State Spotlighting Importance of Digital Opportunity

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - As part of its ongoing mission to expand digital opportunity across the state, the Ohio Department of Development and its office of BroadbandOhio is spotlighting efforts by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) to close the digital divide across the nation by recognizing Digital Inclusion Week (DIW).

The theme of this year's DIW, which will be held Oct. 7-11, is "Stronger Together: Mobilizing Toward Sustainability."

"Ohio is committed to expanding reliable, high-speed internet access throughout the state because it's not just about convenience, it's about having access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity," said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. "As someone who grew up in rural Ohio, I know how significant technology access can be, and we want every Ohioan to have access to these important resources."

BroadbandOhio, which was launched in March 2020, released its Digital Opportunity Plan earlier this year to highlight efforts by the state that go beyond providing high-speed internet connectivity for all Ohioans.

Among the key components of digital opportunity include having access to internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user, access to digital literacy training, quality technical support, and applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.

"We envision Ohio as a place where every resident can achieve their fullest potential," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. "A vital step in realizing this vision is breaking down the digital barriers that leave people at a disadvantage. By supporting local initiatives, we can ensure that more Ohioans have access to the online resources and training they need to succeed."

For organizations that choose to participate in National Digital Inclusion Week, the NDIA is offering a series of outreach toolkits through its official website.

There are dozens of national events registered on the NDIA's website during DIW, including several in Ohio.

Among the many events across Ohio include:

• Digital skills classes hosted by Smart Columbus on Oct. 7, and a "Digital Equity Partner Appreciation Breakfast" also hosted by the organization from 8-10 a.m. Oct. 9 at 225 Neilston Street in Columbus (Franklin County).
• Digital skills workshops, lessons, and device distribution from Oct. 7-14 offered by Oak Hill Collaborative, a non-profit based in Youngstown that serves Mahoning County and Trumbull County.
• Digital skills workshops taking place in Franklin County at branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. The Northside Branch located at 1423 N. High Street in Columbus is offering a "Digital Skills Hub" from Oct. 7-10, the Southeast Branch located at 3980 S. Hamilton Road in Groveport is hosting a "Generative AI for All" workshop Oct. 8, and the Hilltop Branch located at 511 S. Hague Ave. in Columbus is offering "Technology Help with the Columbus Rising Project" on Oct. 9. On Oct. 11, the Dublin Branch located at 75 N. High Street is hosting "Talk to Your Own Data with Artificial Intelligence," which will explain the basics of how large language models work and how AI can answer questions about your personal data with accurate and relevant information. To learn about other events being hosted at a Columbus Metropolitan Library Branch, visit columbuslibrary.org.

At Broadband's first Digital Opportunity Summit, which took place in February 2023, five Regional Digital Inclusion Alliances (RDIAs) were selected to champion digital opportunity at the grassroots level. Those sites were the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (Northwest), the Cleveland Foundation (Northeast), Smart Columbus (Central), Buckeye Hills Regional Council (Southeast), and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati (Southwest).

In 2023, 503 organizations across the nation participated in Digital Inclusion Week.

Initially started as Digital Inclusion Day in May of 2016, the NDIA expanded the event to a week in 2017 to bring further attention to what it's official website calls "awareness, recognition, and celebration" of the importance of promoting digital opportunity.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at https://development.ohio.gov/.

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