Who Park View Project represent:

Our project is about drawing attention to the social & economic deficits that many face as a consequence of the rapid digital transformation of society and the subsequent automation that is widely found in everyday life. This is affecting many in ways that have not been fully documented by policy makers nor is readily acknowledged by many businesses, whose expectations are that customers default to accessing their services online.

Many older age residents are experiencing a technologically driven world that is challenging their independence because many household tasks now require access to the internet, and with the increasing roll out of automation of day-to-day interactions such as car parking to telephone communication systems, many are feeling disenfranchised. This is further compounded by a reduction of informal information hubs such as post offices, local access to libraries, corner shops where locals stopped for a ‘catch up’. These community connections are gradually being eroded and being replaced by online access.

The impact cannot be underestimated for those whose first ‘language’ is not digital, and who are not conversant with using online services and are, in many cases, resistant to learning because of the media’s negative perceptions of cybercrime, including the acceleration in the way social media language is used in a fast-paced virtual space.

Other groups affected by the dominance of the internet are those who have experienced Hate Crime, where disabled people are disproportionately represented. Contrary to what we are told, online abuse is not a priority for internet-based services because they cannot moderate effectively. Secondly, young people are often caught up in the web of cyber bullying, which again, is very difficult to police because much of this goes under the radar of parents/guardians and social media companies. .

Many individuals are classified as living in poverty, which because of their status, have no access to managing the demands services placed on them. There are those who are required to apply for work to retain DWP help, which we know from research undertaken, affects many families across the borough. Many don’t have easy access to computers and a considerable number have little competency required to complete both online benefit applications as well as the demands of providing evidence that they are applying for jobs.

There is a fourth grouping made up of ex-services personnel who are challenged by technology because it has not been a central to their roles in armed forces, where many have only seen conflict; refugees whose English language is not there first language with no access to mobile products. They experience a sense of feeling overwhelmed; even where technology can translate English into their own language it is still fraught with misunderstanding because of cultural differences. Furthermore, these groups experience the same challenges as residents who live in poverty with little competencies in using internet-based services.

And lastly, Disabled people of all ages can be grouped as one because often it is the barriers to digital access that is the common denominator. Digital technology has come a long way from the early incarnations designed for the ‘abled’ rather than with features supporting those with sensory/physical and intellectual disabilities. Many of the solutions are readily found hidden away in operating systems such as Microsoft tools, where some simple adaptations can make all the difference. However, assistive technology is the obvious remedy to those who need more than the quick fix. Having trusted sources to investigate your needs is vital in making available assistive technology available. Unfortunately, for many we work with, this technology is a step to far because of cost. Aware of the limitations our project is working towards introducing access to the potential of assistive technology using a variety of approaches. Our Digital First Aid incorporates access to information and potential temporary loans for people to try before they buy as well as provide a safe space to use access technology during visits to our drop-in sessions – this is an ongoing development.