Published: Friday 24 October 2025
Local resident Magdalena, who struggles with her sight, has been helped by Kensington and Chelsea Council to communicate with her family by the digital inclusion team. She was referred to the team by the sensory impairment team at the Council.
Magdelena said:
I don’t worry so much now, especially in the evening when I’m not well, or when I’m worried about something. I just call my family and they answer me back. I’m more happy — I’m happy I can call my family and my friends.
I really try to help myself now. Before, I didn’t know how to do these things, but to answer and call — it’s perfect for me. I just need to practice more and more so that I have more confidence with this smartphone.
The Council provided Magdalena with a refurbished smartphone and introduced her to key built-in accessibility tools designed to simplify her digital experience. These included TalkBack—a screen reader that describes on-screen content via finger roll-over, Big Launcher—a streamlined interface that reduces screen clutter, and Voice Assistant, enabling hands-free commands such as “Okay Google, call [niece].” These accessibility tools can sometimes be complicated and overwhelming for users, but we supported Magdalena to modify these to her needs and confidently navigate them.
With tailored guidance from Kensington and Chelsea Council and the provision of a SIM card through the National Databank, Magdalena quickly gained the confidence to make calls to her saved contacts after just two support sessions and after three sessions she was making basic internet searches to find out the weather.
Cllr Sarah Addenbrooke, Lead Member for Communities & Community Safety said:
I’m so happy for Magdalena, in today’s world, accessing digital devices and tools is so important. It’s how we contact our loved ones, access Council services and find the cheapest prices and deals. That’s why our digital inclusion team are working to make the online world is accessible to every resident in the borough.
If you struggle with digital tools and devices, we can help. Visit Get Online in K&C for more information.