Digital Access & Equity

Digital equity exists when all people have the technology, connectivity, skills, and support they need to use the internet and digital tools safely and effectively.

Digital access is a piece of that—mainly about whether people can actually get online and use devices.

Principles

1. Affordable, reliable internet

   • Broadband that’s fast enough for work, school, healthcare, and daily life

2. Devices

   • Computers, tablets, or smartphones that are modern and functional

3. Digital skills

   • Knowing how to use technology for jobs, school, services, and communication

4. Accessible design

   • Technology that works for people with disabilities (screen readers, captions, adaptive tools)

5. Relevant content & safety

   • Information in multiple languages, culturally relevant, and with privacy protections

Why it matters

Without digital equity, people can be locked out of:

• Education (online classes, homework portals)

• Jobs (applications, remote work)

• Healthcare (telehealth, patient portals)

• Civic life (voting info, public services)

• Economic opportunity overall
  The digital divide tends to hit hardest in rural areas, low-income communities, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Real-world examples

• Cities offering free public Wi-Fi and device-lending programs

• Schools teaching digital literacy alongside reading and math

• Governments funding broadband expansion in rural areas

• Websites designed to meet accessibility standards
  
  

Bottom line

• Digital equity isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a social justice, economic, and educational issue. In today’s world, access to the internet is almost as essential as access to electricity.