Many people take for granted how easy it is view a menu or schedule a doctors appointment online.  The answer to many problems seems to be "add technology" without realizing that can make it inaccessible to some segments of the population - Americans who are uncomfortable with or unable to access that technology.  The most well intentioned outreaches fail when communication is digital only and not accessible to all.  

Currently, some of the least likely to be online are also some of the most vulnerable to COVID-19 and eligible to be vaccinated.  While the US seems to have gone with a digital-first model of disseminating information, other countries, including tech savvy nations like Japan, are using paper and mail, which is the most accessible to notify people.  The Veterans Administration also has inclusive communication policies and is also using paper and mail to inform the military.

The 2020 Census was the first time people were encouraged to complete the census online.  While the Census Bureau made effort to bridge the digital divide by sending hard copy questionnaires to some households, it may well have underestimated the number without access.  Between the Census Bureau hiring fewer people than in 2010 to collect data, the pandemic and social distancing beginning in March 2020 just as data collection began, and the decision to end the count 4 weeks early, many households may have been left out of the official census total.  As the census determines how much states receive in federal funding and the drawing political districts, undercounts can have serious implications for public safety, public health, summer job programs, and more.

Read More: 
The Verge - COVID Vaccine Website Appointments Accessible to Seniors?
Keep Me Posted - Digital Divide in Vaccine Rollout
Axios - Online First Census Must Navigate Digital Divide