Digitial Inclusion
Digital inclusion is about ensuring individuals and disadvantaged groups have access to, and skills to use, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as computers and the internet. They will therefore able to participate and benefit from the growing knowledge society in which we live today.
Background in Northen Ireland
Currently in Northern Ireland statistics show that there is
still someway to go before everyone is able to realise the benefits of using
the Internet.
|
Category
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Those over 16 years using the Internet
|
57%
|
43%
|
|
Those over 50 years using the Internet
|
47%
|
53%
|
|
Those over 65 years using the Internet
|
14%
|
86%
|
|
Those using the Internet with Disability
|
35%
|
65%
|
Source:NISRA March 2006
These statistics show that
we currently do have a 'digital divide' in Northern Ireland with
particularly disadvantaged groups being those who are older, those with
a disability and those in the skilled manual socio-economic group.
How can your business get involved?
STAR – Skills Time And Resources encompass three of the most important assets a company (of any size) can make available to the community:
Skills – technical expertise, management expertise
Time – employee time provided through volunteering
Resources – equipment, cash donations, premises
To find out how to get involved or for more information on digital inclusion please contact Kieran Harding on Tel: (028) 9046 0606
Silver Surfers
Silver Surfers is our flagship digital inclusion programme and it has been phenomenally successful in recent years. It is a national day set aside to focus on
helping the over 50’s to have a taste of what the Internet offers and to help
them gain the essential ICT skills to get started. Find out more about Silver Surfers.
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