Sixty-eight-year-old former legal secretary Maria Hernandez received a free tablet and technology classes from Community Tech Network as part of the Access to Technology program in Sonoma County, California.
Here, in an interview with her instructor, Phil Schutt, Maria shares the impact that learning digital skills has had on her life.
Financial Mobility and Assistance
“I wanted to learn some new skills, especially related to technology, to keep up to date in hopes of getting a new part-time job. I was also able to apply for food stamps online after this class and now receive them!”
Closer Family Connections
“It’s a good feeling to learn new things and to be better in touch with family. Video conferencing has helped me keep in touch with my family, especially video chats with my grandson.”
Greater Comfort Online
“Learning all my device settings and notification windows really helped me a lot. I had never learned any of that before. I’m also able to shop online more comfortably and use common files such as PDFs, which I was nervous to use before. I can even use my device to reserve books from the library and read e-books! Overall, I feel much more comfortable online now [thanks to CTN’s classes] in general.
Inspiring Others
Maria’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of digital literacy. Programs like Access to Technology play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, fostering community connections, and enhancing the lives of older adults. Maria’s experience highlights the importance of providing accessible technology education and support, showing that with the right resources, anyone can thrive in the digital age.
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