To ensure Somerset’s SEND Local Offer is accessible to all, we need to focus on helping people to get there, removing barriers to viewing the Local Offer website.

Our data shows that whilst most areas of Somerset are at low risk of digital exclusion, there are still some communities at a high risk.  Areas with high levels of people living with a disability which limits day to day activity increases this risk. So, we have put in place ways for families to access the Local Offer website if they do not have internet access or a computer at home.

The Local Offer website is compatible with both computers and tablets and smart phones across a variety of operating systems and browsers.

We have free wifi available in libraries for use by the general public called People’s Network.  We also have computers available in libraries for use by the general public, which include Supernova Access Suite which is software that helps users with visual impairments – features include magnification, text reading and the ability to change the colours shown on screen. Library staff have been trained to offer assistance where appropriate or offer options for learning using the library computers. We have also made available courses to gain the skills needed to use a computer, this is offered through Spark iT and Learn My Way.