While Fairfax County is fortunate to be well connected to internet infrastructure such as broadband, there are still many people in our community who are not connected through hardware, software or digital literacy skills.
For example, more than 80 percent of eligible county residents are not signed up for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service.
We are participating in the national Digital Inclusion Week, Oct. 2-6, to highlight opportunities, services and ways everyone in our community can connect during the week and the whole year.
DEFINING DIGITAL EQUITY
Digital equity ensures opportunities for county residents to participate and engage in a connected community. The ability to access, understand and use digital tools is essential for many tasks in modern life, including applying for jobs, paying bills, enjoying recreational activities, completing homework, staying informed and connecting with government/community services. We're dedicated to making sure that all individuals can participate in the digital world, regardless of ability, age, race, gender, or zip code.
In Fairfax County, the ideal state of digital equity means:
- Affordable digital hardware and connections
- Awareness of digital resources and services
- Access to specific digital tools
- Advancement of digital literacy skills
DIGITAL EQUITY SUMMIT OCT. 5
We’re joining with Cox Communications and other public/private stakeholders in collaborating to bridge the digital divide. A Digital Equity Summit will be held Thursday, Oct. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Tysons. The summit will include a keynote address, panel discussions and workshops to advance the cause of digital equity in our community.
DIGITAL EQUITY EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTY
Join us in building connected communities. Several county departments and community partners are hosting a variety of events the week of Oct. 2 (and in some cases, all year round).
- Fairfax County Public Libraries will host maker labs, tech clinics and more, including special digital inclusion open houses.
- Neighborhood and Community Services will host tech days and registration for the American Connectivity Program across the county.
-
Department of Family Services, Adult & Aging Division’s Volunteer Solutions unit will host a virtual information session on what IT-On Call volunteers do and next steps if you’re interested.
-
Oct. 6, 1-1:45 p.m., Got Tech Skills? Don’t let them go to waste! Help older adults in your community. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84594100204 ; Password: ITOnCall#1
-
- The Minority Tech Foundation will host the following events:
- Oct. 2, 4-7 p.m., Tech Day at the Hybla Valley Community Center
- Oct. 4, 4-7 p.m., Tech Equity Day at the Hybla Valley Community Center
- ServiceSource will host the following online events:
- Oct. 3, 9-10 a.m., Tech Tuesday Basic Skills: Zoom: https://bit.ly/VCAAzoom2
- Oct. 6, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Understand and Using Email: https://bit.ly/VCAAzoom2
SIGN UP FOR DAILY EMAIL HEADLINES