July marks the 34^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in every aspect of our society, especially in the digital realm. Individuals with disabilities often experience barriers to digital equity, such as obtaining affordable assistive technologies, encountering inaccessible websites and digital content, and struggling to access reliable Internet service.

The Digital Equity Act of 2021 provided $2.75 billion to the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to establish three grant programs designed to empower individuals with disabilities and other groups in accessing affordable, reliable, and high-speed Internet service as well as the connected devices and digital skills they need to thrive online.  

This month, NTIA announced the first funding opportunity from the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant Program, opening up nearly $1 billion in funding. Local units of government, Tribal entities, and other stakeholders can apply for funding to help reduce barriers to digital equity in their communities. In addition to people with disabilities, these three programs also aim to help low-income households, aging populations, incarcerated individuals, veterans, people with language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, and rural inhabitants.

To assist those in applying for funding, NTIA has provided a guide on effective digital inclusion practices for serving individuals with disabilities. This guide also includes digital equity stories by people with disabilities, sharing how they have gained independence using assistive technologies.

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, the three Digital Equity Act programs are part of the Internet for All initiative, a key component of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

The Department of Commerce recognizes that America’s diversity has always been our greatest strength and are committed to creating an economy that works for all Americans. Learn more about the Administration’s equity work at whitehouse.gov/equity.