HADLEY — As more and more people need affordable and reliable internet to do their jobs and general household tasks, the quality of internet service and the ability to use it with ease become more important. The town of Hadley is reaching out to hear about residents’ experiences and learn what it can do to make sure everyone has what they need.
Recently, the Digital Equity Steering Committee began conducting a townwide survey on internet usage. This is the first step in developing the town’s digital equity plan for Hadley.
“We’ll be gathering survey information until late September to early October and we are looking to have our charrette in November,” explained Alex LaMarche, director of Hadley Media and chair of the committee. “Digital equity affects folks of all walks of life. Technology is continually changing rapidly, we see this with the many innovations in Artificial intelligence. And with more and more things becoming online, we need to make sure that our residents are in touch with the 21st century.”
The survey asks about home internet availability, things that prevent people from having internet at home and whether or not people have the digital skills to access things like telehealth appointments or online government services. The survey also requests demographic information to ensure that the entirety of the town is represented not just smaller subgroups which might skew the results.
LaMarche shared that, according to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, 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.” Essentially, it means that everyone has what they need to successfully use the internet. Hadley is working with consultants from Kimley Horn to compile the data and conduct stakeholder interviews with local officials.
“They will be interviewing Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anne McKenzie, Police Chief Mike Mason, Fire Chief Mike Spanknebel, Library Director Patrick Borezo, Amherst Housing Authority Executive Director Pamela Rogers and Select Board Chair Molly Keegan — who is also a part of the Cooley Dickinson Board of Trustees to get more information about telehealth use in the community and where digital equity and healthcare collide,” noted LaMarche. “The committee voted on this very diverse group of stakeholders and it’s my hope that we will get extraordinary information and unique points of view.”
Once survey data has been collected and interviews conducted, the committee will come together to develop the digital equity plan which will have three main parts: equitable access to digital devices, equitable access to the internet and digital literacy.
“Knowing where the gaps might be with internet access is crucial. Without access to the internet, one would have a more difficult time using the digital skills learned and having the digital devices needed,” added LaMarche. He explained that much of this came from the cable renewal process with Charter and concerns about some areas of the town, like Cemetery and Honey Pot Roads, not having broadband access. This lack of reliability makes it challenging for people to access the internet.
Residents can access the survey online at tinyurl.com/3makdfxt. They can also fill out paper copies at the town hall, senior center or library.
