Digital access and skills are crucial for evacuees and refugees starting their new lives in Australia, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Startupdaily highlights research from Foundations for Belonging 2021, led by Settlement Services International (SSI) and researchers at WSU. In 2019, refugees engaged in high levels of digital…

When we look at inclusion and access we need to remember that this means more than the physicality of getting around. Dr. Lisa Stafford, researcher for inclusive communities, explains "society is based on this normal idea - we call it to the normate - this mythical idea of a certain type…

Service NSW has unveiled a new COVID Check-In Card, in a move backed by NSW Digital and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello. Residents can register for a card which they can use to check-in at supermarkets and other essential retail. This marks a fantastic alternative to signing in via paper…

A Smith Family program aims to bridge the digital divide felt by students and their families. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the digital divide, particularly for low-income families. The Smith Family hopes to combat this with their one-on-one teaching program. Families who took part in this program were given a…

A new hub hopes to bridge the digital divide in regional Victoria. The co-working space and digital hub is part of the Victorian Government's initiative to assist those in the community to improve their digital literacy. The project, backed by the Regional Digital Fund, gives users access to a space…

Those in the Northern Territory are struggling to pay to access the Internet and for mobile phone plans. Low-income households and those in remote areas are experiencing extreme financial hardship as more services move online. If we exclude satellite services, around 25,000 Territorians (10 per cent of the population) are…

The inaugural Technology Upgrade Fund aims to improve digital access and literacy across Canberra. The funds will increase connectivity and inclusion to those in need. A digital literacy training program has been awarded funding along with a digital carer support program for seniors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Other…

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rapid increase in digitisation, yet 2.5 million Australians remain offline. The number of Australians shopping online has increased by 47.5 percent in just one year, however, not all Australians are able to reap the benefits of the online world. COVID has exposed the massive issue…

A Southern Cross University study has revealed that telepractice has enabled more people to access critical services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telepractice has removed barriers for social workers and their clients which has helped those who can be anxious about seeking support. Those with social anxiety, for example, found it…