Internet Accessibility – by Keith Lau

The lack of communications infrastructure in low-income areas and of accessibility to disadvantaged people make up the biggest cause to the digital divide. Without access to a computer and the internet, the disadvantaged can take no part in tapping the advantages brought about by the internet. However, resources is not the only thing low-income communities need in order to take advantage of the information revolution. People need the training and skills to operate computers and to navigate the internet. As well, people must be aware of the web’s existence and of the web’s potential to improve their lives.

In this paper, I will evaluate three different projects that deal with the issues of providing universal internet access to North American communities. Here, I will keep the following questions in mind: do these projects provide training such that people will acquire skills to successfully make use of ICT’s? Are disadvantaged people specifically targeted in campaigns to promote awareness of the internet? And do these accessibility projects include barriers which deter disadvantaged people from using such resources?

The first website is Oregon Public Networking (http://www.opn.org/). As a community network, it publishes information of relevance to the community. In addition, it provides or supports networked computers in libraries, schools, government offices, and other public spaces. It also provides subsidized dial-up access for those who cannot reach public access terminals, encourages text-only internet, and lends out equipment. It also promotes Internet literacy by training trainers, community leaders, and individuals in the use of the Internet in the public interest.

Although this project does much to increase accessibility, it does not do much in terms of the social and needs aspect. It assumes that “many of the groups that are most disadvantaged in terms of absolute computer and modem penetration are the most enthusiastic users of on-line services that facilitate economic uplift and empowerment.” The project therefore does little to try to integrate technology into the lives of disadvantaged individuals.

The second website is the Bahmann Foundation (http://www.bahmann.org/). The foundation’s mission is to reduce isolation of elderly disadvantaged people by the use of technology. Here, a variety of technologies are used, not only computers and the internet. It is therefire a case which fits the model that computers and the internet is used as part of the solution for isolation, and not a solution looking for a problem. Software were purchased which are useful and interesting to seniors, and equipment are bought taking into account that many seniors have difficulty using a standard keyboard and mouse and seeing traditional fonts on a computer screen.

Another website is Computers in Our Future (http://www.ciof.org/). Its goal is to increase access to computer technology, training and jobs for young people in low-income communities. Users include a large percentage of people of colour, as well as people looking for employment. CIOF provides free access to technology, offer training in technology and pre-employment skills, help with linkages to employment, and serve as a resource for technology in the community. The staff are also capable of communicating in the local languages and culture, and centres are considered fun places to hang out.