2 Feb 2026
Connected For All - We're improving our digital accessibility!
And, we're inviting local VCSE organisations to join us! Together, we’ll explore practical steps, share what works, and build confidence to reduce digital barriers.
We’re pleased to share the launch of Connected for All, a project funded by the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Its aim is to reduce digital barriers and promote best practice so more people can access information, support and their community.
Why this matters
In Merton, local data suggests more than 1 in 6 residents have a disability, over 40 percent speak a main language other than English, around 27,300 have hearing loss and 2,400 live with visual impairment. As more services move online, digital exclusion risks compounding existing disadvantage for residents who already face barriers.
Accessibility affects how clearly we communicate, how effectively we deliver services and how inclusive we are as organisations and communities.
Improving our own digital accessibility
As part of this work, we’ve launched the Recite Me accessibility toolbar on our website. This allows users to customise how they view and interact with content so it works better for them.
The toolbar includes:
-Reading and focus support tools
-Adjustable fonts, colours and layouts
-Text-to-speech functionality
-Language translation
-The option to download content as audio
We’ve also started improving our website content in line with WCAG accessibility standards and embedding accessibility checks into our internal processes. This helps make our digital spaces easier to use and supports more proactive, inclusive practice across our organisation.
Keeping our promise
Our 2025–2030 Strategy set out a clear commitment to resilience, inclusion and community connection. As part of this, we share learning, guidance and resources to support our local sector. We are offering a free accessibility and digital inclusion learning offer for local VCSE organisations. This starts with a beginner-friendly Introduction to Accessibility and Digital Inclusion workshop.
In this online workshop, we’ll explore:
-What digital accessibility is and why it matters
-Legal responsibilities and reasonable adjustments
-Creating accessible communications, documents and processes
-Common accessibility barriers (and how to avoid them)
-Tools, resources and next steps
Sessions will be held online from 10:30am to 11:30am on the following dates: Monday 23rd February, Tuesday 3rd March, Thursday 12th March and Friday 20th March
There's more!
All attendees will receive a resource pack to support putting learning into practice and build upon skills through a follow-on session delivered by the accessibility experts at Recite Me. There will be four dates offered later in the year.
Bonus for early sign-ups
The first 40 people to register will also receive free access to the Recite Me Learning Portal with access to even more online courses.