Showing posts with label #DigitalInclusion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #DigitalInclusion. Show all posts

Sunday, December 21, 2025

✍🏽IMSPARK: A Pacific Built on Our Stories✍🏽

✍🏽Imagine… Indigenous Voices Leading Cultural Narrative✍🏽

💡 Imagined Endstate:

A Pacific where Indigenous literature, storytelling, and digital expression are front and center, where platforms like Kumusta Pusa become daily spaces for reflection, connection, joy, learning, and cultural continuity; where people don’t just consume content, but see themselves, their histories, and their futures in it.

📚 Source (APA):

 💥 What’s the Big Deal:

At its heart, Kumusta Pusa is more than a website, it’s a living archive of Indigenous expression 🌺. It exists to uplift and amplify voices that have too often been sidelined by mainstream media and global narratives. Indigenous literature, whether poetry, essays, reflections, or digital posts, is a site of empowerment. It carries language, values, history, and world-views that are anchored in place and community. Without spaces like this, those voices risk being treated as footnotes in stories written about us, rather than written by us.

Kumusta Pusa invites culturally grounded, contextually rich, and emotionally resonant writing that celebrates heritage, interrogates injustice, and explores identity through an Indigenous lens. This matters for everyone, Pacific Islanders, Indigenous peoples globally, and allies, because it pushes back against homogenized narratives and creates space for diverse intellectual and creative traditions💬.

Indigenous literature, as curated on Kumusta Pusa, does something transformative: it reclaims narrative authority. When Indigenous authors write about their lives, land, beliefs, and concerns, they don’t just inform, they invite relationship and understanding. They model ways of knowing that honor community over individualism, reciprocity over exploitation, interdependence over extraction 🌱.

The site’s emphasis on positivity and representation isn’t about ignoring struggle. It’s about centering joy, resilience, cultural continuity, and collective care, elements that sustain individuals and communities in the face of historical and ongoing challenges. For young Pacific readers and writers, seeing voices that sound like their own, their ancestors, their languages, their experiences, can be a turning point in identity formation and self-confidence 📖.

Whether you’re from Hawai‘i, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Palau, Micronesia, or any Indigenous community, Kumusta Pusa is an invitation: read with curiosity, write with courage, and share in reciprocity ✨.

In a world where media too often overlooks the nuanced beauty of Indigenous worlds, Kumusta Pusa stands as a digital hānai, a place where culture is nurtured and voices are lifted. It reminds us that language and story are not relics of the past, but living tools for cultural resilience, community connection, and self-understanding🌏 . If you care about stories that are rooted, representative, and deeply human, check out the Kumusta Pusa site, read with intention, and perhaps even add your own voice to the chorus. In doing so, we honor not only where we come from, but who we are becoming, together.




#IndigenousLiterature, #KumustaPusa, #PacificVoices, #CulturalNarrative, #StorytellingMatters, #CommunityExpression,#DigitalInclusion,#CulturalDiversity, #CulturallyContextual, #IMSPARK, 

Saturday, December 20, 2025

📡 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,

Saturday, June 21, 2025

⚡ IMSPARK: Powering AI Without Power Struggles⚡

 ⚡ Imagine… Powering AI Without Power Struggles


💡 Imagined Endstate:

A digitally empowered Pacific where Artificial Intelligence (AI) drives inclusive economic growth—without draining the very energy grids that communities rely on.

📚 Source:

International Monetary Fund. (2025, May 13). AI Needs More Abundant Power Supplies to Keep Driving Economic Growth. Link.

💥 What’s the Big Deal:

AI may be the engine of the next global economic revolution—but that engine runs on electricity. As the IMF warns, the explosive demand for computing power behind large language models and AI applications will double energy consumption in the next few years🤖. Without serious upgrades to grid infrastructure, including renewable generation, even the wealthiest nations will struggle to keep up—let alone small, isolated economies like those in the Pacific🌍.

For PI-SIDS (Pacific Island-Small Island Developing States), this challenge presents both a warning and an opportunity🌐. Many communities already experience unstable energy access and soaring costs. If AI is to serve everyone—not just the data-rich—then energy equity must be addressed alongside digital innovation. Investing in solar🌞, microgrids, and undersea cable resilience isn’t just climate strategy—it’s economic foresight.

Moreover, the Pacific cannot afford to be caught in a binary of scarcity: either power homes or power servers🔌. To avoid this, AI development must align with sustainable development goals. Let’s not replicate extractive models that sacrifice resilience for computation. The future lies in energy-smart AI—and policy leaders must ensure the Pacific is not left behind or priced out of the digital revolution⚖️.


