Community Tech Network is thrilled to announce that it has been selected as one of three organizations to provide digital literacy training as part of the California Department of Aging’s Connections, Health, Aging and Technology (CHAT) program.
The project, which runs until June 2023, will support an estimated 4,000 low-income or disabled older adults. CTN will offer about 500 of these individuals personalized support to help them use their devices.
“It’s really exciting because we will work with learners to determine what their needs are. We recognize that everyone requires different types of attention, so we will be utilizing a flexible approach,” says Kari Gray, CTN’s Digital Literacy Program director. “Some people may need assistance accessing affordable high-speed internet at home, and we will help them sign up for programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program. Meanwhile, others may need device-specific training or several Q&A sessions. Everything will be really client-driven.”
The purpose of this project is to mitigate loneliness and isolation for older adults. Brian Carter, the Digital Divide Project manager at the California Department of Aging, explains, “[We are] delighted to be partnering with CTN, which will allow older Californians to become digitally literate, socially engaged, and a participant in an increasingly technological society.”
Since CTN will be providing online training, Kari adds that one of the most exciting parts of this opportunity is that “we will be able to reach rural clients that may live hours away from a computer lab [and not otherwise have had access to such services].”
CTN is thrilled for this opportunity to continue changing lives through digital equity.
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