Tablets to Seniors
A technology-based program that provides an internet connected device along with basic tutorials aimed to increase digital skills and confidence. The goal of the program is to help older adults connect to their family, friends, and community,maintaining social connectiveness in a world that increasingly becomes more digitized. Tablets are provided on a first come, first served basis.
Program Requirements:
- Participants must live in AgeGuide’s 8-counth Service Area
- Participants must be age 60 or older.
- Participants must complete three 1-hour classes.
To receive a tablet and Welcome packet, participants must complete an intake form and the UCLA Three Item Loneliness Scale questionnaire prior to receiving the tablet and post tutorials. Forms will be filled out over the phone. The questionnaire is intended to measure the project’s effectiveness at reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
This program is closed right now as all tablets have been claimed.For more information about this program and when it will be available again, contact Alaine Kvedaras at 630-785-2375 or [email protected].
Affordable Broadband Programs
Emergency Broadband Benefit
Congress recently created the Affordable Connectivity Program, a new long term program that will replace the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Households enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program as of December 31, 2021, will continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022.
What is changing?
- The maximum monthly benefit will change from $50/month to $30/month for households not located on qualifying Tribal lands. The monthly benefit will remain at $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
- Households have new ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program such as: receiving WIC benefits or having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Households that qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit due to a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 or by meeting the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s COVID-19 program will need to requalify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. These households will receive additional details about the steps they need to take from the program administrator (USAC) or their broadband provider, in January 2022, and will be given at least 30 days to respond. They will continue to receive their full EBB benefit until March 1, 2022
More information about actions current Emergency Broadband Benefit recipients will need to take to continue receiving the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit after the transition period will be available in the coming weeks.
Free & Low-Cost Internet Plans
The COVID-19 health crisis has shed light on the need for home internet service, and the large number of households who don’t have it. Learn more about programs available if you need assistance accessing affordable home internet.
For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org/free-low-cost-internet-plans/
Digital Literacy Classes
FREE Tech Support & Training
Are you interested in learning more about different ways to use a computer, tablet or smartphone? Join this FREE program starting mid to late July.
This program includes:
- Six months of access to tech help through a phone-in and email help desk
- Five weeks of virtual classes covering topics such as:
- Accessing health and wellness information and telehealth
- Communicating with tools like Zoom
- Talking and sharing photos with friends and family
- Using your device to do what YOU want to do!
To register, you need to be:
- 55 or older
- Own one of the following devices: iPhone, iPad, Windows computer running Windows 10 or later, Android phone or tablet
To learn more or to register, contact Sarah at Mather at (888) 600-2560 or [email protected]. Space is limited.
This Digital Literacy program will be delivered by Mather, in collaboration with AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois