The City of Austin is offering community support and advice to get more residents online as part of Digital Inclusion Week (Oct. 3-7). The Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (DECA) is holding several events to teach residents about basic and cyber-security skills. There's a cool technology showcase with drones and 3-D printers and a Friday night festival. Plus, residents who want to sign up for the federal government’s new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can get help filling out their application for a discount on home internet service that's available to qualifying households.
 
This year’s theme is “Turning a Moment into a Movement”. The goal is to raise awareness about digital inequities, keep it in the spotlight and discuss next steps to close the digital divide.
 
“It’s important that all Austinites be connected to affordable, reliable internet service for their education, work, health, to reduce isolation and other essential online needs,” said Rondella Hawkins, the City of Austin’s Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Officer. “We’re working hard to see everyone get a device, connect with computer training and learn about the Affordable Connectivity Program.”
 
Every year the City of Austin sponsors a youth art poster contest. It will show what digital inclusion and living in a digital world looks like from Austin students’ (ages 10 through 18) point of view. The top three entries win a monetary prize and can have their art work shown in City spaces. The 2022 art contest deadline is Monday, Oct. 9 at 11:59 p.m.
 
Events around Austin and Online during Digital Inclusion Week:
 
Monday:
Austin Free-Net Open House at DeWitty Center with digital navigators for one-on-one customized technology assistance
 
Goodwill “Lunch and Learn” on digital skills for managing your finances
 
Community Tech Network, Goodwill and Austin Urban Technology Movement are sponsoring an ACP sign-up enrollment assistance session
 
Tuesday:
Austin Free-Net “Digital Inclusion: Then & Now,” a 30-year history of digital equity efforts and a look forward (online)
 
Wednesday:
Austin Free-Net Open House at DeWitty Center with digital navigators for one-on-one customized technology assistance
 
Goodwill “Microsoft Basics for the Workplace”
 
Thursday:
Goodwill “Lunch and Learn” on digital skills for managing your finances
                            
Austin Free-Net interviews with Big Tech on “What Are You Doing for Austin” (online)

Texas Folklife listening session to hear personal digital journey stories 
 
Friday:
Austin Free-Net’s Tech for All Fest 

Saturday:
Austin Urban Technology Movement and African American Youth Harvest Foundation Technology Showcase

There’s more information and details on the City’s Digital Inclusion Week 2022 webpage:
Digital Inclusion Week 2022 | Open Data | City of Austin Texas
 
Year-round Activities -- Device Donations
The Community PC Program run by the City and Austin Free-Net collects and refurbishes laptops, desktops and printers from local donors and then gives them away to Austin-based non-profits that provide a public good for their clients. In the past year, Austin Free-Net solicited, collected and refurbished more than 900 devices to donate back into the community through the local non-profits.
 
To learn more about the Community PC Program and to donate devices visit:
Community PC Program | Austin Free-Net