Research: Digital inclusion for connection: digital inclusion for disabled adults

This report sets out findings from a small-scale pilot with disabled working‑age adults. It combined research and pilot delivery to explore barriers to digital inclusion for this group, what support works, and whether increased digital inclusion can help reduce loneliness.

The pilot was shaped by co-design and the principle of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ ensuring that disabled people’s views were reflected from the outset in the research, pilot design, delivery, and evaluation.

The pilot found that disabled adults may face the same challenges as other digitally excluded groups, but these overlap with disability-related barriers like inaccessible design, and limited awareness or affordability of assistive technology. The survey of 525 disabled adults found:

The pilot was delivered to 40 disabled adults, and the findings highlight the importance of trusted, accessible support that is flexible and ongoing, particularly where needs are complex or change over time.