Digital Inclusion for Equal Opportunity
The Benevolent Society, in partnership with WorkVentures, has launched a Digital Inclusion Program aimed at closing the digital gap for Australians with disabilities.
The program is responding to alarming statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which highlight that 28.5% of Australians with disabilities, approximately 1.1 million people, do not use the internet.
Tailored Support for Digital Literacy
The initiative provides clients with free laptops, 12 months of internet access, and continuous technical support.
Since its inception in November 2023, over 60 participants in New South Wales and South Australia have benefited from the program, which seeks to enhance their digital literacy and enable them to engage confidently in the digital world.
Jeremy Halcrow, Executive Director of Strategy and Quality at The Benevolent Society, emphasised the importance of digital access: “With services increasingly delivered online, it’s crucial that no one gets left behind.
Our program helps people with disabilities confidently access information and services online, and engage with their communities.”
Jacob Muller, Director of Technology & Social Impact Solutions at WorkVentures, added: “Digital inclusion is about ensuring everyone has the skills and support to thrive in the digital age.
We are proud to contribute to the holistic empowerment of people with disabilities, enabling them to reap the benefits of the online world.”
Expanding Reach and Impact
Positive feedback from participants, especially in rural areas, underscores the program’s success. Clients report enhanced connectivity with their support networks, and children are using their laptops to develop new skills.
Plans are now underway to expand the program to support over 100 clients from the Women’s Space in Labrador, Queensland, and the NDIS Early Childhood Approach Program across several regions in South East Queensland.
By addressing the digital divide, this program is making significant strides in ensuring Australians with disabilities are not left behind in the digital age.
