Eight Graduate from Hardeman County Program Bridging Digital Divide
Last week, eight Hardeman County older adults completed computer training through Southwest Human Resources Agency (SWHRA) Tech Helps program. The program provides computer literacy classes for low income, senior adults, and ages 60 and older. Each participant is provided with a free Chromebook and 15 hours of classroom training.
Southwest Human Resource Agency’s Senior Services department received a $400,000 grant from the West End Home Foundation (WEHF) to help bridge the digital divide for Tennesseans age 60 and older living in the counties of Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, and McNairy.
The digital literacy grant program was created in response to the connectivity crisis experienced by our country’s older adults. An estimated 21.8 million older adults are offline at home, with only 58 percent of Americans age 65 and older with broadband internet service. The negative ramifications of this lack of connectivity became clear during the pandemic as older adults became cutoff from their families, friends, and communities.
Research shows when older adults are connected to technology, they become less isolated and more engaged in their communities. Older adults without internet access suffered more extreme levels of social isolation during the COVID epidemic. Many were unable to access essential services and products, and could not take advantage of telehealth, telecounseling and other telesupport services.
Tech Helps Program classes are still enrolling participants and seeking volunteer trainers in all eight counties. For more information, please contact epickle@swhra.org. Applications may also be completed online at www.swhra.org.
This month, more free Tech Helps computer classes for senior adults will begin in Grand Junction, Bolivar, and Middleton. Each participant will receive a free Chromebook upon completion of the course. The course is 15 hours of classroom instruction. You must pre-register by notifying epickle@swhra.org. Take advantage of this awesome free opportunity!
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