How Nonprofits Can Overcome Technological Barriers in Underserved Communities To Deliver Programming

Nonprofits often have a mission to serve the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society, but they may face challenges in reaching them due to technological barriers. Some of your beneficiaries may not have access to necessary technology or the internet, particularly in underserved communities, limiting their ability to benefit from the programs and services offered by nonprofits. This can create a digital divide that exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities.

Fortunately, there are some solutions that your organization can implement to overcome these barriers and ensure that their work is inclusive and accessible to all. Here are three steps that you can take to address the technological needs of their target communities:

1. Conduct a comprehensive survey to identify technological barriers within the target community.

Conducting a survey to understand the technological barriers of your community will help you and your organization understand the current situation, needs, preferences and challenges of your beneficiaries regarding technology and internet access. A survey can help you measure the impact of your interventions and monitor their progress over time to see if new or unforeseen technology issues arise during programming. If you are considering conducting a survey, we have placed a survey template that we use at the bottom of the blog to identify technology barriers before designing online programming. Feel free to copy, paste it and adapt it for your own context and community. Use the findings of the survey to inform the design of your online, blended or offline programs and resources.

2. Develop partnerships to provide access to devices and internet connectivity.

Nonprofits can collaborate with other organizations, such as schools, libraries, community centres, businesses, foundations and government agencies, to leverage their resources and expertise to provide technology and internet access to their beneficiaries. For example, some Canadian nonprofits have partnered with Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience or CanadaHelps to access free or discounted software, courses, fundraising solutions and digital transformation support. Other nonprofits have partnered with local internet service providers or telecom companies to offer low-cost or subsidized internet plans or mobile data packages to their beneficiaries.

3. Explore alternative blended or offline options for those without reliable access.

Blended program designs can be an effective solution for those without reliable internet access or those who have limited bandwidth. Blended learning combines online digital media with traditional classroom methods. It requires the physical presence of both teacher and student, with some element of student control over time, place, path, or pace (Cleavland-Innes & Wilton, 2018).

For example, a blended approach could mean a webinar enhanced with forum discussions and outfitted with mobile support tools. Or it might involve a flipped virtual classroom and working with a mentor. Another example is the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS), which helps manage courses and other learning materials. 

Nonprofits may not want to rely solely on online platforms to deliver their programs and services, if this excludes some of their beneficiaries who have no or limited access to technology or the internet. In this case, nonprofits can also consider offering offline options, such as printed materials and toolkits, phone calls, radio broadcasts, SMS messages or face-to-face meetings (when possible and safe), to reach those who are not online. Nonprofits can also ensure that their online content is compatible with different devices and browsers, and that it can be downloaded or saved for offline viewing.

Nonprofits can overcome technological barriers in underserved communities and ensure that your work is accessible and inclusive to all. Technology can be a powerful tool for social change, but only if it is used in a way that respects the dignity, rights and needs of the people it serves.

References

Cleveland-Innes, M., & Wilton, D. (2018). Guide to blended learning.

Technology Access Survey

Note: Please remember to adapt these questions based on the specific goals and context of your nonprofit and the community you are surveying.

1. Device Access:

• What types of devices (e.g., smartphones, laptops, tablets) do you have access to?

2. Internet Connectivity:

• How would you describe the reliability of your internet connection at home?

• Do you experience frequent internet outages or slow speeds?

3. Digital Skills:

• On a scale of 1 to 5, how comfortable are you with using digital tools and applications?

• What tools and applications do you use with ease?

• What tools and applications do you struggle to use?

4. Availability of Technical Support:

• Is there someone in your household or community you can turn to for technical assistance when encountering issues with digital devices or software?

5. Access to Training:

• Have you participated in any digital literacy or technology training programs in the past year?

6. Affordability of Devices and Services:

• How affordable do you find purchasing or upgrading digital devices in your community?

7. Awareness of Available Technologies:

• What online tools and platforms that can be used for educational or community purposes are you aware of?

8. Barriers for Participation:

• What factors, if any, prevent you from participating in online activities or programs?

9. Availability of Public Computer Centers:

• Are there community centers or public places with computer access available to you?

10. Perceived Importance of Digital Access:

• How important do you believe digital access is for participating in educational, employment, or community-related activities?

11. Smartphone Usage:

• Do you primarily access the internet through a smartphone? If yes, what limitations do you face compared to using a computer?

12. Digital Inclusion Programs:

• Are you aware of any digital inclusion programs or initiatives in your community?

13. Challenges with Online Learning:

• If applicable, what challenges have you faced in participating in online learning or training programs?

14. Preferred Learning Formats:

• Do you prefer in-person or online formats for educational and training activities?

15. Accessibility Needs:

• Are there specific accessibility needs or considerations that would facilitate your use of digital devices or online platforms?

16. Community Collaboration:

• How can the community collaborate to address digital access challenges collectively?

17. Government or NGO Support:

• Do you feel there is adequate government or NGO support in your community to address digital inclusion?

18. Concerns about Privacy and Security:

• Are concerns about online privacy and security a significant factor in your reluctance to use digital platforms?

19. Availability of Local Content:

• Is there sufficient local content available online that is relevant and useful to you?

• What content is missing, in your opinion?

20. Suggestions for Improvement:

• What suggestions do you have for improving digital access and technology-related support in your community?