Happy Digital Equity Month!
Our Office of Digital Equity is ready to help families in our Eastern Kentucky region!
SOAR founded the Office of Digital Literacy to help every resident:
- Use the internet to find remote jobs
- Participate in local and community events
- Take steps to improve their health through Telehealth
- Access education and career training
- Improve one’s lifestyle by being able to “connect” with friends and family virtually
Having access to broadband internet is no longer a luxury, but rather a necessity.
Being connected to fast and reliable internet will only equalize the playing field for Eastern Kentuckians.
Eastern Kentucky communities are steadily gaining access to high-speed broadband. We owe a lot of thanks to the hard work of community coalitions and partners across the region.
Our SOAR Digital Equity team is trying ways to better explain what Digital Equity is and how it can help Eastern Kentucky.
We hope that this blog can help you understand what those two words mean and why they matter.
But first, we want to introduce you to our Digital Equity team!
Meet our Digital Equity Team
There is now a Digital Equity Team at SOAR!
The work from our Digital Equity team will provide:
- Educating residents on their Internet options
- Provide 1:1 assistance on affordability program applications, including the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program
- Digital skills training for residents to make the most of their new connections and devices.
Our collaboration with local schools, internet service providers, and community action agencies will make this work possible.
Kelly Pyne | Digital Equity Coordinator
Kelly is our main point of contact for all Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) needs. What this means is that Kelly will be the main person you ask if you are wondering if you qualify for ACP and she will help you register for the program.
Kelly will then connect you with our Digital Navigator if you want or need additional help with digital devices, computer skills, online course help, etc.
Ashley Smith | Digital Navigator
Ashley is our Digital Navigator who helps ACP clients who are interested in the following:
- Remote Work
- Digital skills training for residents to make the most of their new connections and devices.
- Educating residents on their Internet options
- Earn a GED
- Enroll in College
- Job Training
- Access to Telehealth
Our team will work with residents who meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Households with no access to the internet or a connected device
- Low-income, work-eligible adults
- Adults over 25 without a high school degree
- Residents eligible for FCC subsidy programs, such as the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline
What is Digital Equity?
Digital equity is like making sure everyone can play the same games, even if they can’t read the rules. Imagine a big playground with lots of fun activities, like games and puzzles. Some kids can read the instructions and understand how to play, while others can’t.
Now, think of the internet and computers as this playground. Digital equity means that everyone, no matter their abilities or where they come from, should have a fair chance to enjoy and benefit from the internet and technology.
Just like on a real playground, some people might need a little extra help to join in the fun. Digital equity is about making sure that help is available. It means providing things like:
- Access to Technology: Just like how every kid should have access to the playground, everyone should have access to computers and the internet. This might mean making sure that computers are available in schools or libraries for those who don’t have them at home.
- Affordable Internet: Having a computer is great, but it’s even better when you can afford to connect it to the internet. Digital equity is about making sure internet access is affordable for everyone.
- Training and Support: Remember how some kids can’t read the game instructions? Digital equity involves providing training and support to help people learn how to use technology effectively, even if they don’t know how to read.
- Safe and Inclusive Spaces: Just like on the playground, we want the internet to be a safe and friendly place for everyone. Digital equity means creating spaces online where everyone feels welcome and can participate without fear.
So, digital equity is like making sure that no matter who you are or where you come from, you have a fair chance to enjoy and benefit from the wonderful world of technology, just like all the kids on the playground get to enjoy the games and fun activities.
Why is Digital Equity Important?
Digital equity is like making sure everyone gets a fair chance to use the internet and technology, no matter how good they are at reading or learning. It’s important because it helps everyone have the same opportunities and chances in our modern world.
Imagine if some people could read really well, like big books with lots of words, and others could only read simple books like those for 5th graders. If all the important information and tools are on the internet and you can’t use them because you can’t read well, you might miss out on many things.
Digital equity means making sure that even if you’re not great at reading, you can still learn from the internet, connect with people, find jobs, and do many other important things. It’s about being fair and giving everyone the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital world, no matter where they start from. So, digital equity is important because it’s making sure everyone gets a fair shot at a better life.
Who can benefit from Digital Equity?
Digital equity help can benefit a wide range of individuals and communities, especially in today’s increasingly digital world. Digital equity refers to the fair and equal access to digital technologies, including the internet, devices, and digital literacy skills. Here are some groups that can benefit from receiving digital equity help:
- Low-Income Individuals and Families: Many low-income households may not have access to the internet or modern digital devices. Digital equity initiatives can help bridge this gap, providing them with the tools and skills needed for education, employment, healthcare, and more.
- Rural and Remote Communities: Rural areas often have limited access to high-speed internet and may not be adequately connected. Digital equity programs can help these communities gain better access to online resources, education, and economic opportunities.
- Seniors: Older individuals may not have grown up with digital technology, and some may struggle to adapt to new digital tools. Digital equity programs can provide training and support to help seniors stay connected and access essential services online.
- Students: Access to digital resources is crucial for students of all ages. Digital equity initiatives can ensure that students have the necessary technology and internet access for remote learning, homework, and research.
- People with Disabilities: Digital technology can provide important accessibility features for individuals with disabilities. Digital equity programs can focus on making technology and online content more accessible to this group.
- Unemployed or Underemployed Individuals: Job seekers may need digital skills to search for jobs, create resumes, and participate in online interviews. Digital equity programs can provide training and support to enhance their employability.
- Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses: Small businesses and entrepreneurs can benefit from digital tools for marketing, e-commerce, and business management. Digital equity initiatives can help them leverage these technologies effectively.
- Minority and Underserved Communities: Some minority and underserved communities face barriers to accessing digital resources. Digital equity programs can promote inclusion and reduce disparities in access and opportunities.
- Nonprofits and Community Organizations: Organizations that serve the community can benefit from digital equity help to improve their outreach, communication, and service delivery.
- Government Agencies: Governments can implement digital equity initiatives to ensure that citizens have equal access to government services and information online.
- Healthcare Providers: Digital equity can be critical for telehealth services, especially in remote or underserved areas. Healthcare providers can benefit from initiatives that improve patients’ digital access and literacy.
- Veterans: Veterans may need digital skills and access to online resources for job hunting, healthcare, and accessing veterans’ benefits.
- Prisoners and Ex-Offenders: Digital equity programs can help individuals who are re-entering society gain essential digital skills for finding employment and rebuilding their lives.
In summary, digital equity help is essential for a diverse range of individuals and communities to ensure equal access to opportunities, services, and information in our increasingly digital society. It aims to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusion for all.
Get involved
If your child receives free or reduced lunch, our digital equity team wants to hear from you!
If you’re a college student and you receive a pell grant, we want to hear from you!
Submit an interest form today to signal your interest.
We will get in touch after your submission to confirm receipt.
If you have friends, family, or neighbors who would benefit from our services (and live inside these 6 counties), please encourage them to complete a form, too.
You can also call 877-384-2575 to see if you qualify!