Digital equity means that everyone has access to technology and the skills to use it to be part of our society, government, and economy. It helps people participate in civic and cultural activities, find jobs, keep learning throughout their lives, and access important services.
The Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition (GWDEC) is taking action to address digital inequity in all its forms. We are making a plan to promote digital equity in Guelph Wellington so that everyone in the community can benefit from technology.
Priorities of the Coalition
Advocacy
Communicating progress and supporting local researchers
Technology
Identifying barriers to accessing devices and networks, and getting people connected
Capacity
Building
Developing key messages to address misinformation
“I have many neighbours that don’t even realize that they have digital inequities . . . I hope that we can make more people open their eyes and realize that digital equity is as big of an issue as food or housing”
Dana Nuttley, GWDEC member
Focus Groups
Have you struggled to connect to virtual programs and services because you don’t have a phone, computer, internet or the comfort level or skills needed to use technology? We want to hear from you!
Quotes from Community Members:
“Organizations, companies, government, schools want everyone to go paperless. And I’m like, well, that’s great but how many people are you leaving behind?”
Quote from Focus Groups
“I don’t know how to access my phone when I’m doing a virtual call with the doctor. I don’t have a picture of who I’m talking to. I have no idea what to do and it’s frustrating. Wifi, data, internet, it’s important.”
Quote from Focus Groups
“I have to look at my monthly bills and say, ok, this month I can pay for internet but I’m going to have to forgo something at the grocery store.”
Quote from Focus Groups
Success Stories
We celebrate all of the big and small victories that help connect community members in Guelph Wellington to digital resources.
August 2023:
Guelph Tool Library has collected 17 laptops. 14 have been distributed by the
Guelph Tool Library has collected 17 laptops. 14 have been distributed by the
Guelph CHC, Wyndham House, or Guelph Downtown Friends.
May 2023:
The GWDEC was a successful recipient of the Community Recovery Fund grant.
The GWDEC was a successful recipient of the Community Recovery Fund grant.
The GWDEC website was officially launched.
Ontario Works presented about the country’s digital equity work at the Ontario Social Service’s Conference.
February 2023:
GWDEC members are working to deliver a multi-lingual survey in the Brant
GWDEC members are working to deliver a multi-lingual survey in the Brant
neighbourhood.
The Coalition’s case study was accepted to the International Public Policy Conference in summer 2023.
Guelph Tool Library launched their circular store, and cellphones can be recycled through this program.
July 2023:
The Guelph CHC received 3 new refurbished computers for social prescribing.
The Guelph CHC received 3 new refurbished computers for social prescribing.
The Wellington Advertiser covered the Transformative Change Award.
April 2023:
Action Read, CHC, and Brant Neighbourhood community group are looking to bring
Action Read, CHC, and Brant Neighbourhood community group are looking to bring
digital hesitancy support and one-on-one tech support to Brant neighbourhood.
January 2023:
Helen Hambly (the University of Guelph’s R2B2 Project) spoke on CBC Radio’s “The
Helen Hambly (the University of Guelph’s R2B2 Project) spoke on CBC Radio’s “The
Current” about digital equity.
June 2023:
Action Read, CHC, and Brant Avenue Neighbourhood Group held an Internet Safety
Action Read, CHC, and Brant Avenue Neighbourhood Group held an Internet Safety
workshop to bring digital hesitancy support to the neighbourhood.
The GWDEC presented at the Alliance’s Connected Communities: Building Equitable Integrated Healthcare conference.
March 2023:
Action Read served 58 people since the GWDEC’s February meeting.
Action Read served 58 people since the GWDEC’s February meeting.
4 neighbourhoods in Guelph are running tax clinics, highlighting the value of digital equity work.
Ontario Works presented about the country’s digital equity work at the Ontario Social Service’s Conference.
2023 Transformative Change Award
The Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition was a recipient of a 2023 Transformative Change Award from the Alliance for Healthier Communities at the Connected Communities: Building Equitable Integrated Healthcare conference. GuelphToday highlighted this achievement in a recent article.
The following video was created for the awards ceremony. Learn more about the Transformative Change Award and the GWDEC’S work in Guelph Wellington communities:
GWDEC: A Collaborative Approach to Reducing Pandemic-Driven Digital Inequalities is funded by the Government of Canada under the Community Services Recovery Fund.
GWDEC: Une Approche Collaborative pour Réduire les Inégalités Numériques Provoquées par la Pandémie est finance par le gouvernement du Canada sous le Fonds de relance des services communautaires.