An Internet Access Survey for People With Learning Disabilities in Wandsworth, London
Haramrit Sohal, Ayodele Peters, Anna Sri

TL;DR
This study explores internet access and social media use among people with learning disabilities in Wandsworth, identifying barriers and the need for safety training.
Contribution
The study provides insights into digital access barriers and proposes targeted safety training for people with learning disabilities.
Findings
Many clients used the internet for videos and games but had limited cyber-safety knowledge.
Barriers to digital inclusion included lack of devices, support, training, and physical/cognitive challenges.
A small group shared vulnerable information on social media, highlighting risks of online exploitation.
Abstract
Aims: Research from the 2000s onward reveals significant digital access disparities for people with learning disabilities (LD). These individuals often have lower rates of computer ownership, internet use, and digital skills compared with their non-disabled peers. The situation is more pronounced for those with co-existing mental health conditions, leaving them further excluded from digital rights. Few studies have explored the reasons behind this digital divide or proposed solutions to improve internet access. The study was aimed at gaining insight into the internet access and use of social media in patients with a Learning Disability in Wandsworth. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving fifty clients from the Psychiatry caseload of Wandsworth Mental Health and Learning Disability Team. The clients, selected randomly, had a range of intellectual disabilities…
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Taxonomy
TopicsTechnology Use by Older Adults
