Campaign aims to give disabled people confidence with technology

To combat the loneliness around half disabled people feel, Leonard Cheshire is asking people post a purple-themed pictured, the recognised colour of disability.

Posters will be encouraged to connect with four friends to do the same and donate £5 to the charity to help a disabled person who feels isolated get online this Christmas.

Wrexham-based Stephen started to get involved with Go Digital just before coronavirus lockdown measures due were introduced.

He said: “I was referred to Leonard Cheshire’s Go Digital programme by Centre of Sign, Sight, Sound in Wrexham to receive assistance and support with my digital skills and equipment.

“Before being referred, I didn’t use my computer, and I didn’t really have a great deal of confidence. I had connected my computer to my television screen, which helped a little. However, this also meant I had to sit on the floor to use it, which was not suitable for my back or posture.”

Stephen met with a Digital Inclusion coordinator, who suggested that an iPad might be a little easier.

He continued: “Whilst the screen is smaller, the accessibility features could make using technology a little easier. Plus I would be able to sit on the sofa in comfort. I also have an iPhone so, we thought that many of the skills would be transferable and make things easier.”

Unfortunately, the national coronavirus lockdown happened shortly after Stephen’s initial meeting, and he was left unsure how he would get support during this time.

He said: “The coordinator rang to complete the paperwork for my iPad, and he explained that this was a bizarre situation for all concerned.

“As he lived so far away from me in South Wales, he had hoped to recruit volunteers to support me but of course, face to face support this way would not be possible.

“Instead, we agreed that we would try video calling every week. Each session took place over a WhatsApp video call so we could see each other and so that the coordinator could see what I was seeing on my screen and guide me to the different areas of the screen that were unfamiliar to me.”

The coronavirus pandemic helped Stephen realise that he needed to develop his digital skills to stay connected with the world, especially with food shopping.

He said: “My coordinator was thrilled when he called for one of our sessions to find that I was in the middle of my weekly food shop. He was so pleased to see to me giving it a go.

“I also have a much better understanding of other online shops such as Amazon which I have used to purchase a new shaver.”

Stephen has also felt more connected with the wider world by listening to the radio and finding out about the news online.

His confidence grew and grew – it wasn’t long before Stephen was coming up with his own ‘hacks’ to make things even easier.

He said: “I certainly feel that if a similar lockdown situation were to happen in the future, I would feel much more confident in staying connected with the world.

“As I am using the computer more and more, I am looking into getting a good desk that will fit my TV, keyboard and mouse. This will give me somewhere to sit properly without any risk or discomfort rather than being on the floor.”

The coronavirus pandemic means many of us are feeling more isolated. But for one in two disabled people loneliness can be an everyday reality.

One in five people with a disability have no access to the internet, according to the charity.

Hugh Fenn, managing director of UK services at Leonard Cheshire, said: “It’s been a tough, and lonely, time for us all. No one has felt the impact of this pandemic more than disabled people.

“Technology can help the people we support keep connected and feel less lonely in these challenging times, which is why our #ISeePurple campaign is raising funds ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3.”

Donations can be made via: https://www.leonardcheshire.org/get-involved/donate/make-a-donation.