This document discusses digital inclusion and access to technology for underserved groups. It notes that meaningful access requires availability and affordability of internet connectivity and devices, digital literacy skills to use technology effectively, and relevant online content and services. While technology adoption is increasing overall, significant gaps remain for those with lower income, education levels, older age, language barriers or disabilities. Community technology centers aim to provide public access in trusted settings to help address barriers and close the digital divide.

1. Digital Inclusion For residents, businesses and NGO’s (anchor institutions)

2. Digital InclusionAccess to computers and the internetAvailability, cost, ease of use for connectivity to the Internet, and end-user hardware and software. Also tech support.Literacy in usingcomputer and internet technologiesSkills required in order to utilize the equipment and Internet effectively for essential services, education, employment, civic engagement and cultural participation.Meaningful content and servicesavailableRelevant services, culturally and educationally appropriate design, marketing and placement appropriate to reach underserved communities, and enabling of content production and distribution by lower capacity residents, businesses and organizations.

3. Differences in UseHispanic/Latino and African American computer users are least likely to purchase products and services online.

4. African Americans more likely to participate in community, but less likely to do this online.

5. Asian/Pacific Islander and African American computer users were less likely to use the computer to get health or medical information.

6. Disabled less likely to get law & consumer info.

7. Narrowing gap on social networking.

8. 85% own cell phones, from 92% (18-34) to 68% (age 66-74) (Pew)Tech adoption justice issuesFluency in applications varies greatlyGains, but very significant differences based on education, income, age, language and disability Key barriers to adoption include awareness & training, cost, security, and maintenanceTrusted teachers & settings importantGreat need for visual design

9. Community Technology CentersTelecentres or Public computing centers in a variety of trusted settings, often non-profits.

10. Justice & Communities Connect Network Vulnerable residents

11. 39 public computing sites (PCC’s)

12. 5 courthouses

13. 7 Counties - Urban and rural

14. Job training

15. WashingtonLawHelp.org training and content

16. Training for staff and users

17. Portal with tagging taxonomy

18. UW I School eval partnerwww.communitiesconnect.org

19. RSJ IT Project Management ToolApplies to internal & external systems

20. Project process Who’s at the table? When will there be inclusion? Product development Exclusion impact? Vendor expectations Design factors Rollout planning & training

21. Opportunities for I SchoolsResearch on delivery and impactsUser interface and system design for delivery of relevant content on all platformsCTC admin systems, incl user trackingNPO office backend & service delivery Mentoring

22. LinksAccess to Justice Technology Principles: atjweb.org/Seattle Community Tech Program: Seattle.gov/techJustice IT Project Management tool and other reports: seattle.gov/tech/reportsNationalBroadbandPlan: Broadband.gov, Inclusion section: www.broadband.gov/plan/inclusion.htmlBenton Foundation : Excellent source for basics and updates on media, digital inclusion and telecommunications policy issues: http://benton.org/initiativesResearch on libraries and community tech impacts: UW Technology & Social Change Groupwww.tascha.washington.eduCommunities Connect Network communitiesconnect.org