San Antonio Leaders Proclaim Oct. 2-6 Digital Inclusion Week

Published on October 03, 2023

The City and community partners raise awareness about services and resources available to older adults in San Antonio.

SAN ANTONIO (October 3, 2023) – Today, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the City of San Antonio's Department of Human Services (DHS) and other community partners kicked off Digital Inclusion Week 2023,"Building Connected Communities," with an official City of San Antonio proclamation from District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, dedicating Oct. 2-6 as Digital Inclusion Week in San Antonio. 

Digital Inclusion Week is an annual recognition of efforts to raise awareness, acknowledge achievements and celebrate progress of the programs that support digital literacy, equity and accessibility. Regarding digital literacy, adults over 50 are among the most vulnerable. While older adults are increasingly becoming digitally literate and embracing the digital realm, they continue to struggle with various obstacles – including affordable connectivity, access to training, and more.

"As a community, we are making great strides toward closing the digital divide, specifically when it comes to older adults," said Darryl Greer, Southeastern Regional Program Manager at OATS. "Thanks to the many partnerships we at OATS have been able to build with organizations like the City of San Antonio's Department of Human Services, Digital Inclusion Alliance of San Antonio and more, we are serving a record number of older adults in Bexar County."

OATS, DHS, and their numerous community partners are using Digital Inclusion Week to raise awareness of local services and resources that address these challenges. This week they are focusing on programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program, local tech training, and support programs for older adults, all which are part of OATS from AARP's efforts to help everyone get online.

"The San Antonio community has a strong network of partners that work collaboratively to support older adults in our community. At the Department of Human Services, we are fortunate to work alongside many community partners to serve the more than 30,000 older adults who participate in our programs and services, including the opportunity to use technology in all areas of our life," said Melody Woosley, DHS Director. "I look forward to joining the efforts to promote digital equity for all the community members we serve, especially our older adults."

Throughout the week, OATS is hosting informational workshops at the City's DHS-operated Comprehensive Senior Centers. The events target individuals interested in learning more about the Affordable Connectivity Program and whether they qualify, while OATS trainers will be available to support eligible older adults with the registration process. The sign-up process will take place in two parts: first, interested individuals will need to attend an hour-hour lecture; second, eligible adults will need to visit select senior centers for help enrolling in the program. 

The schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, Oct. 5, 1-3 p.m.
  District 5 Senior Center, 2701 S. Presa St., 78210

• Tuesday, Oct. 3, 1-2 p.m. and Thursday, October 5, 1-3 p.m.
  Bob Ross Senior Center, 2219 Babcock Road, 78229

• Thursday, Oct. 12, 10-11 a.m. and Friday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  District 2 Senior Center, 1751 S. W.W. White, 78220

• Tuesday Oct. 10, 9-10 a.m. and Thursday, October 12, 9 - 11 a.m.
  Doris Griffin Senior Center, 6157 N.W. Loop 410 #410, 78238

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

For more information about Digital Inclusion Week, the Affordable Connectivity Program, or other services and resources available in our community for older adults, visit the Senior Planet website or call 210-504-4862.