Digital Inclusion Advocacy

The Impact of Technology Advances on the Elderly and Less Fortunate Technology has transformed our world unimaginably, opening doors to innovation, connectivity, and convenience. But as we celebrate these advancements, we must consider those who might be left behind: the elderly and the less fortunate. As someone with an elderly mother who does not know (or want to) how to navigate a smartphone, I see how many products are simply not available to her. She cannot use the GP surgery online services, and banking requires one of us to take her to the branch. More concerning is the rise of app-based medical devices and health monitoring systems. These "smart" medical devices, designed to improve care, instead create barriers between her and her health management. Similarly, underserved communities face unique challenges. Access to technology often comes at a cost that many cannot afford, further widening the digital divide. When medical devices require expensive smartphones, reliable internet, or subscription services to function properly, healthcare becomes increasingly inaccessible. With education, job applications, healthcare services, and now essential medical monitoring increasingly moving online, individuals without reliable internet or devices are excluded from opportunities to improve their lives. This digital health divide can be a matter of life and death when chronic disease management depends on connected devices. Initiatives aimed at providing affordable devices, internet access, medical device accessibility training, and digital literacy programs are crucial to ensuring that technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier, for these communities. As professionals in a world driven by innovation, we can advocate for inclusive design, equitable access, and community-centric solutions. Whether you're an engineer, marketer, policymaker, or healthcare professional, consider how your work can help create a digital future where no one is left behind, especially when their health depends on it. #DigitalInclusion #HealthEquity #AccessibleTechnology #DigitalDivide #InclusiveDesign #MedicalDevice #ConnectedCare #MedicalDevices

We don’t talk enough about digital accessibility in Africa. An estimated 60-80 million people live with disabilities in Africa, though some organizations like the United Nations suggest the number could be higher due to underreporting from official government statistics. As someone who works in UX and digital accessibility, I’ve noticed how often accessibility is overlooked in product design and development across the continent. We’re building incredible solutions; fintech platforms, e-learning tools, health apps, and even government websites, yet many of these products unintentionally exclude people with disabilities. Simple things like missing alt text, low contrast colors, or unlabeled buttons can make an entire experience unusable for some people. An acccessible product does not come by default, you have to intentionally make it happen. We can start making change by: - Educating our teams about WCAG guidelines and inclusive design. - Advocating within our organizations for accessibility testing and awareness. - Embedding accessibility from the beginning of our design and development process, not after launch. - Practicing accessibility in our everyday life, thinking about how others experience our content. Africa’s digital growth is on the rise, but inclusion must be part of that story. We can’t truly innovate if millions of people are left behind. #DigitalAccessibility #AfricaTech #UXDesign #A11y

Rethinking Digital Inclusion as a Human Right During National Inclusion Week, I wanted to share how we see digital inclusion as not just an idea to prioritize but a basic human right. As a design and product leader, I've seen accessibility considered a checkbox at the end of a process. Our goal should be creating digital experiences customized to serve individual needs, considering age, ability, neurodiversity, and socio-economic factors. If we don't design for these variables, we're essentially blocking access to crucial services such as healthcare, education, and financial tools. In a digital-first world, this lack of access can cut people off from essential resources - it's way beyond digital convenience. That's why we see automation and generative AI as game changers in transforming digital inclusion. Expanding Our Design Mindset Here's a quick example: 17% of U.S. students come from households with an income below $30k per year. Most rely solely on mobile devices for internet access, and 88% of these students are non-white. If college application processes still require a desktop for completion, we're effectively cutting these students off from higher education opportunities. The Untapped Potential Ignoring the scale of users with individual needs is more than just an ethical oversight; it's a missed business opportunity and an unacknowledged risk. Here are some stats to think about: - 1.4 billion users will be over 55 by 2025 - 1 billion people live with a disability - 1.5 billion users are neurodiverse or live with an intellectual disability - 3.7 billion are mobile-only internet users Going Beyond Checkbox Inclusion Inclusive tech goes further than meeting ADA guidelines. It's about gaining an intimate understanding of the diverse needs of your user base. We've got to be better at designing tools that work for everyone, not just a select few. AI and Automation as Tools for Change Our vision is for the experience layer of digital products to be adaptable through AI and automation. This adaptability allows user interfaces to shift according to each user’s individual age, abilities, and economic background. It's not a far-off dream but a tangible goal we should all aim for. Making Inclusion Operational To make this vision a reality, we must revise what we consider "done" in our agile processes. Inclusion should be a core KPI, embedded into our design systems and philosophies. The Road Ahead We should embed inclusion in the very fabric of our design methodology. We must aim new tools like Generative AI at inclusion outcomes as well:  - Significantly improved accessibility taking into account age, abilities, and economic standing:  - Mobile-only experiences - Content suited to diverse literacy and ability levels What counts is intentional transformation and actionable progress. Happy National Inclusion Week! #Inclusion #HumanRights #IndividualNeeds #Age #Neurodiversity #SocioEconomicFactors #AI #Automation #UserExperience #DIW2023

