GDA is the largest groundswell of disabled people in Europe, with over 5,500 members across greater Glasgow. Disabled people are four times as likely to face digital exclusion – lacking the equipment, connectivity or confidence to access the internet – as non-disabled people. Digital exclusion is both a cause and an effect of poverty, isolation, barriers to information and services, and barriers to accessing opportunities. Since the pandemic began, the GDA Connects project has sourced, set up and distributed hundreds of free devices and internet connectivity to disabled people, along with 1:1 and group coaching support. The team has pioneered inclusive, accessible hybrid events, enabling disabled people to participate fully in person and online. Learn about GDA’s holistic and person-centred approach to combatting digital isolation for people who sometimes insist they are ‘too old’, ‘too stupid’ or ‘too disabled’ to learn. (Spoilers: they’re not!)

About the speaker:
Hannah joined the GDA family in January 2019 and is the Digital Inclusion Manager for GDA Connects – a free digital inclusion project – distributing hundreds of pieces of kit, connectivity and coaching to disabled people all over Glasgow. Hannah previously helped establish GDA’s Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) disabled people’s network and coordinated this group as well as GDA’s LGBTQIA+ disabled people’s group. Hannah hails from a small island in the Pacific called Aotearoa New Zealand (no, it’s not part of Australia!) before moving to the UK in 2017. She loves food, crafty things and exploring Scotland’s heritage.

This event is free to attend, although we will be asking for donations at the end of the talk. Participants are under no obligation whatsoever to donate, however please rest assured that the money we collect doesn’t end up in anyone’s pocket – it is used to fund our overhead costs, and travel/accommodation for our speakers who come from further afield.
Accessibility: The Admiral Woods Bar now has a functioning lift which can take wheelchair users (or others who are unable to manage stairs) down to the function room. There is also a disabled toilet in the function room too. To help us accommodate you if you require to use these facilities we recommend you email us in advance: contact@glasgowskeptics.com