In the Spotlight
The Digital Divide Among Seniors and People With Disabilities
By Sara Ching, Advocacy Program Manager
The Digital Divide refers to the gap between populations who have access to modern information and communication technologies, and those who have restricted or no access at all. The White House addressed the digital divide among low-income households in its announcement of the Affordable Connectivity Program on May 9, 2022.[i] However, the barriers that seniors and people with disabilities experience in accessing digital information remains unresolved.
According to recent studies, including a September 2021 study by the Pew Research Center, there remains a substantial disparity in both internet and technology use among seniors and people with disabilities.[ii] Furthermore, the Bureau of Internet Accessibility reported in February of this year that most website developers create content for “ideal” or “typical” users, ignoring the barriers that affect people with long-term, temporary, or situational disabilities.[iii]
The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced many of these barriers and social inequality in marginalized groups. During the pandemic, people without disabilities relied heavily on internet access and internet usage increased. For people over 60 years old and people with disabilities, internet usage decreased globally. In January, the Disability and Health Journal published a study that showed a significant digital divide affecting people with disabilities in Korea.[iv]
Senior and Disabilities Action (SDA), in San Francisco, is an organization that mobilizes and educates seniors and people with disabilities to fight for individual rights and social justice. SDA believes internet access is a fundamental need and human right. Peter Estes, SDA’s Community Resource Program Director, and Dasom Nah, SDA’s Survival School Organizer, have been leading a campaign to address the digital divide and make access to internet equitable to all seniors and people with disabilities.
When the pandemic put limits on face-to-face interaction, which were especially strict for the senior and disabled communities, it became essential for these communities to stay connected while isolating. In attempting to connect with community members over the internet, SDA found that elders often faced many barriers, from using their device to basic internet access, in getting online.
As reported by Peter Estes, SDA began to see the toll the digital divide was taking on its members “in starker terms than we have seen before.” During a discussion in January of 2021, it became apparent to SDA that they needed to address this issue. “We asked ourselves and our members, ‘what can we do to tackle this?’” said Estes.
This led to SDA launching the Free Wi-Fi Campaign with a group of immigrant and people of color (POC) elders, who started vocalizing their need for better quality internet service for seniors and people with disabilities and in low-income neighborhoods.
According to Dasom Nah of SDA, “The mental health impact of the existing digital divide during a pandemic is immense. For many, access to internet is a question of survival. I would especially like to highlight immigrant seniors, who were crucial in lifting up their campaign. For them, internet is a means of staying in touch with their families amidst lasting travel restrictions and risks.”
For Elmira Lagundi, also of SDA, high-quality internet access is essential for her mental health and well-being. “I rely on the internet to communicate with my doctor, community organizations, and family,” Lagundi stated. “I want people to know how important this campaign is for people like me to feel connected to the world and to not feel alone.” Lagundi is an active volunteer for several cultural and community organizations. She participates in community events and activities to “help others and keep [her] mind healthy.”
The biggest challenge SDA has faced in implementing its campaign has been getting through to the private corporate monopolies such as AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon, which control Internet utilities. Despite the federal programs such as the Electronic Broadband Benefit (now known as ACP – Accessible Connectivity Program), these companies are making minimum effort in making their service accessible and affordable for the people who need it most.
“While it’s hard to make corporations care, our direct action and camaraderie helped us get attention of AT&T. We know they can make internet free, fast, and accessible for all seniors and people with disabilities in the Bay Area, now!” wrote Nah.
SDA’s efforts have been making head-way with AT&T as members were able to send their message to Ken McNeely, the President of AT&T Western Region in December of last year. The San Francisco Chronicle wrote a piece about SDA’s October 18, 2021 march, during which 90 members and allies of SDA, both in person and online, visited AT&T’s flagship store on 1 Powell Street in San Francisco demanding free, accessible and reliable internet access for seniors and people with disabilities.[v] The San Francisco Examiner also featured the march stating, “seniors and people with disabilities are still digitally divided.” [vi] Since then, SDA has had discussions with several large internet providers to increase internet quality for seniors and people with disabilities and is actively finding solutions to the digital divide.
The SDA encourages people with disabilities and seniors to share their stories and explain why the internet is essential. Readers can share and tag their story with #WiFi Warriors, #FreeInternetNow, and #GuerrerosDeWifi on social media. To support the campaign efforts, contact Dasom (dasom@sdaction.org) or Peter (peter@sdaction.org).
[i] The White House. 2022. FACT SHEET: President Biden and Vice President Harris Reduce High-Speed Internet Costs for Millions of Americans | The White House. [online] Available at: <https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/09/fact-sheet-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris-reduce-high-speed-internet-costs-for-millions-of-americans/> [Accessed 27 May 2022].
[ii] Pew Research Center. 2022. Americans with disabilities less likely than those without to own some digital devices. [online] Available at: <https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/09/10/americans-with-disabilities-less-likely-than-those-without-to-own-some-digital-devices/> [Accessed 27 May 2022].
[iii] Boia.org. 2022. Why Americans With Disabilities Use The Internet Less Frequently. [online] Available at: <https://www.boia.org/blog/why-americans-with-disabilities-use-the-internet-less-frequently> [Accessed 27 May 2022].
[iv] Cho, M., & Kim, K. M. (2022). Effect of digital divide on people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disability and health journal, 15(1), 101214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101214
[v] Picon, Andres. (2021, October) San Francisco Chronicle, “Senior, disabled protesters occupy S.F. AT&T store
demanding Wi-Fi access”
[vi] Irwin, Veronica (2021, October) San Francisco Examiner, “Seniors and people with disabilities are still digitally divided” https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/seniors-and-people-with-disabilities-are-still-digitally-divided/article_7c11cae1-9e01-5b7e-b243-4ba00097fa74.html
PWDF Profile
Who We Are
People With Disabilities Foundation is an operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California, which focuses on the rights of the mentally and developmentally disabled.
Services
Advocacy: PWDF advocates for Social Security claimant’s disability benefits in eight Bay Area counties. We also provide services in disability rights, on issues regarding returning to work, and in ADA consultations, including areas of employment, health care, and education, among others. There is representation before all levels of federal court and Administrative Law Judges. No one is declined due to their inability to pay, and we offer a sliding scale for attorney’s fees.
Education/Public Awareness: To help eliminate the stigma against people with mental disabilities in society, PWDF’s educational program organizes workshops and public seminars, provides guest speakers with backgrounds in mental health, and produces educational materials such as videos.
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