Connecting Consumers to Technology and Engagement: Takeaways from our July Webinar
Our July webinar shared resources, strategies and activities to connect consumers to affordable technology. Read on for highlights.
Helping Older Adults Access Broadband
Nearly 22 million older adults lack broadband at home according to a 2021 report from Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, conducted in partnership with the Humana Foundation. The report also identified a range of inequities associated with broadband, including that older adults with an income below $25,000 are 10 times more likely to not have broadband while Black and Latino older adults are 2.5 and 3.3 times less likely to have broadband compared to White older adults [1]. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helps qualifying households afford broadband. The ACP benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service and associated equipment rentals for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands.
Connecting Older Adults to Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) is a no-tech, low-tech, mid-tech or high-tech item, device or equipment such as large keyboards, noise-cancelling headphones or ramps that people with disabilities use to maintain or improve functionality. In the last two decades, older adults have increasingly embraced AT through medical mobile apps, health-related trackers, and service-related apps like grocery or food delivery. Along with supporting independence, AT can also help users feel more at ease when socializing, volunteering or participating within their communities. State AT Act Programs provide device demonstrations, short-term loans, reused devices and financing activities for individuals interested in AT. To connect with AT Act Program services in your organization’s area, visit the Assistive Technology and Training Technical Assistance (AT3) Center website and search for your state in the AT3 Center directory.
Devices, Training and Resources to Help with Technology Use
Access to technology is one issue older adults face but knowing how to use it is another. The Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) in Towson, MD developed a multifaceted approach to help older adults tackle both technology access and use. BCDA holds device giveaways to distribute tablets, laptops or computers at no cost to those who cannot afford them. During the device giveaways, BCDA sets up the device, provides training and helps older adults with applying for ACP. BCDA also provides technology support on a weekly basis through virtual and in-person options. To help encourage older adults to continue using their devices, BCDA holds technology training courses at senior centers, senior housing, county career centers and the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development Mobile Career Center, which has 16 computer stations that can be taken to areas throughout the county.
Additional Resources
The FCC and OATS from AARP provide resources that organizations can share with consumers, including:
The FCC ACP Support Center: (877) 384-2575 or ACPSupport@usac.org
OATS ACP Hotline: (877) 745-1930
OATS Senior Planet Hotline: (888) 713-3495
To learn more about bridging the digital divide and additional resources to support this work, listen to the webinar recording and view the webinar slides.