Recent endeavors by the County of Santa Clara have demonstrated a commitment to expanding the digital horizons for older adults. In partnership with five nonprofit organizations, the county has launched a no-cost Access to Technology program designed to help an estimated 2,000 older residents gain skills and confidence in navigating the ever-evolving digital world by September 2024.
Emphasizing the significance of this initiative, Santa Clara County Board President Susan Ellenberg stated that the program seeks to connect eligible older adults with essential digital resources, thereby addressing the prevailing digital divide. Funded by a $2.1 million state grant, the Access to Technology program offers digital literacy training in multiple languages, devices if necessary, and support for enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program, ensuring free at-home internet service for qualifying households, according to the County of Santa Clara.
Indeed, the digital divide – disparities in access to and knowledge of technology – has grown increasingly evident in recent years, with a quarter of individuals aged 65 or above reported not using the internet. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, Santa Clara County hopes to tackle this issue head-on, providing older adults with the tools and skills to participate in fundamental activities:
- Social and Civic Activities: Stay connected with family, friends, and the community; engage on social media and with local government.
- Activities of Daily Life: Manage accounts, pay bills, shop, communicate with healthcare providers, and access online learning and entertainment options.
- Information Access: Learn about community events, stay updated with news, protect against scams and frauds, and find reliable health information.
The relevance of these digital skills became increasingly apparent during the pandemic, as many organizations moved services to online platforms in order to better serve their communities. Consequently, older adults who might not have been exposed to evolving technological advancements were left with limited access to essential resources and services.
Responding to this growing need, Santa Clara County has partnered with diverse organizations to ensure that older adults aged 60 and over and those with disabilities can avail themselves of this comprehensive support. These partner organizations include Avenidas, Catholic Charities, Korean American Community Services, POSSO, and Senior Planet from AARP.
Each of these organizations offers a range of programs and services such as devices, at-home internet service, digital education and training, and one-on-one support, all tailored to accommodate diverse linguistic needs. The languages spoken by service providers include English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. Eligible individuals are encouraged to reach out to these partner organizations or visit Age Friendly Silicon Valley for additional information on the services offered.
