Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) is raising awareness about digital inequities and the City of Austin is proud to join the nationwide effort to close those gaps. This year, DIW occurs from October 4-8. The City of Austin and the Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (DECA) are offering a whole host of virtual events for residents to learn more about Digital Inclusion. With the pandemic forcing millions of people to work remotely, affordable and reliable internet access is becoming more important than ever. For those who are not connected, this is an ever-increasing disadvantage. "Imagine a single mom of three kids without internet during normal times. Now imagine the same family during the pandemic when all the schools are locked down and she has to work remotely," said Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs Officer, Rondella Hawkins. "Access to online information is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for so many." Throughout the week, the City of Austin is offering events about topics such as Digital Service Delivery During COVID-19, Digital Citizenship, Information Security, and more from local partners. Digital Inclusion Week Events Calendar Includes: - Apps for Financial Success
- Digital Parents Tech Workshop: Internet Security
- Get More Out of Google
- Get to Know Your Smartphone
Austin Digital Inclusion Week is also holding its second poster contest for school-aged youth to be used in all Digital Inclusion marketing throughout the year! The theme is: "Digital Empowerment means______." Applicants must be 10-18 years of age and reside in Austin. Artwork may be submitted online, by mail, or in-person by appointment. Those interested can read the full guidelines and complete the entry form online. | 