How much education is enough in today’s India? From 20% literacy at Independence to nearly 75% today. This is not just progress, it is a national transformation. But the more important question we must now ask is: what does it truly mean to be educated in a rapidly evolving, digital world? Because literacy today is no longer just about reading and writing. The new divide is digital. I have seen this up close even within our own families. What feels intuitive to one generation can feel overwhelming, even exclusionary, to another. The inability to navigate technology is quietly becoming the new form of illiteracy—limiting access, confidence, and opportunity. This is where policy matters. Some of India’s most impactful education interventions have not been complex they have been thoughtful. The mid-day meal scheme, for instance, did more than feed children. It enabled attendance, reduced dropouts, and made education a daily reality for millions. Because good policy does not just inspireit removes barriers.And yet, the challenge persists. When children drop out, it is rarely a failure of aspiration. It is often a reflection of economic pressures, safety concerns, and systemic gaps. I recently visited a government school not far from my home, where young girls discontinue education due to the absence of basic sanitation facilities. This is not a choice against education. It is a choice for safety and survival. So how do we redefine ‘enough’? Perhaps not by degrees alone but by outcomes that truly matter: • Can an individual earn with dignity? • Can they navigate systems with confidence? • Can they participate without feeling excluded? That is real empowerment. The road ahead is clear. We must focus on: * Digital fluency as a foundational skill * Safe, inclusive infrastructure—especially for girls * Diverse pathways beyond secondary education that create opportunity, not stigma The question is no longer whether we are educating enough people. The real question is: Are we preparing them for the world ahead? Are we building confidence, capability, and the ability to participate meaningfully in a technology-driven future? #Education #DigitalInclusion #FutureOfWork #India #Policy #Leadership Scale : % of students Source : UDISE + Booklet (2021-22) Ministry of Education Govt of India

Three important reports came out today, each aiming to influence the future of disability, accessibility, and inclusion. Here’s why they matter. The Royal Society’s Disability Technology Report calls for a radical shift in how we design and deploy digital assistive technologies The Mayfield Report (focused on inclusive growth) underscores how systemic barriers in education, employment, and infrastructure continue to marginalize disabled communities. It pushes for structural reform and cross-sector accountability to ensure disabled people are not left behind in the UK’s economic future. And the Financial Inclusion Report exposes the persistent gaps in access to banking, credit, and financial services for disabled people. It demands urgent action from regulators and fintech innovators to make financial systems truly accessible, from digital onboarding to fraud protection. Links to the reports in the comments. Reports are important, but only if we leverage them, advocate for inclusion and hold our political leaders responsible for their findings. All of the answers are out there - from amazing assistive tech, to government ambition, from accessibility pros to industries seeing the need to make progress. Use these in your arguments to do more. #accessibility.

The promise of AI is huge; it could help close the learning gap for students who fall behind because of poverty. But as its innovation surges ahead, the divide between those who can access it and use it effectively – and those who can’t – grows every day. Imagine being a student without a laptop or reliable internet. How do you benefit from AI when you can’t even get online? At The Smith Family, we see firsthand how digital exclusion holds students back from making the most of their education – 44% of students on our Learning for Life program lack a device, internet access or both at home. In this opinion piece for The Mandarin, I explore what this means for students experiencing disadvantage – for their education, their skills and their future careers – and outline four steps we must take to ensure AI and digital technology expand opportunity for everyone, not just a few. Inequity isn’t inevitable, but fairness and inclusion don’t simply happen. They require action. Not in 10 years. Not next year. But right now. You can read the full piece here: https://bit.ly/48ev3RS

For millions in Northeastern Brazil, a lack of internet access isn't just a technical issue, it's a barrier to education and jobs in rural areas. But in working to overcome this barrier, we are also finding new opportunities to scale our community engagement. I recently met with the team at Brisanet Telecomunicações, this region's largest fiber-optic provider. Microsoft has been partnering with them since November 2022. Since then, we've worked together to strengthen network infrastructure to enable Fiber-to-the-Home, which brings high-speed internet directly to homes, and Fixed Wireless Access, which delivers wireless broadband to rural areas where laying cables is difficult. To date, Brisanet has brought 1 million people online, creating unprecedented opportunities for communities that were previously left behind. Three years in, we are on track to meet our shared goals to help these services take root across the community, empowering people to pursue jobs, advance their careers, and improve their overall wellbeing. And connectivity is proving to be the foundation for even more impact. Today, this partnership is a blueprint for integrated progress: helping rural farmers transition to clean energy and use this to also irrigate more sustainably during dry seasons. They are able to diversify crops with options like pitaya and acerola. Digital inclusion and climate action are deeply connected. When communities can access both connectivity and clean energy, they gain adaptability and the capacity to thrive in the face of global challenges. 🎥 Watch this video to learn more: 

