The Federal Communications Commission today (5/12) kicked off the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this program will make available up to $3.2 billion worth of consumer discounts on broadband services and equipment like computers and tablets. Continue reading
Tag Archives: social isolation
Report from RWJF and Healthy Places by Design Recommends Community-Based Solutions to Improve Social Connectedness
To amplify learning around social isolation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Global Ideas for U.S. Solutions team invested in six projects that reached diverse places and people as well as a learning network coordinated by Healthy Places by Design.
This Learning Network and their report, Socially Connected Communities: Solutions to Social Isolation, brings a much needed perspective to the national conversation, and provides philanthropy and local leaders ideas for actions which could dramatically improve social well-being. Continue reading
Report: Growing Assistive Technology Awareness through State Programs, Partnerships, and Innovation
Building partnerships through collaboration between assistive technology programs and long-term services and supports (LTSS) agencies is one way to expand awareness and facilitate access to AT devices and services.
The AARP Public Policy Institute produced a report in collaboration with the Administration on Community Living and State Assistive Technology Act programs on assistive technology (AT) program partnerships and innovations in states. The report provides valuable information and ideas on partnerships that can improve quality of life for those using assistive technology. Continue reading
Age-Friendly Winter Spaces Guide Aims to Help Communities Embrace Winter, Promote Physical Activity and Social Engagement
Through grant funding, collaboration, and technical support, communities across Massachusetts have an opportunity to support residents of all ages in remaining physically active and socially engaged this winter.
The pandemic has heightened the awareness and importance of social engagement, which cities and towns can promote with a new guide developed by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, WalkBoston and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. Continue reading
MHAC Webinar Recording: Understanding Technology as a Social Determinant of Health
As part of several workgroups and initiatives to address the digital divide among older adults – an issue that has been heightened during the pandemic – the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative recently co-hosted a webinar with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs on “Understanding Technology as a Social Determinant of Health.”
The webinar featured research from a team of professors and students at Babson College that focused on equitable technology access and utilization for older adults. Continue reading
Age-Friendly Funding Alert: MAPC, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (“MAPC”) in partnership with MassDevelopment, has developed this state-wide Taxi/Livery Partnership Grant program to provide funding for grantees to contract with taxicab, livery, or hackney businesses for transportation and delivery needs for the Commonwealth’s vulnerable populations and others. Continue reading
‘Winter Places’ Design Guide Provides Ideas for Outdoor Activity During Colder Months
A design competition called ‘Winter Places‘ has led to a design guide encouraging residents and visitors to visit and spend time on our main streets during colder winter weather while also encouraging shopping and dining at area small businesses. Continue reading
Community Resource for Strengthening Social Connections Compliments #ReachOutMA Campaign
The work conducted by the Task Force to End Loneliness and Build Community, UMass-Boston researchers and AARP Massachusetts led to a virtual summit early in October and a newly released resource with examples that communities can implement to address isolation and improve social connectivity. Continue reading
N4A, engAGED Recognize Age Strong Boston’s Civic Academy as a Best Practice for Keeping Older Adults Engaged
engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults is a national effort to increase social engagement among older adults. Administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with funding from the U.S. Administration for Community
Living—and in collaboration with Generations United, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes—engAGED identifies and disseminates information about emerging trends, resources and replication strategies that the Aging
Network can customize to engage older adults in their communities. Continue reading
Low-Income Voice, Broadband Discounts Available Through ‘Lifeline’ Program
Recognizing that not everyone can afford the cost of a voice or broadband connection, the Lifeline Program provides a monthly discount for eligible low-income consumers on a wireless or residential voice, broadband or voice-broadband bundled service from a certified Massachusetts Lifeline Provider.
Although there are several providers participating in the Lifeline program in Massachusetts, each eligible household can only subscribe to one Lifeline service. Consumers qualify for Lifeline by having income of 135 percent or below of the federal poverty guidelines or by participating in one of the following public assistance programs: Continue reading