MORE charities representing disabled and older people are backing a national campaign to get organisations to revert to sending information via print, rather than relying entirely on the Internet.Nintey charities have so far signed the Keep Me Posted campaign.
Susan Scott Parker, CEO of business disability international, said: “Evidence shows that large numbers of disabled and older people prefer to receive paper communications, either due to ease of understanding or because websites are inaccessible.
“In addition, the growing numbers who discover they are unable to use computers due to fluctuating mental capacity caused by conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia will find it much easier to manage their affairs when vital information is provided in hard copy.
We are delighted to support the Keep Me Posted campaign.”
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics’ report on internet usage show that 25% of disabled people in the UK (almost 3 million) have never used the Internet.
Another 2 million disabled people do not use the Internet on a regular basis. and about 5 million older people are also not online.
Research previously undertaken by the campaign found that people who receive financial correspondence by post are much more likely to be able to correctly assess the health of their accounts.
Judi Rhys, CEO of Arthritis Care, said: “People with arthritis want a choice about how they communicate, receive information and engage with service providers such as banks and utility companies.
“While some people find computers helpful in their everyday life, others find it difficult to use online services, particularly if their dexterity is hampered by their arthritis.
“Arthritis Care is happy to support the Keep Me Posted campaign so that people can get the information and advice they need in the format they want.”
Judith Donovan CBE, chair, of the campaign, said: “bdi’s work to help businesses improve their practices for more than one billion people worldwide with disabilities is commendable and we are delighted to welcome the organisation to be part of our campaign.
“I am also delighted to welcome Arthritis Care. Mobility issues still present a huge barrier to consumers. For many of the 10 million people who suffer with arthritis in the UK, having the option to receive paper bills and statements is essential, as their condition can impede their ability to go online.”
Other charities backing the campaign include Carers UK, Stroke Association, RNIB, Disability Action, Alzheimer’s Research UK, DementiaUK, and mental health charity, Mind.
For an information pack write to: Keep Me Posted, PO Box 72064, London EC4P 4DZ.
Tel: 020 7566 9773
Email: info@keepmeposteduk.com
Factfile
- 16 million over 15 don’t have basic online skills.
- 5.2 million households in the UK do not have internet access
- 40% of UK adults say that the removal of paper statements could seriously affect their finances
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