Digital Equity

Public Comment on Draft Digital Equity Plan

The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commission for Educational Technology has released “Connecticut: Everyone Connected,” the State Digital Equity Plan. The Commission leads Connecticut's statewide efforts to ensure access to affordable Internet and devices as well as the skills and support to use digital tools in ways that improve residents' lives.

• Full Plan (English)
• Executive Summary (English | Spanish)
• Plan Overview (Video |Transcript)
• NEW: January 11 Session >> View Recording
• Press Release

Vision

The State of Connecticut defines “Digital Equity” as “a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for participation in society, democracy, and the economy of the state” (CGS § 289). That is the vision behind this plan, “Connecticut: Everyone Connected,” which defines the resources, challenges, and path forward to making sure all residents can flourish in a society that depends ever more on access to digital tools and the skills to use them.

Background

With support from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Commission for Educational Technology is leading a multi-year effort to design and implement a statewide Digital Equity Plan. The goal of this plan is to help ensure that all residents have access to and can utilize technology for learning, career advancement, leveraging State services, health and wellness, and overall participation in society. The Commission remains committed to helping all citizens access and use technology effectively, and the Digital Equity Program specifically prioritizes the following groups (in alphabetical order):

• Aging
• Incarcerated (State facilities)
• Individuals at or below 150% poverty line
• Individuals with disabilities
• Individuals with language barriers
• Members of a racial or ethnic minority group
• Rural residents
• Veterans

Additional Resources

See the following resources for help in connecting and equipping Connecticut residents to engage fully in today’s digital society.

• Affordable Connectivity Program (www.AffordableConnectivity.gov): Federal program that provides a credit up to $30 per month off Internet service for eligible residents — includes registration wizard, toll-free phone support, and multi-lingual outreach materials to share with residents.
• Broadband Deployment (portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Energy/Broadband-Deployment): Progress toward universal access to affordable Internet, with resources for residents, partners, state leaders, and providers.
• Broadband Mapping (BroadbandMaps.CT.gov): Office of Policy and Management’s frequently updated dashboard of Internet availability, town-level ACP enrollment, and more.

• Digital Equity Toolkit: Provides a set of recommended steps and resources to help communities get students of all ages online outside of school, with access to high-quality devices and the skills to make the best use of these learning tools.

• National Digital Inclusion Alliance (www.DigitalInclusion.org): Monthly training, toolkits, and best practices to support digital inclusion efforts.