How can you ensure digital inclusion in your company?

According to the Digital Society in Spain 2022 Report, prepared by Fundación Telefónica, closing the digital divide must become a priority for all socioeconomic agents. So far, most of the efforts have been focused on eliminating the access gap, but there is still a need to focus on reducing the skills gap. To achieve this, companies play a key role. Do you want to know how your company can ensure digital inclusion? Here we tell you how!

What is the background of digital inclusion?

Approximately one billion people have a disability. We are talking about, more or less, 15% of the world’s population. In order to ensure their inclusion, a number of important challenges must be overcome in terms of accessibility and literacy, without neglecting awareness and empowerment.

Digital accessibility is recognized as a key priority in several global commitments, such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Strategy for Disability Inclusion. This with the goal of “leaving no one behind” in an increasingly digital world. Least of all those with disabilities.

Despite its great importance, there is still inequality in the access and use of mobile devices. Research conducted by the GSMA4 showed that there is a significant gap in the number of disabled people who are disconnected from the digital world. This is because they do not have a mobile device or use the internet.

In light of this, ensuring digital inclusion is crucial and requires well-supported and collaborative strategies that address the barriers that segregate people with disabilities and ensure that their needs are met.

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So, what is digital inclusion?

Digital inclusion not only implies access to digital tools, but also the development of skills to use them. It is about facilitating access to digital technologies and services regardless of age, geographic position, socioeconomic environment and capabilities. 

In short, digital inclusion consists of facilitating access to digital technologies and services to those who otherwise would not be able to access them. And we are not only talking about people with disabilities, but also about vulnerable groups characterized by gender, age, socioeconomic status or simple cultural reasons.

The 4 objectives of digital inclusion

When talking about digital inclusion, we can see it through its objectives:

1. Accessibility

One of the barriers to inclusion is access to technology and technological devices for people with disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairments. 

To combat this gap, inclusion seeks to adapt devices and content to eliminate existing barriers.

2. Affordability

The cost of accessing the Internet can be too high for a large number of people on low incomes. In the European Union, for example, there is the provision of universal access, which ensures that at least one provider in each country provides Internet service at an affordable price.

3. Digital skills

Ensuring access to the Internet is important, but if people do not have the digital skills and competencies to take advantage of it, it does not close the gap.

Therefore, it is vitally important that every person who wants to become a digital citizen has the necessary training. This includes, above all, senior citizens.

4. Relevant content and services

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers that all relevant local content should be in certain minority languages and citizen utility services, as these are an essential part of digital inclusion.

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4 areas of work that will ensure digital inclusion in your company

It is important to remember that 4 out of 10 people still do not have access to the digital world. In order to achieve their inclusion, work must be done on several fronts:

What are the benefits of digital inclusion?

Technologies such as 5G, Big Data or the Internet of Things are enabling endless opportunities in favor of the economy and social inclusion. Both foster a sustainable economy that ensures that human activity will not compromise natural resources in the future.

However, it is not all about access to technologies and infrastructure, but also about citizens’ access to information and economic opportunities, as well as greater access to public services. Especially those related to education and healthcare, which can improve their quality of life.

It can also lead to the creation of opportunities that improve your social engagement. It removes barriers that prevent people from connecting and, in the long term, leads to better professionals and human connections.

It should not be forgotten that digitalization keeps people active and engaged in their communities. All thanks to the fact that people are independent and stay connected to the surrounding opportunities such as leisure, work, culture, finance, healthcare, education, etc.

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It is important that your company is part of the business trends and does not lag behind in digital inclusion. After all, it is wonderful that your company has digital diversity. Do you want to keep up to date with business trends in Spain and promote inclusion? Subscribe to our blog at TAS Consultancy and be informed only by the best.