#AIResilience, #PacificPower, #TechEquity, #SustainableEnergy, #DigitalInclusion, #SmartGrids, #GlobalGrowth,#CommunityEmpowerment, #IMSPARK, 



Monday, November 6, 2023

🌊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,

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

🌐 IMPRES: UNDIS Part 4: Applying Digital Inclusiveness 🌐 (VIDEO)

🌐 IMPRES: UNDIS Part 4: 

Applying Digital Inclusiveness 🌐 

(VIDEO)



 📢 Welcome back to IMPRES: Imagine Pacific Presentations!

In today's episode, we're exploring the final lessons of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy, focusing on Applying Digital Inclusiveness. 💡 Synopsis: Discover how adhering to digital accessibility standards and guidelines can create more inclusive digital platforms. Explore the importance of digital accessibility standards and guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCG) in creating more inclusive digital platforms. Dive into the comprehensive standards provided by the WCG for making digital platforms, websites, and online resources accessible. Learn about assistive technologies, alternative text, keyboard navigation, and captioning for videos, all vital for inclusive design. Learn about our experience in developing tools that promote digital accessibility, as seen in a community collaboration project. 🔍 We outline the activity's objective, simulating an individual's experience using a digital access intake tool. Gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by people emphasizing the importance of digital accessibility in healthcare.

Sunday, October 1, 2023

💻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,

Friday, September 22, 2023

💻 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.


Wednesday, September 13, 2023

IMPRES (Imagine Pacific Presentations): United Nations Disability Inclusion Part 3 (VIDEO)

🌐 IMPRES: UNDIS Part 3: 

Applying the UN Disabilities Inclusion Strategy 🌐 

(VIDEO)





🌐 Welcome back to Part 3 of IMPRESS (Imagine Pacific Presentations), where we continue our journey through the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy. In this episode, we focus on practical applications.
🔍 Understanding the Framework: We dive into the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy Accountability Framework, highlighting the crucial role of digital access within the "inclusion" category.
🌟 Empowering Participation: Explore how digital access empowers individuals with disabilities to actively participate in society. It amplifies their voices, enhances communication, and bridges geographical limitations.
📊 Data for Impact: Discover how digital technologies enable efficient data collection, analysis, and dissemination. This is crucial for assessing disability, inclusion, and humanitarian contexts accurately.
🌍 Universal Design and Accessibility: Learn how universal design principles, accessibility, and reasonable accommodation are implemented by the UN to create inclusive digital platforms for everyone.
👋 Closing Thoughts: As we wrap up Part 3 of IMPRESS, remember to like, subscribe, and explore more episodes on the Imagine Pacific Pulse (IMPULSE). Thank you for joining us on this journey of inclusiveness and digital access!
🚀 Don't forget to scan the QR code on your screen for more content on the Imagine Pacific YouTube Channel.
Thank you for being a part of our inclusive community!


#ImaginePacific,#IMPRES,#Inclusion,#DigitalAccess,#UNDIS, #Accessibility, #ImaginePacificPulse,#DigitalEquity,#DigitalInclusion,#DisabilitiesStudies, 


Wednesday, September 6, 2023

🎓 IMATRIX:Community ADA Training - September/October 🎓

 

 🎓 IMATRIX - Community ADA Training - September/October 🎓


Location

AGENCY

TRAINING

DESCRIPTION

DATE

TRAINING LINK:

Webinar

Great Lakes ADA Center for All

Accessible Residential Housing - 09-07-2023

This training focuses on making residential housing more accessible for all, including Pacific communities. Learn about accessibility standards and practices that can benefit the Pacific region.

09-07-2023

Course Link

Webinar

Great Lakes ADA Center for All

What You Should Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Gain insights into the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and its implications, which can be relevant in various employment situations, including the Pacific region.

09-19-2023

Course Link

Webinar

Great Lakes ADA Center for All

A Review of Conflicting Court Cases Related to the ADA

Explore court cases related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and their impact. Understanding ADA-related legal matters can be valuable in the Pacific as well.

09-20-2023

Course Link

Webinar

Great Lakes ADA Center for All

Microsoft Inclusive Design: Cognitive Exclusion

Learn about inclusive design and how to avoid cognitive exclusion in digital products. Inclusive design principles are relevant globally, including in the Pacific.

09-21-2023

Course Link

Webinar

Great Lakes ADA Center for All

Maps for All – Building Accessible Maps

Discover how to create accessible maps, which can be important for navigation and accessibility in Pacific regions.

09-26-2023

Course Link

Webinar

Great Lakes ADA Center for All

Ask ADAl Questions RE: The Interactive Process Employment Accommodations-

Get answers to your questions about the interactive process for employment accommodations under the ADA. Understanding ADA processes can be beneficial in the Pacific.

10-11-2023

https://adata.org/


🚜 IMSPARK: The Pacific Growing Its Own Future🚜

  🚜 Imagine… Agriculture Is a Foundation of Resilience  🚜  💡 Imagined Endstate: A future where Pacific Island communities harness local a...