Pasadena Commission Will Hear That County’s Digital Divide Leaves Tens of Thousands Senior Households Disconnected

A county-led effort is underway to address the significant digital divide affecting older adults in Los Angeles County, where over 93,268 senior households lack internet access and more than 118,064 have no computer devices, according to the Los Angeles County Intergovernmental Broadband Coordinating Committee (IBCC).

Represented by Director of Digital Equity Rebecca F. Kauma, the IBCC will present their findings and initiatives to the Pasadena Senior Commission meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Community Center.

The venue is at 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. in Pasadena.

Initial information from the IBCC said the digital inequities disproportionately impact lower-income households, communities of color, those with lower educational attainment, and adults over 65, according to data being presented at the meeting.

In Pasadena specifically, 4,167 households have no internet subscription and 2,205 lack computer devices, the IBCC said.

IBCC defines the digital divide as the gap between communities who have affordable access to technology and those who don’t, with digital equity representing the goal of ensuring everyone has the technology capacity needed to participate fully in society.

The committee has identified three key barriers facing older adults (65+): confusion between broadband and cellular connections, inadequate computer devices, and insufficient digital literacy training.

To address these challenges, the committee has assembled over 60 organizations focused on securing grant funding, coordinating regional digital equity activities, and providing technical assistance to participating groups.

The collaborative body operates through general membership meetings for networking and sharing best practices, steering committee meetings for strategic planning, and working group meetings for specific project collaboration.

Their comprehensive approach encompasses seven key areas needed for digital inclusion – the activities necessary to ensure universal access to digital resources: broadband services, internet-enabled devices, digital literacy training, technical support, digital navigation, workforce development, and online applications.

During the meeting on Tuesday, the Pasadena Senior Commission will also discuss two action items: the reallocation of their fiscal year 2025 budget and approval of updates to their Work Plan and Presentation Calendar.

Members of the community may provide public comment in person during the meeting by submitting a speaker card to the recording secretary, or by submitting written correspondence by email to jwhitmore@cityofpasadena.net before the meeting begins.