Frequently, society places the responsibility of advocacy solely on the shoulders of people with disabilities. While lived experience is central and irreplaceable, real change cannot happen if the rest of society sees accessibility and inclusion as “someone else’s issue.” Advocacy is most powerful when allies, whether policymakers, educators, employers, designers, or community members, take action alongside those directly impacted. Accessibility is not a disability issue alone, it is a human rights issue. From ensuring curb ramps and elevators are functional, to designing digital platforms that are screen-reader friendly, to creating classrooms where all learners can thrive, accessibility benefits everyone. Universal design is proof that when systems are built inclusively, society as a whole is stronger, more innovative, and more equitable. When non-disabled people step up as allies, the message shifts from “helping a marginalized group” to “building a society where everyone belongs.” This means speaking up against ableism, questioning policies that exclude, and investing in accessible infrastructure and technologies. It also means amplifying the voices of people with disabilities and ensuring they are leaders in decisions that affect their lives. Disability touches us all. Whether through aging, illness, or unexpected accidents, any of us could acquire a disability at any point in life. Recognizing this reality reminds us that building accessible systems is not an act of charity, it is an investment in the future we all share. Together, we can create inclusive communities where barriers are dismantled, opportunities are opened, and dignity is honored. Disability advocacy belongs to all of us because an equitable society requires collective responsibility. #Disability #Accessibility #Advocacy #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveDesign #UniversalDesign #Neurodiversity #Equity #DisabilityPolicy #ADA Alt Text: Graphic with text: “Myth: Disability advocacy is only for people with disabilities. Fact: Everyone has a role in creating inclusive, accessible, and equitable societies.” Branded with “@AsieduEdmund” at the bottom.

Five years ago, digital inclusion was about getting people online. Now? It’s about ensuring everyone can participate, engage, and succeed. That’s why we’re not just talking about digital inclusion anymore, we’re talking about digital participation. Digital participation is the new baseline. Being online is not enough, you need to be able to thrive online - you need the skills, confidence, and safety to use it to your advantage. The reality is: 🟢 1.6 million people are still offline, disconnected from opportunities. 🟢 12.8 million people struggle with low or very low digital skills – a significant challenge. Those with the lowest digital capabilities are: 🟢 Far less likely to manage finances online (6.7% vs. 100%). 🟢 Twice as likely to fall victim to scams (8.5% vs. 4.6%). Contrast this with the 14.2 million UK adults with the highest digital capabilities. They’re saving time, money, and engaging with the digital world seamlessly. That’s what digital participation unlocks. So how do we make this shift from inclusion to participation? Firstly you have to recognise that participation isn’t a destination, it’s a spectrum, and we have to meet people where they are. That means focusing on 4 key areas: 🟢 Access: Affordable channels, devices, and connectivity that fit people’s lives. 🟢 Confidence: Relevance, a clear call to action, and a growth mindset to empower people. 🟢 Skills: Awareness and application: giving people the tools to use the digital world effectively and safely. And perhaps most importantly. 🟢 Inclusive digital services: Accessible, available and usable services, that enable anyone can engage. Happily we’re seeing people embrace this vision with initiatives like digital driver’s licences and the relaunch of the GDS government services this week. These aren’t just technology upgrades, they’re tools for empowering people. I’d love to hear your thoughts: ➡️ Read the latest consumer digital index: https://lnkd.in/e6Kqut83 💬 Join the conversation by using & following these hashtags #ConsumerDigitalIndex #EssentialDigitalSkills 📧 Email: DigitalSkillsInclusion@lloydsbanking.com

𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐈/𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 '𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲' 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 #𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. What's Model Poverty? AI access and usage isn't created equal. Those with access to the latest AI tools - particularly in their work environment - can progress further and faster in exploring the power and potential of AI, compared to those with less (not just those with 'no') access. This risks a growing gulf between those dipping into AI products and services and those with the opportunity to engage with them in more detail. An inequity that may be exacerbated by job descriptions increasingly prioritising professional AI skills and knowledge. It's not a new challenge, and reaffirms broader work and thinking that many of us have been working on for several years: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐨𝐟 '𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬': increasingly, AI and digital inclusion is linked to environments where these tools, devices, and solutions are available. Students able to access devices in school, but not at home. Adults getting exposure to digital at work - but when losing their job, are unable to maintain or build their digital knowledge. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲: people can't simply be divided into 'digitally included' and 'digitally excluded'. Too many can use mobile devices but can't afford the data or handset needed to maximise their potential. Or have exciting digital skills, but no safe or secure place to put them into practice. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 '𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧': that digital inclusion is not just about devices. We need relevant and available content (including in local languages). Inclusion and accessibility through the design of digital products and services. Access to compute, and to the 'right' data. And ensuring that the most marginalised are at the table when defining AI standards and direction. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫: 'digital inclusion' may be fleeting. Devices can get lost, stolen, or sold to pay bills. Access to the latest models can become unaffordable. And AI and digital communities can disappear over time, resulting in many losing key networks and support systems. There's a lot of work being done to tackle these areas. Tagging a few working on these issues below! 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. First, the importance of agility within institutions (from governments to civil society), and blended and portfolio approaches to AI inclusion. It's not just coding skills. Second, the need to engage your network of 'signals' - your partners and stakeholders - who can surface emerging challenges of AI inclusion. Will write more about this one!