In their recent webinar, Monsido presenters Jillian Als and Jasmine de Guzman reviewed digital equity and provided tips on how we can improve our website and promote better digital equity.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways from the webinar.
What is digital equity?
Digital equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. It’s the goal! But it’s evolving.
What does it look like on our website?
If the work for digital equity is digital inclusion, here’s how you can think about it for your website:
- Page speed – You can’t control your visitors’ internet speeds, but you can make sure your site loads and performs well on slow connection speeds.
- The mobile experience – It’s not just something Google cares about; some households are not only mobile-first but mobile ONLY.
- Web accessibility – Web Accessibility is the important work to accommodate all site visitors, regardless of ability. People can be born with disabilities, develop them over time, or can happen instantly and be temporarily or for life.
- Reading level – Academic or text heavy content is a barrier for many people, including those with English as a second language. The higher the reading level required on your website, the less likely the entire community will understand and engage.
- Inclusive language – Language that excludes visitors because they introduce bias or are discriminatory decreases trust and willingness to engage online.
What is the Digital Equity Act?
- Bipartisan bill that was passed as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in Aug 2021
- Does not include any compliance requirements
- Aims to drive more innovation and resources to reduce the digital divide
Recent Department of Justice Announcements
- March 2022 – Announces their official guidance for addressing website accessibility
- July 2022 – Announces intent to begin the rulemaking process to enact website accessibility regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Recording and Slides
If you were unable to attend Monsido’s live webinar on “Digital Equity for your Website,” you can access the recording and slides: