As digital exclusion continues to challenge access to essential services in the UK, both governmental and corporate entities are urged to enhance digital strategies and offer innovative solutions like Nationwide’s new BSL service.
Digital exclusion poses a significant challenge in the UK, impacting access to employment, essential services, healthcare, and news. As the majority of job postings move online and the government pushes for digital healthcare solutions, addressing this issue becomes critical. The Digital Poverty Alliance highlights the widespread effects of digital exclusion, with a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research suggesting a £1.4bn investment could yield substantial economic benefits. The decline of public libraries, once key access points for digital services, further exacerbates this problem. Amidst these challenges, the government is urged to develop a robust digital strategy, including discussions on setting minimum digital living standards.
In efforts to improve digital inclusion, Nationwide Building Society has launched a British Sign Language (BSL) service on its website, developed in partnership with Signly. This initiative aims to make financial services more accessible to the deaf community, by offering pre-recorded BSL videos on popular web pages. Kathryn Townsend of Nationwide emphasized the importance of collaboration with deaf charities and individuals to tailor their services effectively. This service launch coincides with Sign Language Week, underlining the focus on inclusivity and equal access. Over 87,000 deaf individuals in the UK use BSL as their first language, and the CEO of deafPLUS, Reg Cobb, highlighted the importance of such corporate initiatives in promoting universal access.
These developments underscore ongoing efforts to combat digital exclusion and promote inclusivity across various sectors in the UK, from governmental strategies to corporate initiatives.
