Thanks to the generous support of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation, digitalLIFT has partnered with the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) to deliver a high-impact digital inclusion program for older adults across the state. Through this initiative, digitalLIFT is helping Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) bridge the digital divide by equipping staff with training, deploying devices, and empowering older adults with the skills they need to confidently engage in today’s digital world.
Impact at a Glance
Since the launch of the program with 2024 CTA Foundation funding, we’ve made quite an impact:
- 48 tablets have been distributed across 8 Texas AAAs
- 11 staff members have been trained as Digital Navigators/Classroom Trainers through digitalLIFT’s Advanced Digital Navigator program
- 381 older adults have completed tablet-based digital skills training using digitalLIFT’s curriculum
- The following partner organizations are now actively running community-based training sessions:
- Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Center of the Capitol Area
- Ark-Tex Council of Governments
- South East Texas Regional Planning Commission
- Deep East Texas Council of Governments and Economic Development District
- Alamo Area Council of Governments
- Area Agency on Aging of the Permian Basin
- Bexar County Area Agency on Aging
Each of these partners trained dedicated staff to lead local programming and used digitalLIFT’s culturally relevant curriculum to guide tablet learners through core digital literacy skills.
“Learn to Earn”: A Model That Works
One standout feature of the program has been its “learn to earn” approach, in which older adults commit to a minimum number of training hours to earn and keep their tablets. This not only motivates learners to complete training but helps ensure long-term adoption and usage of technology tools.
This model proved especially effective in sites like Bexar and Alamo, where word-of-mouth outreach played a key role in recruiting participants.
Responding to Demand and Growing Impact
The demand for digital skills training was so strong that the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) was able to secure additional funding, resulting in the purchase and distribution of an additional 333 tablets for older adult learners across Texas. This unexpected success has dramatically expanded the program’s reach, allowing even more individuals to gain access to technology and the confidence to use it.
Creating Safe Friendly Learning Spaces
This initiative also offered older adults a safe space to learn and share. As one site reported:
“Learners have been empowered not to be afraid of smart devices. We were able to accommodate a visually impaired (blind) senior with an app add-on for him to participate in the courses—very exciting! Learners were particularly engaged in the online security/risk segments and shared the relief of having personal devices where their information would not risk being shared or compromised. The online safety provided comfort especially in password security and avoiding scams. The class also provided a safe space for seniors to discuss situations that they personally experienced where they were defrauded or at risk of being defrauded, which provided our agency the perfect opportunity to share our service in working with Senior Medicare Patrol and Texas Legal Services in reporting fraud and abuse. It was good for seniors to see that they were not alone and should not be embarrassed.”
Moving Forward
While identifying and training staff, allocating time, and organizing community outreach required more lead time than anticipated, the commitment and adaptability of our partners ensured the program’s success. The collaboration between digitalLIFT, the CTA Foundation, and TARC continues to demonstrate the power of public-private partnerships in advancing digital inclusion for older adults.
As the program continues to grow, digitalLIFT remains focused on scaling support, sharing best practices, and equipping communities with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world. If you work for an agency serving older adults and want to bring a similar program to your community, complete this partner form.
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