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AUSTIN, TEXAS – The City of Austin will be offering community support, resources, and advice to promote digital inclusion and equity during this year’s Digital Inclusion Week (Oct. 2 – 7). In collaboration with the Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (DECA), a series of community events have been curated for residents to learn more about the digital divide and raise awareness for solutions addressing home internet access, device and technology training, and support programs. This year’s theme is “Building Connected Communities” as everyone deserves to thrive with the use of technology. "Closing the digital divide in Austin remains a priority for the City and our partners. We are excited that the 2023 Digital Inclusion Week will raise the awareness in our community around issues and solutions for internet affordability, access, devices, digital skills training and support that Austinites need,” said Rondella Hawkins, Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Officer, Financial Services Department, City of Austin. The week launches with an all-day Digital Inclusion Stakeholder Summit at the Moody Center. According to Nehemiah Pitts III, Chairman, Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission (CTTC) with the City of Austin, “The CTTC has had the distinct privilege of championing Digital Inclusion Week for Greater Austin since its inception. As trusted City advisors and promoters of equitable access to technology, digital skills, and telecommunications services for all, we are honored to organize the All Together For Digital Inclusion Stakeholder Summit 2023 launch event to kick-off Digital Inclusion Week 2023." Additional sessions throughout the week include an Austin Film Society movie screening and other informative events from local partners. The week wraps up with a Tech For All Fest! celebration at Eastside Early College High School. "Digital Inclusion Week and the 2nd annual Tech For All Fest create unique opportunities for Austinites to come together, learn from each other, and make strides toward a more digitally inclusive future while having fun in the process. Our festival is a multi-generational, bilingual event, free for all," said Jess Ross, Executive Director, Austin Free-Net. Residents who want to sign up for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) may attend any event throughout the week to receive information on assistance completing their application for a discount on home internet service made available to qualifying households. In celebration of Digital Inclusion Week, a proclamation ceremony will be held at Austin City Hall on Sept. 21. The community is invited to join us at 9 a.m. for this honor. For more information and event details, visit the City of Austin’s Digital Inclusion Week 2023 website: Digital Inclusion Week 2023 | Open Data | City of Austin Year-round Activities -- Device Donations The Community PC Program (CPCP) has provided thousands of devices to local nonprofits since 2016. CPCP refurbishes surplus computers to distribute to nonprofits on an ongoing basis and receives device donations from local organizations as well as City offices. Information technology interns with local nonprofits may gain experience by assisting in the refurbishment of these devices. ### About the City of Austin Financial Services Department The City of Austin Financial Services Department (FSD) maintains the financial and economic integrity of the City of Austin and provides comprehensive and integrated financial management, administration, and support services to the City departments and other customers. Under FSD, the Telecommunication and Regulatory Affairs division advocates for the welfare of citizens by ensuring the City receives fair compensation for the private use of public right-of-way, by bringing access to the internet and computer technology to all members of the community through digital inclusion programs, and by protecting consumers from utility rate increases and unfair predatory lending practices. |
