{"id":6638,"date":"2022-03-26T00:58:11","date_gmt":"2022-03-26T00:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oldsite.chha.ca\/?p=6638"},"modified":"2022-03-26T00:58:11","modified_gmt":"2022-03-26T00:58:11","slug":"understanding-the-digital-divide-and-steps-to-close-the-gap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oldsite.chha.ca\/fr\/understanding-the-digital-divide-and-steps-to-close-the-gap\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Digital Divide and Steps to Close the Gap"},"content":{"rendered":"

D\u00e9sol\u00e9, cet article est seulement disponible en Anglais Am\u00e9ricain<\/a>. Pour le confort de l\u2019utilisateur, le contenu est affich\u00e9 ci-dessous dans une autre langue. Vous pouvez cliquer le lien pour changer de langue active.<\/p>Understanding the Digital Divide and Steps to Close the Gap<\/strong><\/p>\n

By Sheila Serup<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Today, approximately 46% of the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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]<\/a><\/p>\n

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]<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cDigital 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,\u201d described the Report. \u201cAs more essential functions are computer mediated and moved online, access to these alternatives becomes ever more critical.\u201d<\/p>\n

How Can We Close Gaps?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Digital Proficiency: <\/strong><\/p>\n