Walk in My Shoes: Digital Equality for All

[ UUID ] 2d51e023-bcf1-4959-86df-a3e0c91005aa

[ Session Name ] Walk in My Shoes: Digital Equality for All [ Primary Space ] Digital Inclusion

[ Submitter's Name ] Deb Socia [ Submitter's Affiliated Organisation ] Next Century Cities

[ Other Facilitator 1's Name ] Helen Milner [ Other Facilitator 1's GitHub ] @helenmilner

What will happen in your session?

Participants will first break into groups, and each group will be assigned a “persona.” These personas will represent various populations that are disadvantaged by mobile-only internet access, e.g. those who are homeless, disabled, seniors, or living in poverty. Groups will then be assigned a series of tasks to complete on their mobile devices, such as filling out a financial aid application. Groups will then report out the challenges of completing tasks on a mobile device, how those challenges might be exacerbated by the group’s “persona,” and what services their own community offers for those who are mobile-only. Then, the facilitators will lead a group discussion about strategies to encourage the deployment and adoption of fixed home broadband access for all.

What is the goal or outcome of your session?

The goals of the session are for participants to confront the real-life limitations of being a mobile-only internet user through hands-on experience, to explore the nuanced ways in which a lack of a fixed home broadband connection can affect specific populations, and to develop strategies for encouraging the deployment and adoption of fixed home broadband access. The goal is not to diminish the importance of mobile access, but rather to drive home the point that there is work to be done before those who do not have access to fixed home broadband can be considered fully served by 21st century information technology.

If your session requires additional materials or electronic equipment, please outline your needs.

Our proposal requires attendees to be able to connect their personal mobile devices to Wi-Fi.

Time needed

60 mins