Workshop

Presentation Description:

Workshop description: How can you change the game to close the digital divide? In this interactive workshop, we will explore how libraries can be at the cutting edge of community digital skills programs for people with intellectual disability. And it will be led by someone with intellectual disability: a Digital Champion. Digital Champions educate community organisations and support workers on how they can best support people with intellectual disability to be confident and safe online. 1 in 5 Australians have a disability, and 1 in 5 are digitally excluded. Libraries are often the first port of call for people to get help with online forms, using government services, if they have been scammed or to connect with others through community events or workshops.

But, there are barriers that prevent some from being able to access the supports they need to thrive. And, not every library has the resources to support people in the way that they need. Digital Champions will talk about how important it is for people with intellectual disability to be safe and confident online, present best practice communication skills and share their own powerful story. Our workshop will be a hands-on experience that will involve innovative and fun games and resources that have been designed by us with people with intellectual disability. Together with the Digital Champions, we will showcase practical strategies to support and engage with people with intellectual disability. These resources and games are free and accessible for libraries to use as tools to support their communities. We want everyone to feel safe and confident in the digital world and have equal access to the internet and tech.

With people with disability in Australia are more at risk of being digitally excluded, we’re working with people with disability to ensure everyone feels safe and confident in the digital world. Our Bridge the Digital Divide Initiative has seen Good Things and Down Syndrome Australia employ and train 10 people with intellectual disability to share their story and support others to learn as Digital Champions. This interactive and practical workshop will give people working in the library and information sector tools to support people with disability to get online safely and confidently. Together, through accessible games and resources we’re building a community and closing the digital divide.