News

By Leah Marmo, Kristen Rantanen, and Brian Valdez

Technology has become the default gateway to health care, employment, education, and community life. Whether we are scheduling a doctor’s appointment, applying for a job, or staying connected with family—the digital world is often the first place we turn. But for millions of older adults and people with disabilities, that same digital world is not a convenience, it is a barrier.

The scale of the problem is striking. The average American now spends more than eight hours a day on digital devices, yet only 4% of webpages are fully accessible. 35% of seniors report they do not have reliable home internet access, compared to the 22% of other adults. These gaps are not the result of individual choice or ability. They are the outcome of systems that were never designed with inclusion in mind.

As our population ages and the number of people living with disabilities continues to grow, closing the digital divide is no longer optional. It is a matter of equity, independence, and full participation in community life.

Pennsylvania has taken an important step forward through its embrace of the Technology First movement, which prioritizes technology as a primary support for people with disabilities. At its best, Technology First emphasizes person-driven solutions that promote autonomy, engagement, and self- Technology First Must Mean Everyone First Innovation Starts With Inclusion determination. Research shows that the early and effective use of technology can improve outcomes, increase independence, and reduce reliance on direct support professionals.

Yet much of this work nationally has focused on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While this progress is meaningful, it is incomplete. Pennsylvania has the seventhhighest median age in the nation, and its older adult population is growing rapidly. For the Commonwealth to truly lead as a Technology First state, this approach must expand to include older adults and people with all types of disabilities.

For more than 30 years, Inglis has seen what happens when technology is treated not as a luxury or a last resort, but as a practical, problem-solving tool for everyday life. Through community-based services such as assistive technology supports and home modifications, and in our long-term care community at Inglis House, we have worked alongside individuals to identify solutions that support safety, independence, and aging where people choose to live.

One lesson has emerged consistently: access alone is not enough. Technology adoption depends on trust, confidence, and human connection. Innovation does not succeed simply because a device exists. It succeeds when people feel empowered to use it. That is where innovation truly starts.

A recent four-week digital literacy workshop at our Pittsburgh Innovation Center illustrates this clearly. Older adults from North Hills Community Outreach gathered to learn about smartphone safety and fundamentals, including how to retrieve login information, download apps, and use features like the camera or flashlight. Participants were engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and wanted to keep learning.

These questions were not a sign of inability. They were evidence of an unmet demand. Older adults are hungry for Technology First programming that respects their curiosity and supports their independence. Just as important, the workshops created space for social connection.

After each session, participants stayed to talk, share stories, and enjoy coffee together. Several shared that it was the first time they truly felt confident using their phones. That confidence has real implications for safety, health access, and connection.

This is what inclusive innovation looks like in practice. It recognizes that technology is not just a tool, but a gateway to participation. It also acknowledges that successful implementation requires investment in people, not just hardware.

If Pennsylvania is to lead in the Technology First movement, policymakers and advocates must commit to building an inclusive digital infrastructure that serves people across their lifespan. That means investing in community-based training and digital literacy, supporting accessible design standards, and ensuring sustainable funding for assistive and mainstream technologies alike.

Embedding a dedicated line item in the state budget to advance inclusive technology adoption would be a powerful next step. Such an investment would strengthen independence, reduce isolation, and improve health and community outcomes, while reinforcing Pennsylvania’s role as a national leader in inclusive innovation.

Technology First cannot be measured by intention alone. It must be measured by who is included. Innovation truly starts when everyone, regardless of age or disability, has the tools, support, and confidence to participate fully in community life.