By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Council on Aging received $16,868 from the Mass. Executive Office of Elder Affairs for the COA Enhanced Digital Literacy Program.
Twenty four Councils on Aging (COAs) representing 65 municipalities were awarded the Enhancing Digital Literacy for Older Adults Grant. Funded by American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), the grant program is designed to assist COAs in purchasing devices, software, or broadband for older adults; and/or providing training and support for older adults to enhance their digital literacy.
Awardees include distinctive approaches to digital literacy training and support, including partnership models (with schools, libraries, and technology training vendors) and various types of engagement (peer support, intergenerational support, one-on-one in-home assistance, group classes). The awardees span almost all counties, many represent rural communities and Gateway Cities, and some of the awardees plan to offer curriculum and support in languages other than English, including Arabic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Spanish.
Congratulations to the awardees from COAs in the following cities and towns (some with partner COAs in surrounding communities: Athol, Fairhaven, North Andover, Barnstable, Franklin, North Attleboro, Berlin, Georgetown, Norton, Bernardston, Greenfield, Oak Bluffs, Burlington, Holyoke, Pittsfield, Chelsea, Medford, Salem, Chesterfield, Montague, Sudbury, Deerfield, Norfolk, Ware.
Fairhaven Council on Aging Director Martha Reed said they will use the funds to purchase all new laptops for Computer Classes that Kraig Perry teaches at the Senior Center from September to June.
The grant will also pay for a large touchscreen monitor that will allow participants a more hands-on experience, and aid those with vision issues.
“In addition, we will have two loaner iPads that are equipped with both Wi-Fi and cellular service for seniors in the community to borrow for telehealth appointments, including physical therapy/mental health/ doctors, etc., or to allow them to remain connected with loved ones if they are isolated from the community.” said Ms. Reed in an email. “We will also be working with high school and college students to offer a weekly Tech Café for seniors to drop in with tech support questions/needs for either their laptops or especially their smartphones.”
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