Bridging the Digital Divide (BDD) helps older adults and adults with disabilities in Eastern Connecticut build the skills, confidence, and access they need to use technology in everyday life. We provide digital literacy training, one-on-one and group technology supports, and Assistive Technology (AT) devices tailored to each person’s needs—helping bridge the Digital Divide, expand access to tele-health and other virtual services, and reduce social isolation.
Our training and supports can include basic device set-up and operation, connecting to Wi‑Fi, using built-in accessibility features, accessing virtual services and community programs, using telehealth and online medical resources, participating in community activities, ordering groceries and shopping online, understanding online privacy and safety, and troubleshooting common technology issues. We also share practical guidance on online safety and how to use AI tools responsibly.
When appropriate, we disseminate AT devices and technology based on individual goals and needs, and we connect and refer Clients to additional community services and supports.

We also partner with local “Entities” that serve our communities—such as public libraries, community centers, senior centers, housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities, independent living centers, and similar organizations—by providing technical guidance and train-the-trainer sessions so staff can better support their clientele.

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.)