Empowering Older Adults with Technology

With free iPads in hand, two classes of older adults and adults with disabilities recently graduated from a program aimed at closing the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion.

The graduates completed an 8-week training course designed to teach them how to use technology to stay connected with family, access healthcare, and navigate the digital world safely. At ceremonies held at the East Los Angeles and Centro Maravilla Service Centers, each participant received a free iPad and a two-year data plan, ensuring they can continue to stay connected long after the program ends.

“Well, I’m not too computer literate, so this was an opportunity to come over here and learn a lot of new things,” said Yvonne Sanchez, one of the graduates. “I don’t have a laptop or computer or anything like that, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to go ahead and get something for myself and learn. Now I’m going to be able to watch movies, look at educational opportunities, and see what training is available to better myself.”

The iPads and training were provided through the Building Better Connections for Older Adults (BBCOA) program, which offers free devices and digital literacy training to adults aged 60+ and adults with disabilities aged 18 and over. The program’s goal is to bridge the technology gap and provide access to devices in communities that have historically lacked digital resources.

Launched in response to the isolation and technological challenges magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic, BBCOA continues to address digital inequities, said Billy Yeung, Program Manager of Community and Senior Centers.

“As we look at what’s going on in today’s world, we see how important connectivity really is. There are connectivity deserts out there,” Yeung said. “This program provides little oases that help bridge the gap for older adults—and, really, for the general population.”

The program also addresses social isolation, offering participants new ways to connect with loved ones and community life. While it doesn’t replace face-to-face interaction, it gives participants tools to communicate via email, video calls, and social media.

“It’s a simple device for most of us,” Yeung added, “but for them, it’s really a bridge back out into the world.”

Throughout the course, instructors cover everything from turning the iPad on and off, understanding basic functions like “sleep mode” and Siri, to downloading, opening, and closing apps. As participants grow more confident, they learn how to recognize malware and scams, and safely access resources online.

“Email is a really popular class,” said Mario Sanchez, one of the instructors. “Ninety-nine percent of the students have never used email before. They would see emails in their inbox and just ignore them, assuming they were all scams. Now, they love the email class.”

Guadalupe Portillo, another graduate, said she used to struggle with technology but now feels empowered.

“I learned a lot in this class. I learned how to find programs, take pictures, and connect with other people,” she said. “My daughter asks, ‘How are you doing in your classes?’ I tell her, ‘I’m doing good—I’m dying to go home and practice this stuff!’”

Francisca Amador, also a graduate, said the training helped her become more confident using technology to communicate and manage her healthcare. Where she once ignored digital messages from her doctor, she now uses them to stay on top of appointments and medications.

“She’s using Maps now when she’s driving — she didn’t before,” said instructor Chavez. “She’s even teaching her neighbors and friends how to use it. She feels a lot more comfortable, and now she won’t get lost.”

Representatives from Supervisor Hilda Solis’ office, including Senior Field Deputy Jamie Cabrera and Case Worker Heidi Torres, attended the ceremonies to congratulate the graduates and commend their dedication to learning. Graduates were encouraged to continue their digital journeys and share their knowledge with others.

The BBCOA program is currently offered at the following community & senior center locations:

Antelope Valley Senior Center

Centro Maravilla Service Center

East Los Angeles Service Center

East Rancho Dominguez Community Center and Park

Willowbrook Senior Center