The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has taken action to increase digital connectivity and technology access for residents aged 60 and above, as well as individuals with disabilities.
On Tuesday, September 24, the board approved an additional $467,000 grant award from the California Department of Aging for the Access to Technology Program (ATT), bringing the total grant award to over $2.5 million.
“We are excited to expand the Access to Technology Program, which is vital for connecting our older adults and individuals with disabilities to the resources they need,” said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “The initiative not only enhances their digital literacy, but also helps combat social isolation, allowing them to engage more fully in our community.”
The County Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian (DAAS-PG) used the funding to increase its efforts in connecting older adults and individuals with disabilities to the digital world.
The grant funding empowered DAAS-PG to procure an additional 700 devices, including tablets, smartphones and hot spots with a two-year service plan, technical support and training to use the technology.
Since the program’s inception under California Assembly Bill 135, which created the ATT Program as a 27-month long pilot program, DAAS-PG has successfully provided 2,500 mobile devices to San Bernardino County community members.
“The additional funding was a game-changer for our Access to Technology Program. It allowed us to expand our reach and provide essential tools and resources to those who need them most,” said Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian Director Sharon Nevins. “By assisting older adults and individuals with disabilities to bridge the digital divide, we empower them to thrive in an increasingly connected world.”
The ATT Program aligns with the DAAS-PG 2024-2028 Area Plan and the State of California’s Master Plan for Aging, which emphasize the importance of digital inclusion as a key component of fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for older adults. By ensuring access to technology, DAAG-PG directly contributed to the plans’ goals of promoting health, safety, and social connectedness among older adults and individuals with disabilities.
To learn more about programs and services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caretakers, visit hss.sbcounty.gov/daas.
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