COLUMBUS, Ohio — In an effort to expand digital opportunities across the state, the Ohio Department of Development and its office of BroadbandOhio are drawing attention to the upcoming Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) organized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). Scheduled for October 7-11, this year’s theme is “Stronger Together: Mobilizing Toward Sustainability.”
BroadbandOhio, launched in March 2020, released its Digital Opportunity Plan earlier this year to outline initiatives that extend beyond providing high-speed internet access. The plan emphasizes key components of digital inclusion, such as access to appropriate internet-enabled devices, digital literacy training, quality technical support, and user-friendly applications that promote self-sufficiency and community engagement.
Several events are planned across Ohio during DIW:
- Smart Columbus will host digital skills classes on October 7 and a “Digital Equity Partner Appreciation Breakfast” on October 9 from 8-10 a.m. at 225 Neilston Street in Columbus.
- Oak Hill Collaborative, a nonprofit based in Youngstown serving Mahoning and Trumbull counties, will offer digital skills workshops, lessons, and device distribution from October 7-14.
- Columbus Metropolitan Library branches in Franklin County are conducting various digital skills workshops:
- The Northside Branch (1423 N. High Street, Columbus) will feature a “Digital Skills Hub” from October 7-10.
- The Southeast Branch (3980 S. Hamilton Road, Groveport) is hosting a “Generative AI for All” workshop on October 8.
- The Hilltop Branch (511 S. Hague Ave., Columbus) offers “Technology Help with the Columbus Rising Project” on October 9.
- On October 11, the Dublin Branch (75 N. High Street) presents “Talk to Your Own Data with Artificial Intelligence,” explaining the basics of large language models and how AI can interact with personal data.
For more events hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library, visit columbuslibrary.org.
At BroadbandOhio’s first Digital Opportunity Summit in February 2023, five Regional Digital Inclusion Alliances were selected to champion digital inclusion at the grassroots level. These include 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).
Digital Inclusion Week has grown significantly since its inception as Digital Inclusion Day in May 2016. In 2017, the NDIA expanded it to a week-long event to increase awareness and celebrate the importance of promoting digital equity. In 2023, over 500 organizations nationwide participated in DIW.
The Ohio Department of Development continues to empower communities by investing in the state’s people, places, and businesses. For more information about their initiatives, visit development.ohio.gov.