Initiative hopes to address internet access in Dubois County

Regional Opportunities Initiative (ROI) and the Purdue Center for Regional Development have partnered to develop a regional digital inclusion plan that will impact economic development and quality of life.

From e-learning to remote work, telehealth, internet reliability, and access to devices — digital inclusiveness is crucial to the healthy functioning of our community. This study will look at digital infrastructure, devices, and digital literacy in the Indiana Uplands.

As part of this effort, they are trying to determine internet accessibility for local residents to better understand the level of digital inclusivity or exclusivity in the community. To do so, the groups are asking residents to take part in an online survey. The survey can be done on a computer or smartphone.

The survey covers topics like accessibility, costs, as well as citizens’ opinions on the dissemination of false media.

Please complete this survey only if you are age 18 or older and live in one of the following counties: Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen, and Washington.

To take the survey, go to this link.

Your participation is voluntary and is for planning purposes. Results will only be released in aggregated form removing personal identifiers. The survey has up to 28-questions and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete

As part of the initiative, ROI will provide counties with resources to create a plan to help their communities adapt and prosper in this digital age. ROI and the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) will work with each county to develop a county plan that will form a broader regional plan.

This strategy will capitalize on the work each county has already completed to become broadband ready, helping to create a comprehensive digital inclusion plan that will enhance connections and provide additional tools to develop resiliency in the Uplands region.