This participatory research symposium explores the impact of digital technology on community health through the lens of co-researchers from low-income neighborhoods in the Greater Toronto Area. Utilizing a photovoice approach, these individuals documented their daily interactions with digital technology, revealing challenges such as the high cost of internet access, limited device availability, and a lack of digital literacy programs. These findings underscore the broader issue of health inequities exacerbated by digital divides.
The event will bring together community members, researchers, policymakers, and organization representatives to discuss these experiences, share insights, and co-create solutions aimed at promoting digital equity. Key strategies identified include making internet access more affordable, subsidizing digital devices, enhancing digital literacy, and strengthening community partnerships. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how digital inequities affect health outcomes and will be encouraged to participate in ongoing efforts to influence public health and digital access policies, ensuring these insights lead to actionable change.
About the speakers
Jay Shaw is the Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Responsible Health Innovation and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. He holds a cross-appointment at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, where he supervises graduate students. Shaw is also the Research Director of AI, Ethics & Health at the Joint Centre for Bioethics and an adjunct Scientist at the Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care. His research focuses on healthcare innovations, including community-focused care models, digital health technologies, and AI applications in healthcare.
Dara Gordon is a second-generation settler of mixed European ancestry living with a chronic illness, who grew up and continues to live in Toronto. She lives with her partner and a rambunctious 5 year old Siamese cat. She is a a PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto, and a research coordinator on the Access and Policy Team at Women’s College Hospital
Bernadette Rilloraza is an immigrant queer mother of two special needs children and an award-winning volunteer community activist whose advocacy work includes ASD, affordable housing, tenants’ rights, food security and women’s health. She’s a two-time board member of the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust and works with many other grassroots community organizations.
Sumaya Mehelay is a health sciences graduate and research student at Women’s College Hospital, specializing in equity-focused healthcare initiatives. She brings a dedication to innovation and a commitment to integrating lived experiences into research, aiming to drive meaningful improvements in healthcare systems and practices.
