DigiAcademy, an innovative start-up supported by the ADAPT Centre at Trinity College Dublin, has been awarded funding from SOLAS, the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland. This funding, part of an over €100,000 allocation, will be used to empower marginalised learners in 2024, with the Tipperary region selected as the pilot site for this impactful initiative.
The SOLAS funding will enable DigiAcademy to enhance its accessible digital skills e-learning video platform, which has been co-created with, for, and taught by individuals with intellectual disabilities. This platform is designed to improve digital literacy and access, ultimately leading to better health, well-being, and inclusion outcomes for its users. Dr. Esther Murphy, the founder of DigiAcademy, has dedicated her research to ensuring that people with accessibility needs are fully included in all phases of the research innovation process.
Recognised by the European Commission as a best practice model, DigiAcademy has also been honoured with the EU Digital Skills Award in the inclusion category. These accolades underscore the transformative impact DigiAcademy is having on how individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, their families, caregivers, and support organisations engage with technology. The SOLAS funding will be instrumental in extending DigiAcademy’s reach, providing essential digital skills to more learners across various regions.
In addition to this recent funding success, the DigiAcademy team has published a new research article in the British Journal of Learning Disabilities. Authored by Dr. Murphy, alongside colleagues from Trinity College Dublin and European partners, the study tackles the digital divide experienced by people with intellectual disabilities and examines its impact on their well-being and inclusion. Available through Wiley, this research highlights the importance of bridging the digital gap to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
At DigiAcademy, research and advocacy are central to developing innovative solutions that provide digital access to people with intellectual disabilities. This latest publication marks a significant step in raising awareness and driving change in digital inclusion. You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/db3w2fXa.
As DigiAcademy continues to expand its reach and impact, these developments highlight the organisation’s commitment to fostering digital literacy and inclusion for marginalised communities. To learn more about DigiAcademy and its mission, visit their website at [DigiAcademy](https://www.digi-academy.org/home).
