Trinity College Dublin
DigiAcademy: Transforming education and employment pathways for students with intellectual disabilities via co designed digital and work ready skills training
Despite the sharp increase in the use of digital technologies and the expansion of the opportunities they offer, people with intellectual disabilities are still more likely to be excluded from the digital world than people without disabilities (Chadwick et al., 2022), which is confirmed by statements from people with intellectual disabilities (ID) themselves (Johansson, Gulliksen and Gustavsson, 2021). Research shows that digital exclusion leads to social exclusion and poor education, employment outcomes with a negative impact on well-being and quality of life in general (Chadwick, 2022; Murphy, 2021; Lake et al., 2021).
People with intellectual disabilities highlight that using digital technology enables them to stay in contact with other people and to participate in various entertainment activities (Fabris, Bratković and Žic Ralić, 2023). Digital literacy also improves a person’s employability (Lyons et al., 2019). This presentation shares insights from EU interdisciplinary research programme, engaging with over 1,000 people with intellectual disabilities, educators and health professionals to create together accessible digital skills programme DigiAcademy. This programme created paid work opportunities as co designers and digital skills tutors, their experiences will also be presented in video.