How Microsoft and the Gates Foundation Are Addressing the Digital Divide
The ‘Digital Divide’ describes “the gap—whether based on socioeconomic status, education, geography, age, ability, language, or other factors—between individuals for whom Internet access is readily available and those for whom it is not” (Real 8). Living in the digital age, it is important that libraries understand their role in making technologies available to the community it serves. Public libraries seek ways of providing internet access and other technologies to a diverse population, aiming to bridge the gap in digital literacy. Assistive technologies are a part of these resources that libraries aim to provide. Assistive technology is defined by the ALA as “electronic solutions that enable people with disabilities to live independently” (ALA).
Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, promotes digital literacy and has partnered with libraries across America to address the digital divide. Gates’ largest contribution to bridging the gap is through supporting rural libraries by financing computer terminals and Internet connections in the US Library Program (Brokaw).
Gates’ company, Microsoft, has also widened access to the internet by providing accessibility attributes that can help people with moderate disabilities within Microsoft’s Windows packages and Vista programs. Microsoft provides accommodations such as Sound Sentry, which helps hearing-impaired people see audio computer cues and Sticky Keys, which enables key-combination commands and is useful for persons who have limited dexterity. Programs like “Magnifier” and “Narrator” can also be helpful for those with visual impairments or learning disabilities (ALA).
Works Cited
"Assistive Technology: What You Need to Know Library", American Library Association, September 21, 2015. http://www.ala.org/asgcla/resources/tipsheets/assistive-technologies (Accessed April 28, 2020)
Brokaw, Tom. "Microsoft Founder Promotes Internet Through Free Use at Rural Libraries". NBC Learn, NBC Nightly News, 13 May. 2003, https://highered-nbclearn-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse?cuecard=2635
Real, Brian, et al. “Rural Public Libraries and Digital Inclusion: Issues and Challenges.” Information Technology & Libraries, vol. 33, no. 1, Mar. 2014, pp. 6–24. EBSCOhost, doi:10.6017/ital.v33i1.5141.
Thank goodness for people like Bill Gates who have the means to help close the digital divide. Being the 5th busiest library system in the United States, it is obvious that there is a huge need for technology. I didn't realize that there were shortcuts to access different assistive features. That's wonderful that it quick and easy to do, as opposed to having to get into settings features. Thanks for sharing!
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