Enhancing digital literacy and online mobility for under-represented older adults: a pilot project with Arabic-speaking communities in Hamilton

Through relationship building, collaboration and design through a lens of inclusivity, this project will address the digital literacy needs of older adults from culturally diverse Arabic-speaking communities in the Hamilton area by creating and testing an accessible Digital Literacy Kit/Resource. Enhancing older adults’ capacities to use online technology is a pressing matter given the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on access to services and social mobility. Building on an earlier project funded by the federal program New Horizons for Seniors, the research team will refine its approach to supporting older adults’ digital literacy and online mobility through collaboration with Arabic-speaking community members, immigrants and newcomers. Together we will explore effective ways to communicate digital literacy information that is both culturally and linguistically relevant and engaging for under-represented groups of older adults from marginalized Arabic-speaking communities.

“In addition to the potential impact of providing Arabic-speaking older adults and communities with digital literacy resources and social mobility, as researchers we will build on an involved practice of inclusion. The idea of “Nothing About Us Without Us” within the discourse of disability justice is a transferable practice that impacts all facets of our community. This project will facilitate a space where under-represented and marginalized people will inform our community. Access to digital literacy has the potential to facilitate representation, communication, visibility, knowledge sharing, social mobility and community engagement which are all vital for the physical and mental well-being of older adults and our society.” — Carmela Laganse