These days, it’s hard to imagine life without the Internet. If you need to know how far away Pluto is from Earth, you “Google” it. If you’re at the hot new restaurant in town, you Instagram a photo of your dinner. If you need to deposit a birthday check from Grandma, you use your bank’s mobile app.
But there are still millions of people not online. According to the Pew Research Center, a third of those non-internet users (34 percent) do not go online because they think the internet is not relevant to their lives. They are either not interested, do not want to use it, or have no need for it. For those of us online, we know how much they’re missing.
The cable industry is working with community based organizations across the country to help people understand how being online can positively impact their lives. These organizations, like Concepts for Adaptive Learning (CfAL), show people within their communities how the Internet can help them stay connected with friends, find health care information, search for a job, and help children with homework.
Since 2001, CfAL has been a valued resource for families in Connecticut. In partnership with Comcast, CfAL offers computer training courses for parents to learn digital skills and to help their children excel in the classroom. The trainings help individuals understand why and how Internet access improves daily life, and encourages families to sign up for Internet service at home. Many CfAL particpants are able to take advantage of low-cost broadband adoptionprograms like Internet Essentials.
Watch this video to learn more about how the CfAL and Comcast are working to close the digital divide.
Learn more about the cable industry’s commitment to closing the digital divide.