According to Ribble 2014, "digital access is full electronic participation in society". Digital access refers to the ability to access technologies such as the internet, devices and tools. When we work toward digital citizenship we making sure that there are provisions and resources available for those who may have limited access. Limited access causes a digital divide. Some of those who may be affected by this digital divide are the elderly, individuals with physical and mental impairments, those of low socioeconomic status and ethnic groups. This digital divide limit technology use for some people. This page will provide information on tools and resources that can expand and assist in providing accessibility, so all may have equal technological opportunities.
Many people have limited knowledge about digital access and who and how it effects technology users.
Let's find out how much you know about accessibility.
Teachers, educators, school staff and technology users can click the button below to take a survey and find out how much you know about digital access at school and the tools and resources available to assist in
bridging the digital divide.
Let's find out how much you know about accessibility.
Teachers, educators, school staff and technology users can click the button below to take a survey and find out how much you know about digital access at school and the tools and resources available to assist in
bridging the digital divide.
Some technology companies have develop products and tools to support those who may assistance accessing technology. Apple has developed a number of assistive technologies to aide technology access. If you are blind or have visual impairments apple offers built in screen readers, cursor magnification and dictation. Those technology user that have hearing impairments are not excluded from using technology. Apple offers Facetime, iMessage and captioned viewing of content. Apple has also developed tech tools for users with physical and motor disabilities. Using tools such as Switch Control and Speakable Items users can control their computer without touching it.
Speakable Items Interactive Flyer
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Microsoft and other Accessibility
Apple is not the only technology company promoting and advocating equal access to technology users. Microsoft offers many devices to assist those who have disabilities access technology. Alternative keyboards, wands, braille printers, trackballs, on screen key boards and monitor magnifiers are among some of the tools available to assist in the use of technology.
Apple is not the only technology company promoting and advocating equal access to technology users. Microsoft offers many devices to assist those who have disabilities access technology. Alternative keyboards, wands, braille printers, trackballs, on screen key boards and monitor magnifiers are among some of the tools available to assist in the use of technology.
Who is making Internet Access more affordable?
Internet provider companies are developing plans that make it internet services affordable for low income families. Comcast, NetZero and Juno offer internet service at the discounted rate of $9.95 - $10.95 per month. Families qualify for this program if students in the house hold participate in the free lunch program at their school. Organizations such as Internet For All a and Community Connect Network are advocating awareness and affordable internet services globally.
Internet provider companies are developing plans that make it internet services affordable for low income families. Comcast, NetZero and Juno offer internet service at the discounted rate of $9.95 - $10.95 per month. Families qualify for this program if students in the house hold participate in the free lunch program at their school. Organizations such as Internet For All a and Community Connect Network are advocating awareness and affordable internet services globally.
Digital Citizenship by Kim Yancy Jackson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.