Digital Inclusion Week: Day of Equity!
In honor of this year’s national Digital Inclusion Week (October 2–7), Community Tech Network will be hosting a Day of Equity on Thursday, October 5, in which we’ll be hosting FREE webinars about bridging the digital divide.
Workshop topics include how to engage learners with culturally inclusive curricula, how to advocate for the renewal of the Affordable Connectivity Program, and even how to prepare inclusion specialists for an AI-based workforce.
Stay tuned for the full schedule and registration links!
Convincing Older Adults to Use Technology
Since many older adults are apprehensive about using technology, it can be challenging to encourage them to enter into the digital world.
Addressing Older Adults’ Fears of Technology
As we work to help the aging community get online, we’ve seen firsthand that the internet can initially seem daunting to those who have never used it.
In order to encourage older adults to embrace technology, one must also acknowledge the concerns that they may have.
Learn about some of older adults’ most common fears and how to address them.
Explaining the Benefits of Technology
Once older adults know that the digital world is not as scary as they may have initially thought, they may still be hesitant to enter. After all, they’ve survived decades without the internet. Why do they need it now?
This is where it’s crucial to explain to older adults the benefits that technology can bring to their lives. From mental stimulation to decreased isolation and increased independence, read our blog to learn about the many benefits that the internet offers. You can also discuss why digital inclusion matters for healthcare.
Showing Examples of Other Adults who Are Online
After hearing about the benefits of technology, older adults might still question you. After all, they’ve maybe always wanted to learn to play the guitar, but can you really watch lessons online?
Connecting folks with peers who have learned to use the internet can show them what’s possible. Read the stories of other older adults who have gotten online, such as Rosalina.
Showing Examples of Other Adults who Are Online
Does your organization serve low-income individuals or families that could benefit from a discount on their monthly internet bills? You can help your community members enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federally funded initiative that provides subsidies to make home internet more affordable.
Community Tech Network’s digitalLIFT team is here to support you in the process.
We offer online, safe-paced training and personalized support to prepare your team’s staff and volunteers to help community members enroll in the program. Learn more about our offerings in our blog.
Obtaining ACP benefits can be a complex process. In fact, two-thirds of applicants never enroll in the program because they find the application process to be too complex.
That’s why we offer our digitalLIFT training, in order to prepare you to assist clients with the entire ACP application process from start to finish. It will also help you anticipate common stumbling blocks in the application process and identify steps to navigate them. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a place to start, check out our blog to determine ACP eligibility and what documents are required.
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