📡 IMSPARK: Digital Access to Care in the Pacific 📡

  📡Imagine… Digital Confidence Means Health Access for All📡

💡 Imagined Endstate:

A Hawaiʻi,  and wider Pacific, where community health workers and navigators are fully equipped to help people confidently use digital tools for telehealth, patient portals, and online health services, eliminating the digital divide and ensuring everyone can access care without fear or confusion.

📚 Source:

The Queen’s Health System & Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center. (2025). Success story: Digital Navigator Training — Confidence gained, skills in action. Link

💥 What’s the Big Deal:

For many Pacific communities, urban neighbors in Honolulu, remote island residents, elders, and those with limited connectivity, navigating digital health tools can feel like deciphering a foreign language. Patient portals, telehealth visits, and online scheduling are powerful tools, but if you don’t understand them, they become barriers to care instead of bridges to it 📲.

The Digital Navigator Training run by The Queen’s Health System and the Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center did more than teach technology, it built confidence and agency in people whose everyday work is to help others access care that could literally save a life💪. Across four in-person workshops, over 40 navigators and frontline staff gained hands-on experience with real-world scenarios that significantly improved their ability to explain patient portals, support video visits, and coach clients through digital problem-solving, with average confidence scores leaping from around 3/5 to nearly 5/5 on key skills. These aren’t abstract stats, they are real gains in readiness and empowerment that translate directly into smoother, more equitable access to care for patients across Hawaiʻi’s diverse islands. 

Participants spoke not just of technical knowledge, but of energy, connection, and new purpose, the kinds of shifts that deepen trust in health systems and help communities see digital health as something they can own rather than fear. In regions where broadband can be uneven and digital literacy varies widely, a trained, confident navigator becomes a crucial lifeline 📈, helping patients book appointments, understand their records, and engage proactively with their own health. 

This training wasn’t just knowledge transfer, it was a turning point that turned uncertainty into confidence and barriers into bridges. By building networks of trusted digital navigators statewide, Hawaiʻi strengthens the social infrastructure that keeps people connected to care🩺 a model that could be scaled across the Pacific to improve health equity and digital inclusion.

In a world where access to health services increasingly depends on digital tools, confidence matters as much as connectivity. Training programs like this one do more than equip staff with tech skills — they empower communities to overcome barriers, build trust, and ensure that no one is left behind when accessing care online🤝. Across Hawaiʻi and the broader Pacific, strengthening digital navigation capacity means strengthening the foundations of community health, equity, and self-determination 

#DigitalNavigator, #HealthEquity, #DigitalInclusion, #Telehealth, #HealthAccess, #PacificResilience, #CommunityEmpowerment, #BridgingTheDivide, #DigitalDivide, #IMSPARK,

🏫IMSPARK: Systems That Speak and Support 🏫

 🏫Imagine... Systems That Speak and Support 🏫

💡 Imagined Endstate:

A world where every child learns beyond the bell, and every patient understands their care—because our systems are designed to be inclusive, empowering, and deeply human. In the Pacific and across underserved communities, culturally grounded learning and health-literate services work hand-in-hand to nurture resilience, well-being, and equity.

📚 Source:

Moroney, D., & Nalamada, P. (Eds.). (2024). Promoting Learning and Development: Building Systems and Strengthening Programs. The National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/27833/chapter/1#ii

💥 What’s the Big Deal:

Equity begins with understanding—whether in a hospital room or an after-school classroom. Health literacy isn’t just about reading prescription labels—it’s about systems that communicate clearly, care deeply, and empower individuals to make informed decisions📄. The 2024 National Academies report reframes health literacy as a system-level responsibility, urging institutions to use plain language, redesign digital tools, and ensure comprehension—not just compliance🏥. For Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and other marginalized communities, where cultural and digital barriers often result in worse outcomes, a health-literate system can be life-saving 🌊.

Likewise, learning doesn’t stop when the school bell rings. High-quality Out-of-School Time (OST) programs provide a parallel path to equity by supporting academic, social-emotional, and cultural growth—especially in communities where access has been historically limited📘. These programs, when designed with community voice and sustained investment, become incubators for future leaders, scientists, and healers—rooted in Pacific values and community resilience🌍.

