Last week, I wrote about two Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program awards from the NTIA that went to the Hmong American Partnership and Minnesota State Colleges & Universities as well as other projects in other states. Today they announced more…
Today, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recommended for award more than $369 million to 41 organizations to support digital skills and inclusion projects in communities across the country. These investments will empower individuals and communities across the nation with the essential skills they need to thrive in today’s connected world.
This funding comes from the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
One award includes Minnesota…
Program: Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.
Locations: TX, AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NY, NJ, NV
Proposed Project Activities:
Distribution of pre-configured, accessible equipment to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals
Establishment of the Deaf Digital Advancement Initiative – an American Sign Language -centric digital literacy training program that will include offerings such as technology equipment training, ensuring participants can effectively use and maintain their devices
Digital literacy training, covering Internet basics, online safety, and digital communication tools
American Sign Language classes focused on technology-related vocabulary and online communication
Job training tailored for the digital workforce, including skills for online job searching and remote work
Implementation of a direct video calling support system that aims to facilitate easier access to interpreting services across various state agency settings, significantly enhancing the ability of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals to communicate effectively and access public services in government offices
Develop accessible digital health training programs and creating culturally competent health education materials; and establishing a public health information hotline.