In April and May 2022 SIS created a Digital Inclusion and Literacy Survey for SIS Service Users to investigate barriers, technology access and usage, identify priority support needs and encourage use of the SIS website to access fully translated information and make self-referrals to SIS services.
63 surveys in 10 languages were completed with the help of Community Interpreters.
The results will be used to help secure funding and design services and solutions that effectively target and address any identified support needs for SIS Service Users to get on-line and effectively access internet-based services.
Outcomes
- Results did not indicate common issues with access to devices or to the internet and most Service Users seemed satisfied with the extent of their internet usage.
- It wasn’t clear whether respondents knew free wifi was often available in public spaces
- SIS Service Users needs support to make appointments through on-line systems
- Few respondents knew how to use language support tools e.g. Google translate
- The biggest barrier to access is language, 25% did not know how to translate a webpage
- Few respondents reported having used the SIS website
Recommendations
- Encourage public services to provide translated versions of digital tools for equitable access
- Ensure people know about cheapest and most convenient methods for accessing the internet
- Regularly and strategically promote the SIS website to all stakeholders
- Provide information and/or demonstration workshops to help use language support tools
- Use preferred social media platforms for promotion and information distribution
