AARP state offices in Connecticut, Georgia, and California recently hosted a series of Teletown Halls to develop digital equity plans that expand high-speed internet to state residents, no matter their age, where they live, or how much they earn. The virtual events are part of efforts by state digital equity offices to raise awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a government program that offers low-income households up to $30/month off internet service costs, and a one-time discount of $100 on a connectable device.
Tom Kamber, Executive Director, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, participated in the Connecticut panel alongside Doug Casey, Executive Director, Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology (DAS) and Kevin Pisacich, Director of Telecommunications and Broadband, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Nora Duncan, AARP CT State Director, hosted the call.
“Funds flowing to our state and others have been described as providing an important opportunity to unlock the benefits of the digital age, from accessing telehealth services to combatting social isolation and connecting to that next job or hobby.” said Duncan.
The Teletown Hall hosted by AARP California included Ryan Kawamoto, Senior Planet Regional Program Manager; Scott Adams, Deputy Director of Broadband and Digital Literacy, California Department of Technology (CDT); and Strat Maloma, Associate Director of Community, AARP California.
Kawamoto touted Senior Planet from AARP’s toll-free hotline (888-713-3495, open 9 am-8 pm EST, M-F) where patient technology trainers are ready to answer questions and provide information about Senior Planet’s free virtual and in-person classes. He said that Senior Planet’s licensing program is connecting with partner sites across CA to offer its award-winning digital literacy training to older adults, delivered by local trainers with cultural competency and regional expertise.
Testimony from a California AARP member who took Senior Planet’s Mandarin-taught classes highlighted the transformational impact of digital literacy training and connectivity, “I never thought at my age, I am 92, that I’d still be able to use computers. I did not know how to use a computer or iPad until I joined your programming almost 2 years ago. It was challenging to learn at the beginning, but I got used to it. I know a lot about Zoom and online classes and I even completed a storytelling program via Zoom. I helped at least 5 seniors who struggled with Zoom.”
The Teletown Hall hosted by AARP Georgia also featured Kamber and two members of the Georgia Technology Authority: Oneisha Freeman, Digital Connectivity Manager, and Joshua Hildebrandt, Director of Broadband Initiatives. AARP Georgia State Director Debra Tyler-Horton said, “We all know that access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury… it’s a necessity and especially for millions of Georgians over the past several years. Internet access is essential to providing the connections those of us in Georgia need to stay in touch with family, friends, health care providers, work and so much more.”
At all Teletown Halls, AARP members were invited to listen in and ask questions. Participants described their own experiences with the three main connectivity challenges faced by older adults: access, adoption, and affordability, and were encouraged to learn how these challenges are being directly addressed by ACP funding, broadband infrastructure buildout, state digital equity plans, and OATS digital literacy training and support.
In concluding remarks, Kamber thanked AARP state offices for providing leadership in promoting digital equity and connecting residents to ACP funding and reminded participants that with the support of ongoing digital literacy training, they can succeed in the digital realm. “Older adults didn’t grow up with digital technology and must build up more intentional knowledge. It takes some time to get up to speed, but if you put in the time you’ll get there.”
Illustration by Isabel Seliger for Bloomberg’s CityLab