DirectGov is the Official Government Website for UK Citizens.
Why is DirectGov the website of the month?
Direct.gov is a great first point of call for many queries that you may need answers to about your day to day life. It is also a good way to gain an over view about various logistical terms and procedures.
As well as being a great source of information and reference's the website has also got excellent accessibility features.
A quote from direct.gov:
"Direct.gov is the UK government's digital service for people in England and Wales. It delivers information and practical advice about public services, bringing them all together in one place. You can access Direct.gov on the web or on your mobile." Read more about Direct.Gov.uk
The website itself contains an array of useful information on what seems to be an endless collection of subjects. Here are some idea's of the type of information you can find when visiting the direct.gov page.
You can find information on:
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Motoring
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Education and Learning
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Home and Community
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Money, Tax and Benefits
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Caring for Someone
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Employment
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Young People
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Parents
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Disabled People
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Health and Wellbeing
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Britons Living Abroad
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Travel and Transport
User comments
DirectGov User 1 Says:
"When I was planning my year-long backpacking trip around the World, the DirecttGov website had a mine of information about applying for passports and living abroad. It's pretty easy to use with a screen reader, too, which made a huge difference when I was accessing it from other countries where I had no one to ask for help if I got stuck navigating the site."
DirectGov User 2 Says:
"Direct.gov for me has been an essential website during my time as a student as well as afterwards in my search for employment. I would recommend this site to any blind and partially sighted UK Citizen who might not know where to search for specific advice and information they might require."
Tips and Tricks
Here are some useful links to help you find your way around the site:
Accessibility Info
Access Key Scheme (Navigating the site without a mouse)
Browsers, computers and what works best
DirectGov for mobile
You can also access the site from your mobile phone in two different ways! Either enter m.direct.gov.uk into your phone's internet browser or text MOBILE to 83377 and you'll shortly receive a text message with a link to view Directgov mobile (Although please be aware that standard text message rates apply)
Got a suggestion?
We want to hear from you, our users. Which apps and websites should we be writing about on the TechKnowMore blog? Is there an app you can no longer live without? What website is at the top of your favourites list? Drop us an email on DigitalAccess@rnib.org.uk to let us know, and your favourite service could be featured in the very near future!