Together, these reports call us to action: build systems that listen, educate, and empower. When people understand their health and own their learning, they thrive—with agency, dignity, and a future full of possibility🤝.

#HealthEquity, #HealthLiteracy, #OutOfSchoolTime, #OST, #PacificResilience, #DigitalDivide, #InclusiveSystems, #CommunityResilience, #CommunityEmpowerment, #IMSPARK, 

🌐 IMSPARK: Bridging Islands with Digital Unity🌐

🌐 Imagine... Bridging Islands with Digital Unity🌐 

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region where every island is interlinked through high-speed internet, fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge, cultural exchange, and economic growth.

🔗 Link: OMBI FY2023 Annual Report

📚 Source: 

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). (2024). Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives FY2023 Annual Report. Retrieved from https://www.ntia.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/ombi-fy2023-annual-report.pdf

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The NTIA’s Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI) FY2023 Annual Report is a beacon of progress in the quest to eliminate the digital divide, particularly within minority communities, which include the diverse and vibrant cultures of the Pacific Islands🛰️ . The report outlines the strides taken to expand access to broadband, build capacity within anchor institutions, and connect minority communities through innovative pilot programs.

In the Pacific, where distances are vast and resources can be limited, the importance of digital connectivity cannot be overstated. It is the lifeline that binds the individual islands into a collective unit, enabling them to share resources, access educational and health services, and participate in the global economy📡. The OMBI report highlights the transformative impact of high-speed internet service, resonating with the Pacific’s need for inclusion in the digital economy.

The report’s emphasis on collaboration with federal, state, tribal, and anchor institution stakeholders is particularly relevant to the Pacific, where community is paramount🏝️. By leveraging the collective strength of these partnerships, the Pacific can ensure that its unique needs are met, and its voice is heard in national conversations about digital equity.

The OMBI report is not just a document; it’s a roadmap for the future🤝. It represents a commitment to ensuring that every community, no matter how remote, has the tools to succeed in the 21st century. For the Pacific, this means an opportunity to showcase its rich heritage while embracing the possibilities of the digital age.

#DigitalPacific, #BroadbandForAll, #Connectivity, #PacificInnovation, #CommunityEmpowerment, #TechInclusion, #DigitalDivide, #BridgingTheDivide, #IMSPARK,

🌊IMSPARK: Bridging the Digital Divide for Veterans with NITA🌊

🌊Imagine…Bridging the Digital Divide for Veterans with NITA🌊

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Veterans across the nation have equitable access to the digital resources they need, empowering them to thrive in healthcare, education, employment, and community involvement.

📚 Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration. (2022, May 17). Notice of Funding Opportunity: State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program.

🔗 Link:

Read More

💥 What's the Big Deal:

Through this grant program it has the potential to ensure digital equity can become a life-changing force for veterans. The program works to expand access to crucial digital services 🌐, empowering them to find employment 💼, become active members of their communities 🏘️, obtain high-quality healthcare 🏥, and make positive contributions to society. This guide is a vital tool in bridging the digital divide for our heroic veterans 🦸, making it a significant and impactful endeavor. It empowers them to unlock better healthcare, access enhanced educational opportunities, improve their job prospects, and increase their community involvement 🤝, ultimately enabling them to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

#NITA,#DigitalEquity,#DigitalInclusion,#DigitalDivide,#DigitalAccess,#Veterans,#IMSPARK,

💻IMSPARK: Imagine Increased Office Access Pacific Islands💼

 💻IMSPARK: Imagine Increased Office Access Pacific Islands💼

Imagined Endstate:

💻Imagine a future where remote work enables professionals from geographically separated Pacific Islands to access employment opportunities and work from anywhere, bridging the distance between these islands and the mainland. 💼

Link:

🔗https://www.uschamber.com/economy/the-future-of-the-office-survey

Source:

U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2023). The Future of the Office Survey. 📚

🤝What's the Big Deal:

