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Digital Inclusion Week 2026

Posted on 10/08/2026

(OTAN) is proud to join adult educators nationwide in celebrating Digital Inclusion Week (DIW), hosted annually by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). Watch the Digital Inclusion 101 Webinar to learn more.

Digital Inclusion Week serves as an annual spotlight on local and statewide efforts to bridge the digital divide. For California adult education programs, it is an opportunity to highlight how access to reliable internet, up-to-date devices, and digital literacy skills can transform adult learners' lives.

Why Digital Inclusion Matters in Adult Education

For adult learners—whether enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Equivalency (HSE), Career Technical Education (CTE), or basic literacy programs since digital fluency is no longer optional. Digital inclusion empowers students to:

  • Navigate Online Classrooms: Confidently use Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas or Google Classroom for hybrid and distance learning.
  • Expand Workforce Readiness: Gain necessary digital skills to apply for jobs, communicate professionally, and adapt to modern workplace technologies.
  • Access Essential Services: Learn how to safely navigate telehealth, online banking, and government assistance portals.

How Adult Education Agencies Can Participate

OTAN encourages adult education providers, administrators, and instructors to take action during Digital Inclusion Week:

  1. Incorporate Digital Literacy Lessons: Integrate interactive digital literacy activities into daily lesson plans. Agencies can leverage standardized platforms like the Northstar Digital Literacy Program—available to California adult education providers through OTAN curriculum offers—to assess and build essential technology skills.
  2. Align with Statewide Initiatives: Connect students and community partners with broader digital equity efforts, such as California's Broadband for All Initiative, which works to expand high-speed internet access, affordable devices, and digital skill training across the state.
  3. Promote Digital Navigator Models: Highlight or establish Digital Navigator programs within your agency to help students secure low-cost home internet and gain one-on-one guidance.
  4. Participate in Professional Development: Attend hands-on training sessions focusing on accessibility, edtech integration, and digital instruction. Check out OTAN’s Upcoming Sessions and Webinars to register for upcoming workshops and tech talks.
  5. Share Your Impact: Join the conversation on social media by showcasing student success stories and local digital equity initiatives using the official DIW hashtags.

Partnering with OTAN for Digital Equity

OTAN remains committed to supporting California adult educators with free professional development, technology integration training, and curated instructional resources year-round.

To learn more about how your agency can leverage technology to support adult learners or to access curated DIW resources, explore our training calendar and digital resource library.

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OTAN activities are funded by contract CN260099 from the Adult Education Office, in the Career & College Transition Division, California Department of Education, with funds provided through Federal P.L., 105-220, Section 223. However, OTAN content does not necessarily reflect the position of that department or the U.S. Department of Education.