During this national Digital Inclusion Week, Ohio Department of Development officials are focusing on making digital technology available and practical for all Buckeye State residents — following the week’s theme “Building Connected Communities.”

“You cannot have opportunities in a modern economy without access to broadband internet and the skills to use it, which is why our mission to make Ohio more connected is so important,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said Monday. “During this week, I encourage all Ohioans to take advantage of the resources available to become more knowledgeable and better able to use the tools that connect us across the state.”

If they are able to connect at all, that is.

Sure, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance is hosting a series of webinars this week, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library is offering opportunities to develop digital skills and obtain affordable devices and internet connections. But what good does that do Ohioans who still don’t have even the possibility of reliable, high-speed broadband internet access, let alone the tools and skills they need to use it?

BroadbandOhio has spent the past three years helping to “bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Ohioans have high-speed internet access,” according to the Department of Development. But according to research website Broadband Search, “Ohio has less internet accessibility than many other of the most popular states. … 5.7% of residents in Ohio have no internet connection at home or elsewhere.” And 22.9% do not have high-speed internet access.

For those folks, touting the availability of digital skills classes is akin to showing them how to use all the features on their new refrigerator before their homes are wired for electricity.

Yes, it is important this week (and always) to think about giving low-income households, aging populations, incarcerated individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, people with language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities and rural residents the skills and resources they’ll need to thrive in the digital age.

But for the sake of our families, our schools and our communities, the push to bring the access they need to employ those skills must be officials’ top priority.