Defining Digital Inclusion

Hello, I'm Ella.

In cybersecurity spaces, I'm better known as Ellatora.

I’m a hardworking visionary, a tenacious mother, with strong adaptability and a thirst for knowledge.

I was born under the Tiger zodiac, and it’s always resonated with me. Tigers are seen as loyal protectors, and I’ve carried that into my work, whether it was cybersecurity, insurance, property management, or building trust and relationships with people. On Medium, I recount my journey with a literary twist, making technical concepts more accessible and engaging. This portfolio takes place outside my digital jungle and covers a Tigress's observations and reflections on global reach of digital environments, structures and tools with focus on inclusion in terms of access, availability, affordability, adoption and application across cultures. (DTC-206 Fall 2025 - WSU Global)

·       How do you define "inclusion?"

According to Merriam-Webster, Inclusion is a (noun) that means the act of including: the state of being included. And there's a lot of debate on what the full expanse of that is, but having grown up with a big brother who is low on the autism spectrum and a sister who has Fibromyalgia, it's a lifelong struggle to carve out a place for them in a world that doesn't want to be inconvenienced.

Which brings me to my personal definition for Inclusion. It's the will to welcome and accommodate others, even if it means going out of your way to do so, so that they can feel welcome and, well, included. A poem I wrote for a fibromyalgia awareness group in 2019 expresses my stance:

My sister wanted to stand. I gave her a walking stick. My sister wanted to hike. I gave her a walker to better her gait. My sister wanted to travel. I gave her a wheelchair for long distances. My sister wanted to return to how she was. I gave her a promise I will help her thrive as she is.

Eleanor. L Wildermuth - Fibromyalgia Support Group (UK), Facebook

·       What does it mean for an environment to be inclusive?

When I hear the term ‘inclusive environment’, it brings to mind open-source digital data like OSINT which is primarily free tools and training to investigate online [1] and open-door physical MakerSpaces that are open to the community through the library system; with resources like laser cutters, arts and crafts, Legos, these spaces can appeal to all ages and interest groups. [2] If that isn’t a good fit for your needs, there is a growing directory of makerspaces in a growing  makerspace directory. [3] Most of the time these resources do not require any money, anyone can utilize them so long as they can get to them (i.e. having a good internet connection or being within a drivable distance.)

In Jess Mitchell’s article on Medium, Jess highlights the subtle name change Hackathons are taking on as Makeathons; the word “hack” in hackathon was meant to refer to a clever and improvised way of doing something but has a stronger association with illegal and unauthorized computer access. Language is important. To avoid negative association, changing the name to Makeathon conveys a sense of welcoming and indicates an immersive learning experience. [4]

·       What do you think are the particular benefits of online environments for inclusion?

The nice thing about online environments is, so long as there is internet connection you can get access to a vast array of information, databases, resources, entertainment, and training from almost anywhere so long as you have access to a computer—libraries are once again a great free resource to get to a computer even if you don’t have one.

·       What do you think are the particular challenges in online environments for inclusion?

The biggest challenge in online environments is the Digital Divide between the Haves and the Have Nots, where the educated and well-off receive skills and support to thrive with technological advancements while the uneducated and impoverished are not only left behind, but often not considered when making decisions on those advancements. There is also an additional gap due to digital literacy usually limited to the Haves who live in proximity to technology distribution centers in metropolitan areas and well-off communities, but it can be extended to less privileged so long as an awareness of the need is raised and training is made available. It must all start from awareness of “who is not here” and “why” and a developing will to welcome and accommodate others, even if it means going out of your way to do so.

Like reading, operating technology is a learned skill and should be made available for all.

[1] OSINT Framework [2] How to Find a Makerspace Near You - EveryLibrary Action [3] Find Makerspace Near Me - Makerspace Directory [4] Inclusive: what is it?. The topic I want to talk to you about… | by Jess Mitchell | Medium