Title:
Tackling digital exclusion - Older blind and partially sighted people and the internet
Author(s):
Angela Edwards
Publisher:
RNIB
Year of publication:
2012
Background:
Whilst the use of the internet has grown dramatically in recent years, particular groups of people in society are less likely to be online than others, and this includes older people with sight loss. So BT supported RNIB to investigate the barriers preventing older people with sight loss from using the internet. The study aims to
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identify the barriers and enablers to getting online for older people with sight loss
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identify the types of online activities in which people would like to engage
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provide recommendations that will enable older blind and partially sighted people to get online.
The study employed a mixed methods approach including a telephone survey of 300 blind and partially sighted people aged 65 years and over; discussion groups; 70 face-to-face interviews with older blind and partially sighted people across the UK; and six in-depth telephone interviews with professionals who provide support and training to people with sight loss.
Key findings:
The report highlights some barriers that are specific to older people with sight loss including the perception that sight loss itself prevents them from getting online, the high cost of access technology and the lack of accessible training. The recommendations are organised around the framework developed by the Communications Consumer Panel (2010) which provides a useful tool for setting out the stages from non use to full online participation for older people with sight loss. In particular the report recommends that RNIB adopts the four stages of the Framework for Digital Participation (Getting interested; acquiring the solutions; Making it work; enjoying the benefits) as the basis of a new technology support strategy to reflect the scope of our vision and work. It also recommends that stakeholders in voluntar, public and private sectors work together to help older people with sight loss get and stay online.
Downloads:
Research Briefing:
Full report: