A community-centered approach to closing the digital divide
About
Where someone lives or their identity should not be predictors of whether they have internet access, devices, or digital skills. Our goal is to expand affordable, reliable, high-speed internet for all.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates, in 2020, 45,831 Travis County households did not have internet subscriptions and 16,553 Travis County pre-K through 12th grade enrolled students did not have computers or internet subscriptions. National and local data also shows repeated patterns of inequitable digital access for those with lower income levels, people of color, elders, unemployed, lower educational attainment, and disabilities.
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines digital equity as “when all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy.”
Components of Digital Equity
Digital Equity is a complex and complicated issue. Four key components described by CTC are:
Access
Broadband infrastructure exists and reliable high-speed broadband plans are ubiquitously available for purpose
Affordability
Can be obtained at reasonable prices by all
Devices
Residents own or have access to well-functioning and age-appropriate devices and have the capacity to maintain and replace devices if needed
Skills
Residents have ability to make full use of complex functions, devices and online resources to participate in society, economy and democracy
Get Involved
We want to work with you to co-design solutions that meet community needs. In partnership with the City of Austin and St. David’s Foundation, we plan to bring together a cross-sector group of community members and organizations most burdened by the digital divide to better understand the community’s barriers to digital equity (access, affordability, devices, and skills), identify the work already happening on the ground, and co-create community-driven solutions.
If you’d like to share ideas and challenges you’ve faced with the internet, devices or skills, stay tuned on upcoming focus groups, workshops, interviews and surveys.
You can also share ideas and challenges with us using the form below:
