Digital Equity & Access

As more and more health and wellness services are transitioning to telehealth technology for managing schedules, filing forms, communications, monitoring, and even the practice of interventions, a divide of inequality is forming between those who have access and understanding of reliable technology, and those who do not. 
 

This disparity is often referred to as the "digital divide", and to the left  you can see five key topics associated with that should be examined while considering the modern barriers to access that a person may experience, which  directly contribute to this divide. 

​

I consider "Availability" to be an important topic to consider, particularly as it relates to infrastructure and the building of reliable connectivity like phone lines and fiber optic networks for highspeed internet access. This is particularly necessary for penetrating rural communities that experience transportation barriers which keep people in need from traveling to receive care.

​

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJ) provides federal funding for building and enhancing utility infrastructure and has shown promise in bringing reliable internet to rural communities. I have written to Senator Mike Braun, Senator Todd Young, and House Representative Erin Houchin asking that they continue to advocate for and engage with programs that can strengthen utility infrastructure in rural communities, for the betterment of telehealth. If you scroll down you can see my communication and any responses I have received to date. 

​

Communication sent through  individual political websites:

 

Greetings,

My name is Gabe Colman, I am a voter in Indiana and I am progressing through a Master of Social Work program. I am only just coming to understand the importance of citizens having reliable and affordable access to technology that includes highspeed internet, particularly as it relates to telehealth and wellness.

It is my hope that you will continue to support and advocate for the use of federal dollars through bills and laws like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to enhance rural infrastructure that develops, enhances, and maintains reliable utilities in hard-to-reach areas of our state. This allows for better monitoring and delivery of services, while overcoming access barriers we face associated with transportation, childcare, time off, disability and much more.

I would be curious to know if you are experiencing any challenges that myself and my colleagues could help to address as a community.

Thank you for your attention, I look forward to your input!

-Gabe Colman

 

Responses:


 

​

​