Understanding the Digital Divide and Steps to Close the Gap
By Sheila Serup
During the last two years, the pandemic has shone a spotlight on technological inequalities and gaps in accessibility as internet usage increased rapidly for communication and work.
The pandemic also brought to the surface the growing digital divide among populations. Barriers to digital inclusion are many. Some of these barriers exist in areas such as connectivity, infrastructure, accessibility, and digital proficiency.
Today, approximately 46% of the world’s population remain unconnected, according to the 2021 Trends Report on assistive technology released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). As a result, populations do not have access to digital solutions, networks and applications that build inclusion.
Lack of internet connection is still an issue for developing countries and rural communities, and reliability of internet also affects rural remote communities in Canada.
Infrastructure issues such as internet speeds and broadband coverage, and affordability of internet services as well as digital communications tools are barriers to access for Canadians. Poor internet connections and/or inoperability problems arise when products, services and systems do not work seamlessly with the technology (e.g., an assistive interpreting service cannot communicate with emergency numbers), noted the Report.[i]
Issues in infrastructure, connectivity and affordability affect the ability of populations to access education, virtual health and employment opportunities among others. There is a socio-economic cost as well. As an example, a Deloitte study found that a 10% increase in broadband in 2014 in the USA would have resulted in more than 875,00 additional jobs and $186 billion more in economic outputs.[ii]
“Digital inclusion for people who cannot use standard computer interfaces is dependent on alternative access such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text or movement or gesture input systems,” described the Report. “As more essential functions are computer mediated and moved online, access to these alternatives becomes ever more critical.”
How Can We Close Gaps?
What does this mean for us, as Canadians living with hearing loss? As members of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, we have access to resources available for self-help and for self-advocacy. As we use the internet and digital tools more and more for education, work, and health care, there are steps we can take to reduce barriers and increase inclusion for ourselves, our networks and communities.
Digital Proficiency:
- We can become more proficient with the digital tools and technologies available to us at no cost. Companies such as Apple and Microsoft and others have integrated accessibility features into mainstream technologies, such as auto captioning, and visual indicators in place of audio cues.
- To better use and access virtual meeting platforms, CHHA has developed a Virtual Meeting Platform guide. The Guide provides step-by-step tips to turn on the captioning function, and tips to increase its effectiveness. It is available on the CHHA.ca website at: https://oldsite.chha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Virtual-Meeting-Platform-Accessibility-Guide-1.pdf)
- Video content on the internet, such as YouTube videos, are increasingly being used, and they include the option of accessing them via captioning.
Digital Technology and Functionality:
- Most software and programs provide alternate accessible functions such as: voice to text, and visual indicators for people with hearing loss.
- Individuals with low vision can access features such as full-page zoom, high contrast colours, text to voice, etc.
Assistive Devices
- The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association offers a range of assistive devices which can complement virtual or in-person meetings or be used for a combination of in-person and video meetings. Products such pocket talkers can assist in better hearing and understanding spoken conversation. Pocket talkers and other assistive devices along with hearing loops are available at https://shop.chha.ca/pages/hearingloops Audio induction loops, which are installed in meeting rooms or at customer counters provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by hearing aids, and results in clearer, sharper and more superior sound for the person using hearing aids.
Self-advocacy also plays a role in ensuring that Canadians have access to better communications in the digital world. The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) strives to connect Canadians impacted by hearing loss through advocacy, education and community engagement.
Membership in CHHA enables people living with hearing loss to be better supported in their goals, school, work and healthcare. CHHA provides numerous tools and resources to enable individuals to become digitally proficient, and to be included in the digital world. For more information, please visit https://oldsite.chha.ca
[i] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Technology Trends 2021: Assistive Technology
[ii] Chakrovorti, Bhaskar. “How to Close the Digital Divide in the U.S.” Harvard Business Review. July 20, 2021.