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 Air® laptops. Scott Friedlander, senior vice president of Insight Public Sector, shares the impact of this collaboration: “Insight Public Sector is proud to team up with IDIA to advance digital equity via worldclass devices and technology from Apple, one of our core partners. It is rewarding to see our logistics and capabilities being utilized by IDIA and Apple to provide thousands of devices to underserved communities.”
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 and 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.”