Feb 6, 2016 2 min read

This is a computer age and everyone knows progress moves forward, yet many are left by the wayside in this process.

A case in point – there are still many in our society who do not have a computer or a smartphone. They are grateful to have a flip phone, yet it is not the “in” thing. These people are being discriminated against by many businesses. Many stores no longer have fliers with coupons available, and advertise that their coupons can be accessed on a smartphone. Plus, there are many specials and discounts offered for online customers only. So, the people who do not have a computer or smartphone are not included when it comes to these savings. Ironically, these are the people who need the savings more than most.

In a similar way, I spoke to a friend who had some tests done at a doctor’s office and had not heard back from them. He called and was told that his results were online and he could access them on his computer. My friend doesn’t even own a computer, and why wouldn’t they have found that out, rather than assuming that he did have a computer?

Yes, the computer age is here. But we must not forget there are still people who cannot keep up for a variety of reasons, and should not be excluded from the same opportunities or discounts people with computers or smartphones. It comes down to the good ol’ human factor.

Doris Dhayer

Avella