DIGITAL EQUITY RESOURCES
Community Resource Guide: Technology Access and Programming for Older Adults Aims to Bridge the Digital Divide
The pandemic has shined a light on the importance of technology in our daily lives. Access to technology, including internet use, is a social determinant of health – helping us connect with others, engage in our communities, work remotely, and receive vital information and services.
Technology access is important for people of all ages.
This fall, the Massachusetts Task Force to End Loneliness and Build Community published a short resource guide for communities looking to start or strengthen technology access and programming for older adults.
The guide includes resources, examples, and practical tips based on the belief that successful technology programs operate as a three-legged stool – with broadband, devices, and training as the three legs that are necessary to encourage meaningful engagement for older adults. Please contact James Fuccione, Senior Director of the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, for additional information or assistance.
If you are an older adult, family member, or caregiver looking for more information about technology programming in your community, please contact MassOptions to speak to your local Aging Services Access Point, call your local Council on Aging (senior center), or reach out to other community organizations, such as your local library.
Please note that the following serve as an information source and do not reflect endorsements of the Massachusetts Task Force to End Loneliness and Build Community or participating organizations.
Research, Reports, and Advocacy:
- Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative: Digital Equity and Inclusion Letter to Massachusetts Health Equity Task Force
- Babson College FutureLab, Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative and Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs: Webinar on Understanding Technology as a Social Determinant of Health
- Alliance for Digital Equity: The Digital Divide and Challenges to Digital Equity in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties, Massachusetts
- MassINC Gateway Cities Innovation Institute: Going for Growth: Promoting Digital Equity in Massachusetts Gateway Cities
- Office of the Attorney General: Building Toward Racial Justice and Equity In Health: A Call To Action
- Humana Foundation and Older Adults Technology Services (OATS): Aging Connected: Closing the Connectivity Gap for Older Americans
- WGBH Feature on Tech Goes Home: Tackling Health Inequity Means Addressing Digital Inequity, Too
- Massachusetts eHealth Institute: Caregivers and Digital Health Report
Cross-Cutting Websites: Programming, Broadband/ Internet, Devices, Training
- Massachusetts Councils on Aging: Virtual Senior Center Resources
Resource Guide Case Studies:
- Case Study #1: Northampton Senior Services Tech Loan and Training Program
- Case Study #2: Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE)-Boston CitySites and Digital Dividends Program
- Case Study #3: Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) Tech Support Coach Volunteer Program
- Case Study #4: The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) Access Technology Training Program
Online Programming:
- Intergenerational Program Example: Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly Boston Intergenerational CitySites
- Older Adult Zoom Drop-In Example: Fenway Health and the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project Weekly Zoom Drop-In Group and Other Resources
- Examples of Virtual Programs for Family Caregivers of People Living with Alzheimer’s Disease or a Related Dementia-Disorder: Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter, Massachusetts Caring for the Caregiver Webinar Series, Alzheimer’s Family Support Center, Virtual Memory Cafes, Tuesdays at JF&CS
- NCOA Resource Guide: Terminology for Virtual Programming
- NCOA Article: Virtual Classes for Older Adults: Here to Stay
- Senior Planet Online
Training, Navigation, and Digital Literacy:
- Digital Navigator Example: Metropolitan Area Planning Council Digital Navigator RFI
- Intergenerational Program Example: Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly Boston Intergenerational CitySites
- Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) Access Tech Program and Assistive Technology
- On-Demand Hotline: OATS National Technology Support Hotline
- AARP Personal Technology Resources Webpage
- Senior Planet Online (includes programming, tutorials, and videos)
- Tech Goes Home (Local)
- Cyber Seniors (National)
Broadband and Internet Access:
- Aging Connected: Help Finding Low-Cost Internet
- FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit (List of Participating Massachusetts Providers, Emergency Broadband Benefit Outreach Toolkit)
- Lifeline Program
- Massachusetts Broadband Institute Community Wi-Fi Hotspot Program
- Massachusetts Libraries: Outdoor Library WiFi Map
- Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable: COVID-19 Response from Broadband and Telephone Service Providers
Devices:
- MassMatch: The Commonwealth’s Assistive Technology Initiative
- Forbes: Best Tablets for Seniors
- Tech Enhanced Life and Longevity Explorers
- Aging and Health Technology Watch: Industry Market Trends, Research & Analysis
Potential Funding Sources:
- Community Compact Best Practices Program (including Information Technology Best Practices and Age- and Dementia-Friendly Best Practices)
- AARP Community Challenge Grants
- Tufts Health Plan Foundation (various grants depending on time of year)
- Metrowest Health Foundation
- Social Health Labs Community Microgrants
- City of Boston Digital Equity Fund
- Massachusetts Service Alliance COVID-19 Resiliency Grants
- Administration for Community Living Grants
Fraud and Scam Resources: