Overview
This toolkit offers digital and printable assets you can use to generate engagement during Digital Inclusion Week, including encouraging your community to play a role in enhancing digital equity. Partners in the Aging Services Network are encouraged to use these resources and repurpose them on your website, social media, and newsletters by adding your own community stories and supports.
All tools and resources in this Digital Inclusion Week toolkit have been developed and curated to help you maximize your impact in enhancing digital equity and inclusion for the older adults and caregivers you serve.
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs also asks that you spread the word about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal benefit program that helps low-income households afford broadband. ACP provides a monthly discount on internet service of up to $30 per eligible household (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). Currently, there are 336,635 Massachusetts households enrolled in ACP, but we know there are many more that are eligible. Please help spread the word about the program to the older adults you serve. Feel free to utilize these resources developed by the FCC that help consumers learn about the program, determine if they qualify, and apply.
This toolkit is available in Spanish here.
For any questions or comments, please contact Molly Evans at Molly.R.Evans@mass.gov
Sample Newsletter Content
Please note: The following sample newsletter is suggested content. Feel free to copy and paste it exactly, modify it to fit with your organization, or come up with your own language before printing or electronically distributing it to community partners or older adults in your community.
National Digital Inclusion Week will take place from October 2-6, 2023, and is a time dedicated to promoting and increasing digital equity in our communities. Technology access is important for people of all ages and plays a critical role in our lives – helping us connect with others, engage in our communities, work remotely, and receive vital information and services.
Join us October 2-6 to raise awareness on solutions addressing older adults’ access to high-speed internet connectivity, accessible and user-friendly devices, and digital literacy training and support.
If you are an older adult, family member, or caregiver looking for more information about digital equity resources in your community (such as training on how to use a device or the internet), please contact MassOptions to speak to your local Aging Services Access Point, or call your local Council on Aging, which runs each city/town’s senior center. Be sure to ask about whether you might qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal benefit program that provides qualifying households with a monthly discount for broadband service and device rentals.
Sample Social Media Content
- It's National Digital Inclusion Week! A time dedicated to promoting and increasing digital equity in our communities. Technology access is important for people of all ages and plays a critical role in our lives – helping us stay connected and engaged in our communities #DIW2023
- In honor of National Digital Inclusion Week, join the Technology Learning Collaborative for Healthy Aging, co-hosted by EOEA and MHAC: https://mahealthyagingcollaborative.org/resources/resource-library/digital-equity-resources/
- Technology access is important for people of all ages. In honor of National Digital Inclusion Week, check out this resource guide for communities looking to start or strengthen technology access and programming for older adults: https://mahealthyagingcollaborative.org/resources/resource-library/digital-equity-resources/
- National Digital Inclusion Week will take place from October 2-6. This is a time dedicated to promoting and increasing digital equity in our communities. Learn how your community can bridge the digital divide: https://mahealthyagingcollaborative.org/resources/resource-library/digital-equity-resources/
- This National Digital Inclusion week, explore the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal benefit program that provides qualifying households with a monthly discount for broadband service and device rentals: https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/
Potential Twitter Accounts to Tag:
- Executive Office of Elder Affairs – @Mass_EOEA
- Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC) – @mahealthyaging
Hashtag(s):
- #DIW2023
- #digitalequityNOW
Sample Social Media Graphics
Printable Resources (Flyer/Handout)
Additional Resources
Research, Reports, and Other Digital Equity Resources:
- Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC) Digital Equity Resource Page
- The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) map of local libraries offering internet access via wi-fi signals outside of their buildings
- Massachusetts Aging Network Guide for Hybrid Programs and Services
- Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s Digital Equity Partnerships Program and Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program
- National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults (engAGED) report for aging service organizations on implementing and expanding virtual programming for older adults
- engAGED and Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) report for aging service organizations considering implementing hybrid programming
- National Council on Aging (NCOA) Resource Guide: Terminology for Virtual Programming
Training and Digital Literacy:
- Senior Planet National On-Demand Support Hotline
- Senior Planet Online offers free online programming, tutorials, and videos
- Tech Goes Home offers local technology support through partnerships with community organizations
- Cyber Seniors offers free technology training to older adults through 1:1 calls with student volunteers and training webinars
Fraud and Scam Resources: