East Hartford celebrates Digital Inclusion Week
Posted on: October 4, 2023 - 11:30am
In honor of Digital Inclusion Week (October 2 - 6) an annual week of awareness, recognition, and celebration, East Hartford is hosting several events:
Launch of a local Digital Equity Coalition
On Thursday, October 5, at 11 AM at the Raymond Library the Town of East Hartford will formally launch a Digital Equity Coalition with the aim to coordinate digital inclusion efforts in the community. In addition to the library, participating organizations include:
- East Hartford Public Schools
- Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford
- Town of East Hartford Mayor's office
- East Hartford Health & Social Services department
- East Hartford Works!
- CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce
If your agency or group is interested in joining the coalition, reach out to library director Sarah Kline Morgan: smorgan@easthartfordct.gov
At the Farmers Market: Affordable Connectivity Program sign-up event
Tuesday, October 3, 3 - 5 PM
East Hartford Public Library's digital navigators will be out at the Farmers Market on the Raymond Library lawn (840 Main Street, East Hartford) to sign eligible households up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In the event of inclement weather, the event will move indoors. The ACP is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that 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. Interested in signing up, but can't make the event? Call/text the library's digital navigation line for assistance: 860-471-1484, or e-mail: digitalnavigators@easthartfordct.gov
At the Senior Center: Bridging the Digital Divide (CT Tech Act Project)
Tuesday, October 3, 9 AM
This program is part of the CT Tech Act Project which offers a variety of programs and services to help provide access to Assistive Technology and adaptive technology for life. The goal is to help bridge the digital divide by providing one-on-one or group services to adults with disabilities (18 and older) and aging adults to help them learn how to use tablet and computer technology. The Digital Divide Coordinator can also help to teach built in accessibility features of a device, such as turning on magnification, increasing fonts, using voice to text and more. They can also provide tablets and hot spot connectivity to individuals 60 and older who don't currently have a device in their home. Come to the East Hartford Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive) and listen to Arlene Lugo, Program Director of the CT Tech Act Project and Will Seaman, Digital Divide Coordinator for the Bridging the Digital Divide. Learn about and interact with Assistive Technology devices and the Bridging the Digital Divide program. If you are interested you may apply on site at the event. To register, call the East Hartford Senior Center at 860-291-7460.
For more information about library programs and services, including digital navigation, visit www.easthartfordct.gov/library or call the Raymond Library at 860-290-4330. For more information about the East Hartford Senior Center, visit www.easthartfordct.gov/senior-services or call the Senior Center at 860-291-7460.