The rise of remote work presents a transformative opportunity for professionals in geographically separated Pacific Islands. 🏝️With increased access to employment opportunities and the ability to work from anywhere, individuals living on these islands can bridge the geographical divide and tap into a broader job market. As highlighted by the survey, the future of office spaces emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, enabling professionals to thrive regardless of their physical location. 💻By embracing remote work and leveraging technological advancements, we can empower individuals in Pacific Islands to overcome geographical barriers, foster economic growth, and create more inclusive work environments.🌏 This shift towards increased access to work holds the potential to transform lives, bridge gaps, and promote equal opportunities for professionals in geographically isolated regions. 🚀

#Remote,#PacificIslanders #GeographicalBarriers,#DigitalDivide,#Economics,#DigitalInclusion,

💻 IMSPARK: Addressing the Gap in Pacific Internet Adoption 💻

💻 Imagine… Addressing the Gap in Pacific Internet Adoption 💻

 

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a digitally connected Pacific region 🌏 where every island nation and its people are seamlessly integrated into the digital world, harnessing the power of the internet to empower their communities and drive progress.

🔗 Link:

Visual Capitalist 🌐

📚 Source:

Ang, C. (2023, August 7). Bridging the Digital Gap in the Pacific: Internet Adoption Trends. Retrieved from

💥 What's the Big Deal:

In today's digital world, access to the internet is fundamental for economic, educational, and social progress. 📈 Yet, despite its prevalence, there are still regions, including parts of the Pacific, where significant segments of the population remain offline. 🌊Using data from the Pew Research Center, this graphic provides insights into internet adoption trends in the Pacific, shedding light on who is digitally connected and who is not. 👵Age remains a significant factor, with older generations less likely to be online compared to younger ones. Income levels also play a role, impacting access to the digital world. 📝Education emerges as a key driver of internet adoption. Those with higher education levels are more likely to be connected, highlighting the importance of digital literacy and education programs. Interestingly, gender and race do not show strong correlations with non-adoption. 🌏Join the effort to create a digitally inclusive Pacific, where every island nation and its people are connected and thriving in the digital era.

IMPRES (Imagine Pacific Presentations): United Nations Disability Inclusion Part 2

🌐 IMPRES: UNDIS Part 2: Bridging the Inclusion Gap 🌐 (VIDEO)

In this episode of Imagine Pacific Presentations (IMPRES), we delve into the critical theme of "Applying the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy." focusing on the Inclusion Gap.

🌍 The COFA Nations' Struggle: We shed light on the Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations, exemplifying countries in need of disability inclusion policies. Discover the aftermath of nuclear testing in the Bikini Atoll and the impact it had on the COFA citizens' health and economic disparities.

💔 Addressing Disparities: Learn about the alarming health conditions faced by Micronesians in Hawaii, with high infant mortality and decreased life expectancy. Dive into the prevalence of malnutrition, diabetes, and barriers to equal opportunities, contributing to their marginalization.

📊 The Digital Equity Declaration: Uncover the sobering statistics of digital access in Hawaii, where a significant portion of households lacks internet subscriptions and computer ownership. We examine the implications of these gaps on various sectors.

🏥 Impact on Health: Understand how digital access affects telemedicine and health services, and its significance in modern medical care.

💼 The Changing Workforce: Explore how the digital economy is reshaping the job market and the challenges faced by those without digital access in participating fully.

📚 Education and Training: Witness the transformative role of online education and training, especially during the COVID period, and the consequences of limited digital access on students' academic advancement.

💳 Commerce, Benefits & Advocacy: Discover how digital identities and access impact banking, benefits entitlement, and engagement with artificial intelligence, affecting trust and inclusion in the digital society.

🙌 Join us on this journey of understanding and advocating for a more inclusive digital society. 

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for updates on IMPRES and other Imagine Pacific episodes. 

