Everyone in Australia deserves the right to have access to affordable digital technology and the skills and confidence to use it.
Over the past few years, we have partnered with Down Syndrome Australia, the national peak organisation for people with Down syndrome in Australia, to help bridge the digital divide for young people with disability.
Our digital learning resources are free and ready to use
We created four online modules in easier English, designed to support young people to learn the digital skills and knowledge they need to stay safer and to connect with others online. The online modules are:
The online learning modules have a ‘text to voice’ feature which means they can easily be read out loud. Each online module is supported by a session plan, fun interactive activities, videos, stories and icons which are used to signpost key learning areas and encourage discussion. This helps to embed the learning into real life examples.
The modules can be completed as part of a group class or in one on one sessions.
How we developed the program and resources
We held workshops and consulted with parents, support persons, digital mentors and young people around Australia to discover the digital topics young people with intellectual disability wanted to learn about. We tested and learnt as we went, to make sure the voices of people with disability and those who support them were heard and acted on.
Tips to support the learner in your life
Here are a few tips to help you support your young learner
- Go slow but do not speak slow
- Repeat information and give reminders or prompts
- Have a go yourself and practice using their device
- Explain technical jargon
- Have a bit of fun along the way!
- Bring it up in conversation
Get started with our learning resources in easier English.
See our support resources for people helping others to learn