Bridging the Digital Divide services are winding down:

Bridging the Digital Divide is funded through the federal Enhancing Public Health Workforce grant which is coming to an end on September 30, 2024.

Please contact us by June 30, 2024 to be considered for services through this program.

Those who contact the program between July 1 and September 30, 2024 may receive services, depending on availability.  If services are not available, we will also do our best to connect you with other resources that may assist you.

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Services to individuals 

• Increase access to technology & technology use
• Provide tech support, troubleshooting, & teach built in device accessibility features
• Increase access to the community, virtual programming & tele-health to reduce social isolation
• Connect Individuals to community resources for ongoing supports
• Provide tablet technology (with or without hotspot) to individuals 60 & older, if eligible

Why connect with a Digital Divide Coordinator (DDC)?

If you or an individual you work with has technology but struggles to use it and would benefit from some training & support, such as

• Connecting to their Wi Fi
• Learning to use social media to connect to family and friends
• Learning to use virtual platforms like Zoom, Teams or virtual community services
• Learning how to use built in accessibility features in their devices – speech to text, magnification, text to speech, etc.
• And more …

Services to Organizations

• Provide training to entities, such as staff at senior and community centers, libraries, and others who serve the same population, to help them provide access and tech support to their participants.

Why connect your agency to a Digital Divide Coordinator?

If your organization serves adults with disabilities or individuals 60 and older and you/your staff could benefit from training to be able to support your clients, such as:

• Learn how to set up built in accessibility features on your technology or your clients’ technology
• Learn how to set your client’s up with virtual platforms or your virtual services
• Help clients use social media or other internet activities (i.e., online grocery shopping, accessing eBooks, connecting with friends & family etc.)

The Connecticut Bridging the Digital Divide program is funded by the federal Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Expanding the Public Health Workforce within the Disability Network.

ELIGIBILITY

• Adults aged 60 and older
• Adults with a disability over the age of 18
• The families, support providers, network staff and volunteers of the above
• Living in Southwestern, South Central,  Southeastern CT
• Note: No referral is necessary but there is an intake process if you qualify

SERVICE LOCATIONS

• In-home Or Virtual
• Community resource centers like libraries, senior centers, assisted living, community centers
• UCP’s Quaker Hill/Norwich or Stratford locations