TEACH IT Initiative: Bridging the Digital Divide with GIGABIT and Tech Goes Home

Overview

Hoosier Fiber Internet and Gigabit are committed to reducing the digital divide through targeted technology education. Our efforts focus on developing educational content, identifying and training potential nonprofit staff and their clients, and providing robust support during training sessions.

Current Collaboration

We are currently facilitating a partnership between Hoosier Fiber Internet and Stonebelt (https://www.stonebelt.org/), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stonebelt has recently acquired several devices, including Echo Shows and Fire Tablets, through a joint initiative with Amazon and Arc, aimed at enhancing accessibility. They require assistance in setting these devices up and training their clients to use them effectively.

Stone Belt Problem Statement

Stone Belt serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a group often overlooked in technology education. These individuals face unique challenges in accessing and using digital tools effectively, which limits their ability to participate fully in society and to manage personal independence. Our team’s mission is to create tailored technological training sessions that address these specific needs, thereby improving their digital engagement and autonomy. By doing so, we aim to empower Stone Belt’s clients with the skills needed to navigate the digital world more confidently and independently.

Key Client: Hoosier Fiber Internet

Contact: Dion Newton - d.newton@hoosierfibernetworks.com

While Hoosier Fiber Internet is our primary client, our support extends to Stonebelt. Dion Newton is instrumental in coordinating the training efforts and aims to develop a scalable model that could be replicated across other nonprofits in the region.

Collaboration with Stonebelt

About Stonebelt: Stonebelt Arc is a chapter of The Arc in Monroe County, committed to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their aspirations of living, learning, working, and participating fully in the community.

Training Development and Implementation

We are in the process of finalizing the details for upcoming training sessions. Our responsibilities include:

• Scheduling: Coordinate training dates and times with Stonebelt and relay these to Una for inclusion in the Teach IT Schedule. We aim to engage more participants in these sessions.
• Audience Determination: Ascertain whether the training is intended for Stonebelt staff or their clients directly.
• Orientation and Preparation: Determine if any special orientations are required for Stonebelt staff and ensure all necessary training is provided.
• Compliance and Security: Facilitate any required background checks and communicate these needs to our team promptly.
• Device Familiarization: Delve into the functionalities of the Echo Show and Fire Tablets to tailor our instructions for adults with disabilities.

Resource Highlight: Tech Goes Home

Website: Tech Goes Home

Tech Goes Home is a Tennessee-based nonprofit collaborating with Hoosier Fiber Internet and Gigabit to furnish local nonprofits with essential training materials. Their goal is to enhance digital literacy in our community, particularly targeting nonprofit staff to disseminate knowledge rapidly among their clients.

Process Overview

Our team encountered challenges with setting up Amazon tablets for our clients. Through systematic planning and weekly interactive sessions, we demonstrated the use of these tablets, equipping clients with the necessary skills to utilize their devices fully. This hands-on approach proved effective in addressing and resolving the community's technological challenges.

Through the TEACH IT initiative, Hoosier Fiber Internet, Gigabit, and Tech Goes Home are making significant strides in closing the digital divide. By empowering local nonprofits and their clients with technology training, we are expanding digital literacy and fostering a more inclusive community.

Final Reflection

During my time at the agency working to help disabled individuals with technology, I have gained invaluable insights and learned profound lessons that have significantly shaped my professional and personal perspectives. The experience of assisting people with varying disabilities to navigate and utilize technology effectively has been both challenging and rewarding, providing me with a deeper understanding of the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in technology.

One of the primary lessons I learned is the critical importance of empathy in the design and implementation of technological solutions. Working closely with clients, I saw firsthand the barriers they face daily due to technologies not designed with their needs in mind. This experience highlighted the urgent need for more inclusive design practices that consider the diverse abilities of all users. I learned to approach technology not just as a developer or a technician but as a facilitator of greater independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Moreover, I discovered the power of adaptive technology in transforming lives. Devices such as the Echo Show and Fire Tablets, when configured correctly, opened up new worlds for our clients. They were not just tools for entertainment; they became essential aids for communication, learning, and personal growth. Witnessing the joy and empowerment experienced by clients when they mastered a new technological skill was profoundly gratifying. It reinforced my belief in technology as a force for good, especially when it is leveraged to enhance human capabilities and address real-world problems.

I also learned the importance of patience and adaptability in teaching technology. Each individual had unique challenges and learning paces, requiring tailored approaches to instruction. This experience sharpened my problem-solving skills and taught me to be flexible in my teaching methods. I became adept at simplifying complex concepts and finding creative ways to engage clients, ensuring they not only understood how to use the technology but also felt confident in their ability to do so.

Reflecting on my time at the agency, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. I have not only contributed to improving the lives of others but have also grown immensely as a professional and as a person. The lessons I learned about empathy, innovation, and collaboration will guide my future endeavors in technology and beyond. I leave this role with a renewed commitment to ensuring that technology serves as a bridge, not a barrier, enhancing the lives of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.