Driving Digital Inclusion Programme Report – Year One

Over the past year, Kids has been proud to be part of the Digital Services Consortium, delivering the Driving Digital Inclusion programme – tackling the digital disadvantage among disabled and seriously ill children and young people, and their families,

Together, the consortium has been exploring what meaningful digital inclusion looks like for families – understanding the barriers they face, testing new approaches and learning how digital services can provide information, connection and opportunities in ways that work around everyday life.

One of the biggest lessons from the first year of the programme was simple: Don’t make assumptions.

Digital inclusion is about much more than just having access to a device or being able to get online. For families raising disabled children and young people, it can be shaped by many factors – including confidence, accessibility, isolation and knowing where to find the right support.

Reaching families through digital services

Across the consortium, organisations have already been creating significant to families by gifting devices and data, and delivering a wide range of digital support, including online peer groups, one-to-one support, workshops, webinars, family activities and digital resources.

The report shows that digital support works best when it is designed around families’ lives – offering choice, flexibility and trusted relationships.

Digital support is about people, not just technology

One of the strongest findings from the report was the importance of connection.

For many families raising disabled children and young people, finding people who understand their experiences can make a huge difference. Digital peer groups and support services created spaces where families could share experiences, ask questions and feel less alone.

The impact was clear:

• 91% of respondents felt more connected to support networks
• 85% reported improved wellbeing
• 100% said they would recommend the support they accessed

Digital services are not replacing human connection – they are helping make it possible for more families to access it.

For some, online support works best

The report also challenges the idea that online support is always a second-best option compared to face-to-face services.

For some disabled children and young people, particularly those with complex sensory needs, being able to take part from home can remove barriers and enable them to participate in ways that work for them.

Families told us that online sessions could provide:

• A familiar and comfortable environment
• Greater control over sensory input
• Fewer challenges around travel and unfamiliar spaces
• Consistent routines that support participation

For these children and young people, digital delivery is not simply an alternative. It can be the preferred approach that enables them to take part.

Digital skills need to be built into support

The consortium also learned that accessing a digital service does not automatically mean someone feels digitally confident.

Families may be able to join an online session but still need support to:

• Use technology confidently
• Access other online services
• Understand accessibility features
• Make the most of devices and tools available to them

The most effective approaches were those that offered support at the point families needed it, through trusted relationships.

Digital inclusion works best when it is part of the support journey – not another challenge families have to overcome.

Looking ahead

The first year of the programme has shown that digital inclusion is not just about technology. It is about ensuring disabled children and young people, and their families can access:

• Connection with others who understand
• Information and advice
• Practical support
• Opportunities to participate and thrive

Kids is proud to be part of this collective effort and will continue working alongside consortium members to bridge the digital gap and build a more inclusive digital world for disabled and young people, and their families.