Digital Divide
Why is this program needed?
Is There a "Digital Divide" in Austin?
Although some community and business leaders feel that the digital divide has been bridged by access points at libraries and community centers, the Community Technology Training Centers (CTTC) know that without computer literacy, access to computers fails to affect any change in the lives of those most in need.

At the Reagan and Travis High School CTTCs, many clients have access to computers in their homes or through their friends, but do not have the computer literacy to help them find jobs, work with their children on homework assignments, or gain access to news and vital communities over the Internet.
When computer training needs go unmet, families face a kind of social isolation that deters economic prospects and undermines self-advocacy. Here in Austin, while 67% of people surveyed indicated they had access to a computer far fewer understood the most basic principles of use.

The Poverty Divide and the Digital Divide Converge.
In terms of Internet usage, approximately 75% of those who said they did not use the Internet were below the poverty line, almost 80% of people who did not utilize the internet were over the age of 56. Statistics about internet usage are compelling because of the sheer volume of information that can be obtained online. The internet is a powerful tool for self-advocacy and self-education, as well as job hunting and communication.

CTTC works to help people bridge both divides.
Our courses are designed to provide our clients with a solid basis in understanding how a computer works, and how to put computers to work for them. We provide access to and training on equipment and software that is integral to personal and professional development. Our instructors are paid professionals who understand that computer literacy is integral to an empowered community.

Here's what some Austin citizens have to say about the need for computer training: * Having computer skills is just as important as being able to read and write. Parents need to know how to speak, read and write the language, too

* If you look at the classified ads they are this blizzard of technical jargon and acronyms and incredibly specific kinds of skills and experience, which must be very
discouraging
* My children would come in from school talking about what they learned in computer class, and I wouldn't understand what they were talking about. It really made me
feel bad.
* Technology can be a tremendous benefit to people with disabilities but the rest of the community has to understand their needs and make the technology accessible to them.