Context
A constituent contacted Zöe Franklin due to his voice disability, spasmodic dysphonia, which makes it difficult to access essential services such as banking through automated phone systems. The constituent noted that there are no clear alternatives beyond slow and ineffective webchat.
Question
My constituent contacted me specifically about the digital inclusion action plan, explaining that because of his voice disability, spasmodic dysphonia, he struggles to access essential services such as banking due to difficulties with automated phone systems. There is often no clear way of bypassing these systems and alternatives like webchat are slow and ineffective. This is a growing issue for many people with communication disabilities. What steps is the Minister taking, with Cabinet colleagues, to ensure that services remain accessible?
Answer from The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
The hon. Lady has raised some interesting points. The digital inclusion action plan outlines five initial actions, including the establishment of an ambitious digital inclusion innovation fund which could potentially address her constituent's concern. Additionally, in the “Pathways to Work” Green Paper, we discussed making assistive technology more widely available, which may provide solutions for people with communication disabilities.
Not addressed: The Minister did not specify any concrete actions or funding details for addressing digital exclusion faced by individuals with voice and communication disabilities specifically.
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