Veterans and Digital Equity: Planning for Success
A Benton Publication Written by:
Dr. Leonie Heyworth, DeAsia Nichols, and Lesly Roose, RN, Department of Veterans Affairs
Reid Sharkey, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act identifies Veterans as one of eight “covered populations” and encourages states to research and address the barriers Veterans face in accessing, adopting, and benefiting from internet access and other digital technologies. Working with the Office of Connected Care in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society examined how states understand and address the needs of Veterans.
Through an analysis of digital equity plans from the 50 states, federal district, and territories, we identify five key strategies adopted by states that have thoughtfully addressed Veterans in their digital equity plans:
- Link needs assessments to their implementation strategies,
- Leverage other state and federal agencies,
- Identify specific standout partners,
- Design a workforce strategy for Veterans, and
- Prioritize access to health care.
The report offers examples of these strategies in action and makes recommendations to help state broadband offices and digital equity practitioners working on Veterans issues.
