Written by By Jerilyn Fleck M.S Ed, Special Education As your loved one is aging, they can still use their smartphone for multiple things besides phone calls and text messaging. In this article, I'm going to focus on two essential tasks to enhance cognitive engagement and mental sharpness: staying connected and playing thinking games. I’ve used some [...]
Seniors - even those with no computer experience - have gained valuable skills through the Stay Connected program. During the height of the COVID pandemic, Nancy, an older adult living independently in her own home, was beginning to feel socially isolated as she was unable to get together with her friends for their [...]
Great news for households who need broadband access in their homes! In the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law on Nov. 15, 2021, the Emergency Broadband Benefit became a permanent program – now called the Affordable Connectivity Program. Households who meet the 200% of poverty level may receive a $30.00 per month [...]
By Stacey Fulton, OTR/ATP, EASTCONN As the CT Tech Act Project embraces new grant initiatives, the Stay Connected program has also been in full swing. Stay Connected is a statewide program operated out of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services in collaboration with the State Unit on Aging and the CT Tech Act [...]
By Kristopher Thompson, BAS, CAPS, Smart Technology Specialist, New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Social isolation is a serious public health problem, and something I have been focused on during most of my time at NEAT. I have conducted many presentations that showcase how today’s smart technology can combat this problem, but 2020 opened my eyes [...]
by Kristopher Thompson, NEAT, Smart Technology Specialist A few weeks ago, Independence Northwest reached out to me with an urgent referral for the “Stay Connected” program. The referral was for a woman who, like many facing social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, lived alone and had mobility challenges that prevented her from getting out to [...]
by Amy Norton, EASTCONN Assistive Technology Specialist One of the best parts of working with consumers as part of “Stay Connected” is finding ways to help make life easier for people, especially during these trying times. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with a very lovely woman in CT, who is the primary caregiver [...]
by Jen Lortie, UCP Assistive Technology Specialist In mid-September, assistive technology specialists at UCP of Eastern CT worked with Connecticut resident Nancy Robertson through the “Stay Connected” program to provide her with computer training, so she could connect with her friends and community during COVID-19. One big challenge? Ms. Robertson had never used a computer [...]
