Meaningful Access to Technology

Proposal Presented for the Master Plan For Aging (#76)

Disclaimer

Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.

 

Summary

Increase efforts to ensure meaningful access to technology for all populations, including access to the hardware, software, and other equipment necessary to meet needs; an internet connection with sufficient bandwidth; and the training, support, and skills necessary to use them delivered in an engaging and culturally component way.

 

Justification

In the digital age it is now more important than ever to ensure all New Yorkers have the access and technological knowledge needed to use online services and supports. Better understanding challenges to access and providing comprehensive training will allow older New Yorkers to gain the knowledge and resources necessary to obtain the hardware, software, and sufficient broadband that support basic needs and social connectedness.

 

Full Proposal

Given the increasing amount of public and private services and programs that are primarily relying on online platforms, New York State must increase its efforts to ensure that all New Yorkers have meaningful access to technology. Meaningful access to technology includes access to the hardware, software, and other equipment necessary to meet ones needs; an internet connection with sufficient bandwidth for the tasks one wants to do; and the training, support, and skills necessary to use them. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the digital divide, leaving older adults and other vulnerable populations without meaningful access to technology, which increased loneliness and challenges in meeting basic needs.

The State should seek to integrate questions about meaningful access into service assessments, program intakes, the COMPASS, wellness checks, person-centered planning processes, etc. The questions should focus on the three components of meaningful access: hardware/software/equipment, internet/bandwidth, and training/support.

If it is found that someone needs one or more of the meaningful access components, the entity working with them should, as appropriate, connect them with programs and resources that provide:

  • Access to hardware, software, and other equipment.
  • Access to broadband.
  • Financial assistance.
  • Engaging and culturally component trainings and ongoing support services. These should include both the, “how-to,” aspect of using technology as well as discussions of privacy and security (e.g., how to keep your password secure).

This proposal should include expanding access to technology to support caregiving.

This proposal works in concert with Proposal 81 (included within Proposal 1) to ensure meaningful access to technology.

 

 

MPA Council Commentary

This proposal is categorized as infrastructure. Policymakers may reference this proposal during the legislative session or the annual budget process, as development of programs to expand access to consumer and provider technologies would likely require legislative action and funding that would be subject to the availability of resources. Policymakers may reference this proposal during the legislative session or the annual budget process, as development of programs to expand access to consumer and provider technologies would likely require legislative action and funding that would be subject to the availability of resources. Many State agencies are engaged in efforts to expand meaningful access to technology. For example, SED has identified libraries as a primary point of internet connectivity and technology support, particularly for people who lack access at home; exploring options for maintaining access to technology through libraries would be a crucial component of successfully implementing this proposal, especially in rural communities.