The role of caregivers of people with disabilities in digital education

In an increasingly connected world, digital education is essential for social inclusion and individual autonomy. This is true for everyone, but for people with disabilities, accessing these opportunities is not always easy. This is where the role of the caregiver—family member, worker, or assistant—comes into play. They are no longer simply the guardians of the physical and mental health of people with disabilities, but also the facilitators of learning and the use of technology and digital media.

Who is the caregiver and their role in the digital world?

Digital education, or digital literacy, includes skills such as using the internet, social media, apps, and assistive devices. For people with disabilities, it is crucial for overcoming physical and cognitive barriers, promoting independence, employment, and civic participation. Technologies such as screen readers or communication apps enhance these capabilities, but require appropriate training.

Elderly caregivers

Without support, the digital divide—the disparity in access to digital technology—risks further excluding these people, especially older adults caring for adults with severe disabilities.

According to sources such as ISTAT, approximately 3.1 million people with disabilities live in Italy (2019 data), a significant portion of whom are adults and seniors. Many of these people are cared for by older caregivers, who often don't have the same approach to technology as younger people.

A concrete example is the activation of SPID by an elderly caregiver. The procedure, which requires basic IT skills, password management, sending digital documents, and sometimes video identification, can be complex for those unfamiliar with technology.

Lack of direct support, fear of making mistakes, and mistrust of digital tools often hinder the process, creating further barriers.

In these cases, the risk is that of being cut off from essential online services such as the electronic health record, for example, effectively accentuating the digital divide and isolation.

In this regard, according to a study on digital health literacy in older adults (Effectiveness of Digital Health Literacy Interventions in Older Adults: Single-Arm Meta-Analysis), the most effective interventions were those based on face-to-face contact, compared to methods based on remote access.

Another survey conducted in Italy by institutions in the province of Rieti, on the digital literacy of caregivers and patients, showed that less than half of the respondents use the Electronic Health Record and are aware of remote health monitoring devices.

Young caregivers

Conversely, there are young caregivers who assist older people and, in addition to assisting them, also become digital trainers and facilitators. According to ISTAT data, over 2.7 million people over 65 in Italy have at least one severe limitation in their daily activities. Of these, approximately 10-12% are severely dependent.

In this context, children, brothers or sisters, or young adult caregivers come into play.

The demographic of this new welfare workforce, which belongs to Generation X, is more forward-looking and proactive in its use of digital resources.

They are aware of and use blended care platforms, which combine online and offline interventions for dementia management, offering customized modules. Through online support groups, they share experiences and best practices on digital tools, enhancing peer-to-peer learning.

When the roles are reversed

There is a third category: people with disabilities who in turn become “digital caregivers” for their elderly, digitally illiterate parents.

I recognize myself in this category too, now forty-six years old with parents in their seventies, digitally illiterate, totally detached from technology.

In this role exchange, I am not only the child receiving care, but I also become the facilitator or caregiver of their digital learning.

From this experience, however, I learned that even those starting from scratch, with support and trust, can acquire useful skills for managing daily life online.

However, it's important to emphasize that, in these cases, cognitive biases often come into play: a function or command may need to be repeated several times before it is understood, precisely because new digital habits struggle to consolidate. This process, if managed with empathy, strengthens the relationship and eliminates fears and mistrust, restoring autonomy and mutual trust.

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💡 Practical tip

If you're a caregiver, try apps like “CaringBridge” or “Alzheimers Caregiver Buddy” for support and training.

🔎 Curiosity

10–12% of Italians over 65 live in conditions of severe non-self-sufficiency (ISTAT).

✍🏻 Quote

"The digital caregiver is the bridge between fragility and autonomy."

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Technological advances are leading us toward an increasingly digital and interconnected society: innovations such as artificial intelligence and robotics are also posing new challenges for those who provide care and assistance. Whether young adults caring for parents or parents supporting children with disabilities, the caregiver of the future will necessarily have to adapt to these transformations.

Looking ahead, technologies based on artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics promise to revolutionize personal care, partially taking on those tasks that currently require the constant presence of a caregiver. However, in the present, it is essential to focus on training, accessibility, and digital resource policies to support caregivers.

Many municipalities are already promoting digital literacy courses for seniors and volunteer projects to spread technological skills among those most in need. By investing in digital training for caregivers, it will be possible to build a more inclusive society, where no one is left behind.

If you're a caregiver, you can start by exploring online groups or apps designed for caregiving: your contribution is valuable and can really make a difference.

Want to share your experience as a digital caregiver? Write to us and tell us your story.