by Mark Upton, Chief Executive @ MyVision Oxfordshire
Why Technology Needs to Work for Everyone
At MyVision Oxfordshire, we know that being connected is no longer a luxury—it’s a lifeline. From accessing healthcare and managing finances, to staying in touch with loved ones and applying for jobs, being online opens doors to independence, inclusion, and opportunity.
But for people living with sight loss, these doors can often feel closed.
Through our Get Connected Project, we’ve been working to change that—supporting people with visual impairments across Oxfordshire to develop the confidence, skills, and access needed to get online and stay connected.
Now, we’re calling on the technology industry—startups, SMEs, and large companies alike—to help us go further, together.
The Digital Divide Is Real—and It’s Deep
Despite the increasing role of digital services in everyday life, people with sight loss remain disproportionately excluded from the digital world.
· 36% of blind and visually impaired people never use the internet, compared to just 10% of the general UK population, according to data from RNIB (Key Statistics About Sight Loss 2021)
· People with sight loss are twice as likely to be digitally excluded than the rest of the UK population. (RNIB Sight Loss and Technology Briefing) · The Good Things Foundation highlights that digital exclusion disproportionately affects older people, disabled people, and those on low incomes—groups that overlap heavily with our community.
These stats are more than numbers—they represent missed opportunities for independence, access to vital services, and inclusion in modern society.
Connecting People = Strengthening Communities
Through our Get Connected Project, we support individuals on a one-to-one basis with:
· Choosing and using the right devices
· Navigating accessible apps and websites
· Staying safe and confident online
· Learning how to video call, shop, manage money, and more
When more people are digitally included, communities grow stronger, and organisations—from public services to private businesses—become more accessible, diverse, and productive.
A Win-Win: Why the Tech Industry Should Get Involved
We believe the tech sector has a powerful role to play—not just in creating inclusive technology, but in supporting initiatives like ours that help people access and benefit from the digital world.
And this isn’t just about charity—it’s about mutual value:
· Reach more people: By supporting digital inclusion, you’re introducing more diverse users to your tools, services, and platforms.
· Improve productivity: Empowered, connected individuals are more able to engage with employment, volunteering, and lifelong learning.
· Boost your impact: Demonstrate your commitment to inclusion, ESG goals, and community investment.
· Strengthen the circular economy: Donations of tech, funding, skills, or staff time all go back into the local economy and social fabric.
Whether you’re a small start-up, a tech scale-up, or a large enterprise—you can play a part in helping more people get online and unlock the benefits of the digital world.
Why Oxfordshire Could Lead the Way
With its world-class universities, growing tech sector, and vibrant voluntary and community network, Oxfordshire is uniquely positioned to become a leader in digital inclusion.
We see huge potential for partnerships between the tech industry and community organisations like ours—co-creating initiatives that make a lasting difference.
About MyVision Oxfordshire
We are a local charity dedicated to supporting people in Oxfordshire who are blind or visually impaired to live independently and with confidence. Our services include:
· Technology support and training
· Emotional wellbeing support
· Home visits and advice
· Peer groups and social opportunities
· Advocacy and signposting to local services
Our Get Connected Project is at the heart of our commitment to reducing digital inequality and ensuring that people with sight loss are not left behind.
Join Us – 9th October 2025 (World Sight Day)
Join us on 9th October 12-1.30pm at our centre Bradbury Lodge, just off the Abingdon Road, Oxford, we’ll be hosting a corporate showcase to demonstrate our impact and engage with local businesses to showcase the real barriers people face and the impact of our work. Follow the link below to find out more and sign up: MyVision Showcase – 9th October 2025
If you’re unable to join us but want to engage with our work, please get in touch: [email protected]
