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The Digital Literacy Foundation – a new name, a fresh look, a bigger, better mission… and free iPads!
The Digital Literacy Foundation (formerly Leep NGO) has reinvigorated its mission to achieve universal digital literacy and inclusion.
The chairman of the board, Dr. Anne Wiggins describes her work building digital inclusion in disadvantaged communities as more critical than ever.
“Almost all of the 3 million Australians who are digitally disconnected are vulnerable and excluded. Their lack of digital skills exacerbates their social exclusion and economic disadvantage.”
“Our new brand identity reflects our expanded mission,” says Dr. wiggins
“Our new name represents our values and strengths, our new logo embodies the unity and power of connection that digital technology brings, the circle symbolizes our commitment to a
digitally inclusive society, and the gradient reflects the change that digital connection brings to people’s lives. Even the font is aptly named Konnect,” she says
explained.
“As the Digital Literacy Foundation, we will continue to do what we have done for many
years, but expand our reach and impact,” she says.
Coinciding with the rebranding, the foundation launched two new programs, Click & Connect and Making it Click.
“These programs allow us to meet all three national digital inclusion markers:
Accessibility, affordability and digital capabilities,” she explains.
“By providing personal digital access and connectivity, and by collaborating with our Tech Mates to digitally mentor each learner one-on-one, people can safely develop digital confidence and skills.”
“Four words guide us every step of the way: inclusion, impact, advocacy and collaboration,”
explains Dr. wiggins
“These represent the difference that the Digital Literacy Foundation strives for. We constantly strive to influence change through our commitment to universal digital literacy and digital inclusion. We impact the communities we serve by training volunteers to digitally mentor as many people as possible through best practice service delivery. And we partner with other organizations that use their skills, resources and voices alongside us to work together to make the world a better place,” said Dr. wiggins
Digital technology has the potential to reduce social and economic disadvantage
vulnerable cohorts by enabling social connections and increasing access to services.
However, multiple lockdowns during the pandemic have highlighted the power of digital
Divide has become in Australia.
“Those who were excluded before Covid-19 have become even more excluded, for one thing
Time in which digital access and inclusion have become increasingly important due to rapid development
Digitization of essential services – banking, health (telemedicine, prescription fulfillment).
Online), Government Services (vehicle registrations, Medicare, Centrelink) – in many
cases with offline equivalents,” says Dr. wiggins
“While the rise of digital health offers opportunities for increased access to health
Concern unfair digital access may further marginalize vulnerable populations,” she said
adds.
“Those most likely to miss out on the benefits of digital health are, too
those with higher health care needs, such as older Australians.”
Affordable access is the biggest barrier to digital inclusion. Many who need digital skills
Support do not have access to, or cannot afford, an adequate internet connection
device to use at home.
Without an affordable and reliable internet connection, access to information, digital services and communication channels with the community, family, individuals and government is limited.
The accessibility and affordability scores of Australians aged 65+ are the lowest demographic in the country, with levels of digital exclusion increasing with age. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 45% of those over 65 do not use the internet at all and that 75% of those over 65 are confused and intimidated when it comes to using technology.
By providing older Australians with personal digital access and connectivity during construction
their digital confidence and skills, the Digital Literacy Foundation’s Click & Connect and
Making it Click programs increase social connectedness and economic inclusion, which
in turn improves mental and physical health and relationships with community, friends and
Family that builds happiness, security, and purpose—it’s all of that
Protective factors against anxiety and depression and improved mortality rates.
The Click & Connect program at the Penrith LGA
The Click & Connect program, delivered in partnership with Penrith City Council, offers Penrith LGA residents aged 65+ (or 50+ for First Nations) free iPads with accessibility features preinstalled, an initial 12 months of free internet access, a handy Protective case, digital mentoring from the Digital Literacy Foundation’s trained volunteer Tech Mates, and ongoing iPad maintenance and support.
In partnership with the Council, the Digital Literacy Foundation brings iPads and Tech Mates to Village Café meetings, which take place three times a month: in Kingswood, North St Marys and Llandilo on the second, third and fourth Thursdays of each month.
Participants can receive devices and digital mentoring, as well as free coffee in an inclusive atmosphere. The program also provides access to a wider range of community services.
The Making it Click program in West Sydney and West NSW
The Making it Click program, funded by the Okta for Good Fund and the Tides Foundation, serves seniors in western Sydney (in Blacktown, Kingswood, Cranebrook, Emu Plains and St Marys) and western NSW (in Bathurst, Lithgow, Mudgee and Orange) who are 65+ (or 50+ for First Nations) and offer free iPads with pre-installed accessibility features, free internet access for the first 12 months, a non-slip protective case, digital mentoring from the Digital Literacy Foundation’s trained volunteer Tech Mates as well ongoing iPad maintenance and support.
There are no hidden costs with either program. However, all recipients must show photo ID and undergo a police check. Find out more about the programs online at digitalliteracy.org.au or call the Digital Literacy Foundation on 1300 163 106.
Call for volunteers
The Digital Literacy Foundation is calling on volunteers, old and young, to help roll out these new iPad programs in western Sydney and across western NSW (particularly in the Orange, Canowindra, Mudgee and Bathurst areas).
Volunteers only need to be over the age of 18, have basic technical skills, and have a desire to help in their community. Free training and ongoing support are provided. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination and a police check are required. To get started as a Volunteer Tech Mate, apply online at digitalliteracy.org.au or call the Digital Literacy Foundation on 1300 163 106.
