Empowering communities: A multilayered plan
The county’s digital inclusion initiative provides free access to devices, workshops, and support, promoting tech literacy and safe online practices for community members:
- Seamless experiences with iPad: Leaning on strategic multisite deployment expertise, the county is rolling out 3,500+ iPad® devices and counting.
- Digital Navigators: Dedicated tech-savvy guides provide personalized assistance to the community, improving digital confidence and troubleshooting challenges.
- More technology options: To help community members experience the latest technology, the program also provides access to equipment such as VR goggles, 3D printers, and more.
- Internet safety education: Ongoing education helps the public keep a pulse on how the internet is evolving and how to navigate their digital world safely.
- Workshops that cultivate innovation: Creative digital skills are taught to the community — from building an app to launching a podcast.
Technology hives: Powering access
Insight and IDIA are partnering to build “hives” across the community, comprised of iMac®, iPad, and Apple TV® devices, as well as MacBook® laptops. With a long-term vision to scale out to 30 hives spanning other counties across the state, the program will use these hives to provide a powerful, intuitive experience for citizens.
What’s next?
The future looks bright for the county. The new initiative is building the groundwork for additional technology use cases — from telemedicine devices to support for tribal nations.
Erin Carr-Jordan, president/CEO of IDIA, reflects on the vision and partnership with Insight: “Partnering with Insight is a transformative step towards digital inclusion in our communities. By focusing on technology as a catalyst to address gaps in connectivity, digital skills, and access to healthcare, we meet immediate needs and provide a foundation for continuous growth and adaptation.”