Thank you for being part of the Imagine Pacific YouTube community

#ImaginePacific, #UNDIS,#Inclusion,#DigitalAccess,#DisabilitiesStudies,#DigitalDivide, #IMPRES,#HealthEquity,#WealthEquity,

💻 IMSPARK: Imagine... Digital Access for All 💻

Imagined Endstate:

🌟 Imagine that every household in Hawaii has access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed broadband internet. Imagine that the digital divide is bridged and that everyone can benefit from the opportunities and services that the internet offers. 📱 Imagine that Hawaii becomes a leader in innovation, education, and sustainability through the use of broadband technology.

Link:

🔗 Broadband Hui 📚Internet

Source:

Broadband Hui. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved July 12, 2023. 📚

What's the Big Deal?

💥 📧 Broadband access is a big deal because it can improve the quality of life, economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability of Hawaii. 💻 Broadband can enable telehealth, distance learning, telework, e-government, e-commerce, and other online services that can enhance health, education, employment, civic engagement, and commerce. 📱 Broadband can also support innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and collaboration across various sectors and industries. Broadband can help Hawaii achieve its goals of becoming more resilient, self-reliant, and carbon-neutral. 📝 This is the vision of Broadband Hui, a coalition of stakeholders from various sectors who are committed to advancing broadband connectivity and digital inclusion in Hawaii. 🌍 🚀 🌐 💡

 

#BroadbandAccess, #DigitalInclusion, #Innovation, #Sustainability,#DigitalEquity,#DigitalDivide

🗺️ IMPRES (Imagine Pacific Presentations): Part 1- UN Disability Inclusion Strategy: Fostering Inclusiveness through Digital Access🗺️

🗺️UN Disability Inclusion Strategy: Fostering Inclusiveness through Digital Access - Part 1🗺️

Description: 

🌊 What you are about to observe is a nuclear blast in the Bikini Atoll located in the Marshall Islands, one of the Compact of Free Association COFA nations. The aftermath of the history of nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll illustrates the difficulties faced by the OCFA nations in areas like health disparities and economic disparities.

🌍 These countries are the epitome of why the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy Exists. Including persons with disabilities with digital access, we can bridge gaps and resources, provide information and support, and help them actively participate in society.

📚 Welcome to Imagine Pacific Presentation or IMPRES. I'm going to be providing today's class on exploring case part 1 of applying the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy, fostering inclusiveness, and assessing the impact of digital access on disabilities and marginalized communities.

Here's the agenda for the course:

Part 1: Overview and Learning Objectives 🎓 

The Overview 🌐

This course introduces leaders and change agents to the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy. Participants will explore practical ways to foster an inclusive environment by applying principles and strategies outlined in the U N Strategy as a case study. It examines the disparities in disability access in the wake of the effect of the nuclear bomb blast. At the confirmations, with consideration to the lack of broadband infrastructure, the course will explore the impact on disabilities in terms of access to health, employment, and other aspects of quality of life.

The Learning Objectives 🎯

Here are the learning objectives for the course:

1. Understand the key principles and strategies outlined in the U N Disability Inclusion Strategy.
2. Recognize the lack of inclusion's impact, specifically focusing on the COFA nations and the areas of digital access.
3. Explore how the Disability Inclusion Strategy can be applied when considering digital access and providing some tools and methods for inclusion.

🌐 The United Nations has a strategy on disability inclusion that is multifaceted. The strategy includes a policy accountability framework and implementation modalities. It was developed with input from over 60 United Nations entities and member states. The strategy intends to empower persons with disability through mainstreaming procedures and targeted measures of effectiveness and employs intersectionality as a means to consider different social entities and incorporate universal design into policies and programs to ensure equal access and meet diversity needs.

🖱️ Digital accessibility can be utilized as a means to achieve the objective of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy. If the strategy aims to promote the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities and focus on fostering an inclusive environment and empowering individuals, consider digital access as it creates inclusion through access and representation in the digital society, ensuring inclusion with broadband infrastructure and connectivity.

📜 The benefits of digital access are that it enables access to digital healthcare and services and information and enhances employment opportunities in the digital economy. It empowers individuals with disabilities with bolstered resilience and independence, resulting in an overall improvement in the quality of life.