Access, Disability and the Digital Divide

Access and the Digital Divide:

Access is a key issue for many online communities. In a phenomenon that scholars call the "digital divide", the "have nots" are limited in their access to digital communication. People may not have access to a home computer, and many people lack the digital literacy skills to make use of the internet even if they do have physical access.

The Dane County Timebank takes special care to make the community accessible to everyone. If a prospective member does not have internet access, they are assigned an online partner.

When I first signed up for the Timebank, I indicated that I would be willing to serve as an online partner. I was recently assigned an offline partner, but I have called her several times and I only spoken with her answering machine so far. I'm learning that it's not a perfect system by any means, but I'm hopeful that we will eventually get in touch and I will be able to help her post offers and requests and find services that match her needs.

Disability:

In 2008, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced that $55,000 would be distributed to the Timebank as part of a disibility initiative. This money was used to hire a coordinator who would assist people with developmental disabilities in participating in the Timebank.

In my personal experience, this coordinator set up a meeting for me with another Timebank member. He explained a little bit about this person's special needs before the meeting, and then helped to facilitate our introduction. The coordinator thought we would be a good match, and he was right! This person has been meeting with me weekly and I have taught him T'ai Chi, self defense, and complementary and alternative medicine techniques that have helped him to feel more confident and happy. It has been one of my most rewarding experiences through the Timebank, because every week I see him standing up straighter, making more eye contact, and smiling and laughing more. Last Thursday he actually said to me, "Nooo! I'm not used to smiling so much!" I know he would not be able to afford these services if it were not for the Timebank, and I also know that his friends through the Timebank are some of the most supportive people in his life. As for me, I've learned a lot from him, and he helps me to smile more too! I am moved by the empowerment model that Timebank offers to people with developmental disabilites-- they are not treated like victims, they are given opportunities to help other people and seek out services that appeal to their own interests. As with any Timebank member, "one=one". Their hour is worth exactly the same as anyone else's.