An AgeTech Collaborative™ (ATC) enterprise participant, the San Francisco Tech Council (SFTC) is on a mission to overcome the barriers that prevent underserved populations in San Francisco from achieving digital equity.
SFTC recognizes that being connected online is no longer a privilege, but a human right. Without broadband access, devices, digital literacy skills and support, San Franciscans — especially older adults and those with disabilities — are less able to participate in civic life and day-to-day activities such as navigating government services, participating in virtual medical services, finding and maintaining employment, meeting daily needs such as banking and rideshare platforms, and connecting socially with friends and family.
In 2023, SFTC convened a Core Planning Group composed of leaders from some 19 organizations, ranging from churches and community organizations to universities and government agencies. The goal of the group was to oversee a study of digital equity and inclusion in San Francisco, and to help the city develop strategic priorities to help disadvantaged populations achieve full and equitable access to digital technology and its benefits.
Specifically, the study focused on historically excluded and disadvantaged communities in San Francisco, including those with low incomes, communities of color, older adults, people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency, along with the organizations that support them. SFTC published the report, entitled “Digital Equity Plan for Older Adults & Adults with Disabilities: 2024–2028,” in 2024.
Key findings of the report show a significant desire among older San Franciscans and those with disabilities to be online, with broadband adoption surprisingly high. Nevertheless, the study reports that barriers remain, including:
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Many older adults and people with disabilities — especially in “digitally redlined” San Francisco neighborhoods — lack affordable, high-speed and reliable home internet. Affordability is a particular concern for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities, especially those who rely on fixed incomes or Social Security benefits.
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An internet connection alone is not sufficient — many older adults and people with disabilities lack the digital literacy skills and support they need to access essential services online. Many are unaware of what an internet connection will allow them to do, such as participate in telemedicine appointments.
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Language barriers can impede people’s ability to understand and engage with technology, navigate online services, and even express their needs or seek help effectively. In addition, many online platforms do not have language capacities beyond English or Spanish, and technical training opportunities and resources in languages other than English can be scarce. This is particularly true for the significant number of older San Franciscans who speak Cantonese, Mandarin or Spanish, but also for those who speak languages such as Vietnamese, Tagalog or Russian.
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The organizational capacity of nonprofits and other groups that support underserved communities can be limited. Funding presents a major challenge, leading to staffing shortages, difficulty in extending services and constraints on being innovative or piloting new initiatives. A lack of qualified staff can limit their ability to meet clients “where they are” (in homes, neighborhood centers and community anchor institutions) and to provide in-language, culturally competent services.
Though the report is tightly focused on San Francisco, its findings can be valuable to organizations outside the Bay Area. More fundamentally, the San Francisco Tech Council’s research and initiatives align with the ATC’s mission of improving people’s lives as they age, and its process can serve as a model for other ATC participant organizations that are interested in fostering cooperation among civic leaders, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and other entities to advance digital equity.
You can learn more about the San Francisco Tech Council at their website.
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