Today we are excited to highlight the CTA Foundation, one of CTN’s longtime funding partners. Affiliated with the Consumer Technology Association, the foundation links seniors and people with disabilities with technologies that enhance their quality of life. It accomplishes its mission by cultivating strategic funding partnerships with a range of nonprofit organizations whose programs align with the CTA Foundation’s goals.
While many of these programs focus on digital literacy and access to devices, the CTA Foundation funds a wide range of tech-related programs. One grant provided to AbleGamers Charity is helping to create prototypes for custom gaming setups and modified controllers to fit the needs of people with disabilities. Another grant provided to the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio supports an innovative pilot program that utilizes virtual reality to train caregivers. No matter the means, each program funded by the CTA Foundation leverages technology to offer people a greater sense of independence, freedom, and connection.
“The CTA Foundation focuses on assisting people who aren’t receiving assistance. When we gather different organizations together and listen to grant proposals, we are asking, ‘Where are we lacking?’” reflects Dacia Turner, foundation coordinator. “A lot of times, there’s a lack of assistance with older adults because technology is not something they grew up with. With the pandemic, everyone was experiencing social isolation. Just imagine what it was like for an older adult without connection. We want to provide that connection and open the door for them.”
CTN is grateful to be among the many incredible organizations to receive funding from the CTA Foundation. In 2018, CTA funded CTN’s Texas-based digital literacy training program, Connect @ Home. This program helped 40 residents located throughout Austin with a tablet, internet service provided by Sprint, and 12 weeks of digital literacy training in their buildings.
This year, the CTA Foundation provided a second grant to support Senior Connect — an evolution of our first Connect @ Home program. Fully funded, the Senior Connect program will partner with five agencies to train 125 homebound and low-income seniors how to utilize technology. CTA Foundation’s funding will support 40 unique learners in receiving an Android tablet, three months of remote digital literacy training, and support in signing up for low-cost internet service. The grant will also support the ongoing administration of Senior Connect as our partner organizations adapt the program for future implementation.
Thank you, CTA Foundation, for your ongoing support and commitment to transforming lives through technology!
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