Today, the web has 2.4 billion users worldwide. To put this incredible speed of adoption in some context, radio took 38 years to reach 50 million users, television took 13 years, web took 4 years and Facebook took just 10 months. In 2013, 89% of young people now use a smartphone or tablet to go online, up from 43% in 2010.
The web has transformed almost every aspect of public, private and work life.
Technology has increased the speed and reach of information, it offers many benefits for individuals such as;
- money saving opportunities
- information about services and rights
- the ability to stay in touch with friends and family
- opportunities to learn new skills
The National Survey for Wales: 2014-15 confirmed that 19% (approximately 473,959) of the Welsh adult population (aged 18 or over) do not regularly use the internet, and 38% of disabled people in Wales are digital excluded
Disability Wales delivered a digital inclusion project from 2013-2014 Digital Lives, where we supported 550 disabled people in getting online. We have recognised the barriers, which include cost, lack of skill, lack of awareness of assistive technology, and continue to work on this important issue. We continue to work in partnership with the Welsh Governments’ digital inclusion programme Digital Communities Wales (external site) to tackle these barriers.
