About this resource
The internet is great for connecting, learning and having fun. This Easy Read guide explains keeping private information private, strong passwords, spotting scams, being careful with people you meet online and what to do if something makes you feel unsafe.
Purpose
To help people enjoy the internet safely and know what to do if something goes wrong.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Disability support workers. Also relevant for NDIS providers and support coordinators, youth workers.
Client or participant group: Adults and young people with intellectual disability or low literacy.
Practice setting: Home, supported living and day programs, with a support worker.
Suggested uses
- Online safety sessions
- Setting up new devices
- After a scam or online incident
- Supporting independence
Instructions for practitioners
- Read through together at the person's pace.
- Respect the person's right to use the internet.
- Help set up privacy settings.
- Follow your organisation's procedures if exploitation or abuse is disclosed.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Read each part with your support worker.
- Check your privacy settings.
- Tell someone if something feels wrong.
Accessibility considerations
Easy Read layout with one idea per line and symbols. Should be user tested with people with intellectual disability.
Scope and limitations
General Easy Read information. Serious online abuse or exploitation needs reporting and specialist support.
Research basis
Australian eSafety guidance supports young people, families and educators to stay safe online and to report harm. Easy Read standards and disability rights frameworks support people's right to accessible information; test Easy Read materials with the people who will use them. Human rights frameworks and research on the dignity of risk support people's right to make their own choices, including choices that involve some risk.
- eSafety Commissioner. Advice and resources for young people, parents and educators. https://www.esafety.gov.au/
- Ibrahim, J. E., & Davis, M. (2013). Impediments to applying the ‘dignity of risk’ principle in residential aged care services. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 32(3), 188–193. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12014
- Inclusion Europe. (2009). Information for all: European standards for making information easy to read and understand. https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/easy-to-read-standards-guidelines/
- United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities
What is included
A 3-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Symbols are original line drawings created for Practitioner Plus.
