shared vision is to address the disability divide. That’s why I’m also pleased to announce that we’ve worked with The Valuable 500 to add a groundbreaking Disability and Advertising Summit to this year’s programme. 

The Valuable 500 works with the 500 biggest brands on the planet and improving representation of disability is one of its core actions.  

Their research shows that agencies, brand leaders and marketers want to deliver authentic and accessible advertising campaigns, and we believe TechShare Pro is the perfect place for them to share best practices and build links with the accessibility and disability community. 

The Summit will feature the teams behind ads from Channel 4, Google, HSBC and many other leading brands. They’ll talk about the creative process and discuss the business benefits and the brand value that a great ad can have. They’ll also highlight how to avoid reputational pitfalls by working more closely with the disability community and delivering accessible and inclusive communications.  

This is a unique opportunity for creatives, marketers, brand owners, disability influencers and accessibility leaders to learn about authentic representation of disability, accessible communications campaigns, and the business benefits it can bring.” 
 

Why attend TechShare Pro? 

Christopher Patnoe, Head of EMEA Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Google, a Gold Sponsor, has been attending TechShare Pro since 2018:
 
“TechShare Pro's secret sauce is the bringing together of people from all over the world so we can commiserate and inspire each other to do better things. This is one of the most impactful conferences in Europe - I've learned so much from it and the people that it brings together.
  
A charity like AbilityNet is a neutral arbiter that brings organisations like Apple, Google, and Microsoft to the same stage - it's not easy but it's always entertaining and educational.” 

Outline schedule: 

• Wednesday 13 November: Disability and Advertising Summit 
• Thursday 14 November: Accessibility Leaders Day  

Check out details for online-only tickets and the highly sought-after Champions Bundles that offer unlimited online tickets to everyone in your organisation.  

Book your TechShare Pro 2024 ticket 

Secure your spot today and join us for an unforgettable event. 

What happens at TechShare Pro?

TechShare Pro 2023 was hosted by HSBC in London, with over 2,000 in-person and online attendees from around the world. Check out the highlights reel below.