An introduction to digital inclusion

When your website is truly accessible, it's also inclusive, and when it's inclusive, you can boost conversions, improve your SEO, and build your brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Colorful shapes with a diamond in the center of the banner

What is digital inclusion?

Digital inclusion is the concept of ensuring that all individuals have access to and can effectively use digital technologies, regardless of their socio-economic background, geographic location, or physical abilities.

As a key strategy in leveling the playing field, so everyone has equal opportunities for education, employment, and social engagement, it’s not something tech companies (or any company, for that matter) can ignore, and it goes hand in glove with digital accessibility: You can’t have one without the other. If a company embraces both digital accessibility and inclusion, it’s primed to offer products and services that are usable by a broader audience — arguably the most important aspect of both market reach and social impact.

When you think of the relationship between digital inclusion and accessibility in tech environments as symbiotic — as two practices that need and benefit from each other — it’s quickly apparent how products that are more accessible promote digital inclusion, and a more digitally inclusive society drive the demand for accessible technology. Inclusivity and accessibility prompt companies to innovate so they capture and retain audiences and signal that their entire brand values and even embraces everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Saying you’re all in favor of digital inclusion isn’t the same as achieving it, however, particularly when any number of external factors can hold a company back and contribute to the digital divide. Consider, for example, outdated or restricted practices that impede the adoption of digital technology (like geographic restrictions on cloud computing services), limited internet access in rural and underserved areas, and low digital literacy levels that make it hard for individuals to navigate and use digital tools. Those are all external factors that can all hold your company back and contribute to the digital divide.

Awareness of the big-picture conditions related to equitable access is important to getting it right within your company.

Empowering communities through digital literacy and education

Digital literacy initiatives are pivotal in fostering digital inclusion: When individuals have the skills to use digital tools, they become part of empowered communities that can participate fully in the digital age.

And guess who controls — or at least contributes to — digital literacy? Educators who integrate digital tools into their curricula (students should be exposed to and proficient in using technology from an early age) and policymakers who prioritize the integration of technology in education, including by providing resources for continuous learning.

Particularly in the wake of the pandemic, e-learning platforms have entered the limelight as nearly ubiquitous accessible digital education resources: They offer flexible learning options so individuals can acquire digital skills at their own pace and convenience. However, the effectiveness of these platforms depends on their accessibility and the quality of the content they provide.

Digital literacy obviously has a profound impact on participation in the digital economy and can drive economic growth. After all, individuals with strong digital skills are better equipped to take advantage of online job opportunities, start their own businesses, and engage in e-commerce — all of which feed the digital economy and can pave the way to greater productivity and innovation. For businesses, a digitally literate workforce can enhance efficiency, improve customer service, and open up new markets.

Moreover, digital literacy enables individuals to access online financial services, such as mobile banking and digital payments, which can promote financial inclusion (that’s when individuals and businesses have access to affordable financial products and services, including banking, loans, insurance, and payment systems) and stimulate economic activity.

It’s not hard to connect the dots between digital literacy and a prosperous, inclusive society.

Bridging the digital divide: access and infrastructure

Particularly in rural and underserved areas, internet access is the first order of business in bridging the digital divide, sometimes courtesy of rural internet programs like Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, which aims to bring internet access to 250 million people in unserved and underserved communities around the world by the end of 2025. Broadband access solutions are also essential, of course, as are affordable technology and internet plans. (Cost should not be a barrier to digital participation and inclusion, either.)

Then there’s urban digital infrastructure: You can’t close the digital divide and support digital accessibility and inclusion without cities that have robust tech infrastructure and serve both residents and businesses. High-speed internet, public Wi-Fi, and smart city technologies, e.g., AI-powered traffic management and smart grids that use IoT sensors for utilities, are non-negotiable components for cities of all sizes and in every region.

Technology policy and digital inclusion

Technology policies can either facilitate or hinder the adoption of inclusive technologies. Net neutrality regulations and data privacy laws are great examples of policies that every accessibility leader should be a proponent of because they shape the digital landscape and influence how tech companies approach digital inclusion.

Policy makers, tech companies, and community leaders can’t be successful in isolation, however; they must collaborate to develop frameworks that address the unique challenges of different communities and ensure that digital inclusion strategies are effective and sustainable.

Developing and implementing a digital equity action plan that outlines specific goals, strategies, and metrics is crucial for ensuring equal access (“digital equity”) to digital tools and opportunities for all community members. Every digital equity plan should address key areas such as internet access, affordable technology, digital literacy, and inclusive technology policies. Stakeholders need to get behind comprehensive plans and align their efforts accordingly.

Policy makers can play a pivotal role by advocating for policies that support digital equity, such as funding for broadband infrastructure and digital literacy programs, while tech companies can contribute by developing accessible technologies and providing resources for digital skills training. Community leaders also play a role: They can engage with local residents to understand their needs and ensure that the action plan is tailored to meet those needs.

By collaborating on a digital equity action plan, stakeholders can create a roadmap for achieving digital inclusion and ensure that no community member is left behind in the digital age.

Digital skills training and community engagement

Overcoming the digital divide also depends on widespread digital skills training. When individuals are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world, they’ve immediately got better opportunities for education, employment, and social engagement. For both tech companies and community organizations, a mandate to build and support digital literacy programs that provide comprehensive training that meets the needs of diverse populations should be foundational.

Community tech workshops are a great example. Done right, they can provide hands-on learning experiences and create a supportive environment where individuals can build their digital confidence, which goes a long way toward building digital skills and inclusion among underserved populations.

Innovations in technology for digital inclusion

Mobile technology has of course played a pivotal role in digital inclusion (think of how many populations had mobile-first adoption of the internet), and emerging technologies, like low-cost laptops, tablets, and smartphones paired with affordable internet plans, are breaking down the barriers to digital participation.

Cybersecurity and digital inclusion

Let’s not forget the importance of cybersecurity in digital inclusion: As more individuals gain access to digital technologies, it’s essential that they can use these tools safely. Tech companies have a responsibility to implement robust cybersecurity measures that protect users from online threats.

Integrating cybersecurity awareness into digital literacy and education programs is a best practice for promoting a more secure digital environment. By educating users on safe online practices, these programs can help prevent cybercrime and build trust in digital technologies.

Digital inclusion goes beyond mere buzzwords by encompassing a dynamic interplay of different elements, all working together to forge a more accessible and inclusive digital landscape. From fostering digital literacy and education to crafting technology policies and enhancing infrastructure, there are countless avenues for driving digital inclusion.

For technology leaders, the path forward involves implementing comprehensive strategies that address these elements head-on. To truly make a difference, collaboration with policy makers and community organizations is key, alongside investments in digital skills training and a concerted effort to raise awareness about cybersecurity. Embracing ongoing technology policy updates and actively engaging with communities will shape the future, creating a level playing field where everyone can fully participate in the digital age.

Handpicked resources for you

Checker

Website Accessibility Checker

Blog

Accessibility, inclusivity, and how they make or break brand trust

Glossary

WordPress Accessibility Plugin

Glossary

Automated Accessibility Testing

Ready to welcome all of the world to your website?

Request a demo