Mencap is thrilled to receive this grant, that over the next year it will use to create better information and resources for the learning disability community online, building the next generation of digital citizens.
Mencap know that being online and using social media can be a great way for people with a learning disability to connect with others and build positive friendships and relationships which can often be difficult in a society where sadly many can be quite isolated. However, people with a learning disability face a range of online harms such as financial scamming, harassment and even threats of violence, often heightening the stigma and discrimination they already face every day. For too long people with a learning disability have not been included in conversations about online safety, leaving them vulnerable.
This generous grant will allow the charity to create a range of inclusive content to support people with learning disabilities to make the most out of the digital world. It will also deliver wrap-around care and support, including mentorship and in person classes. Mencap will invest in community engagement, working with people with a learning disability to create peer learning opportunities, and create accessible communications.
The money will also allow Mencap to fund robust research in this area and create content for young people, families, carers and teachers, to help them understand how people with a learning disability interact online. This will involve creating content and materials which can be used in schools as well as to help shape policy around online harms for young people with a learning disability.
Mencap hope that this project will be a game changer for young people with a learning disability, enabling future generations to develop new skills, shop, work, make new friends and feel part of society, helping them access all the positives that can be found online.
The funding comes alongside the opening of the first dedicated Accessibility Discovery Centre outside of the US. This facility will drive research and development in accessible technology.
Edel Harris OBE, Chief Executive of Mencap said: "We are thrilled to receive this funding from Google.org to create accessible online harms content and delivering training for young people with a learning disability to stay safe online.
There are 1.5 million people in the UK living with a learning disability and we know that while being online and using social media can be a great way for them to connect with others, build communities and tackle loneliness it can also be a place where they receive bullying, abuse or are victim to scamming.
Mencap has been campaigning around online harms to ensure that some of the most vulnerable people in society have accessible support and resources to be safe online. This funding will enable us to do much-needed research and deliver accessible co-produced resources so that young people with a learning disability will be able to develop new online skills, shop, work, make new friends and feel part of online communities – just like everyone else.”
Rowan Barnett, Director of Google.org EMEA said: “When people have equitable access to information and opportunities, everyone wins. We know that technology — and working directly with people with disabilities themselves — are key to helping us achieve this goal. I am delighted that we are able to support Mencap with funding for their critical work to deliver digital citizenship and online safety education for young people with learning disabilities in the UK.”