The Wood County Committee on Aging has received funding for the National Committee on Aging/National Information Solutions Cooperative Digital Literacy Project.
The announcement was made at the September board meeting.
“The new funding of $7,500 will enable the WCCOA to continue building and delivering educational materials related to technology including laptops, cell phones and tablets,” said Executive Director Denise Niese. “Digital literacy is more important than ever. A person’s lack of confidence in navigating the digital world can negatively impact their ability to access services like healthcare, banking, and grocery shopping. Lower levels of digital literacy can also increase an individual’s risk of social isolation.”
The National Committee on Aging has collaborated with AT&T to provide resources to help older adults build the skills and confidence they need to participate effectively and safely in the digital world.
The online modules focus on the basics of search engines, emails, video conferencing, and more.
The digital resources are designed to give any organization the tools necessary to:
• Offer in-person, instructor-led workshops on digital literacy topics for older adults
• Assist older adults with access to self-paced online learning modules
• Provide personalized, one-on-one sessions and office hours to support their learning
The committee is also continuing its efforts to relocate the North Baltimore Area Senior Center from Westhaven Apartments to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.
“At this point we are working with the church, Jonathon Main Plumbing, Wood County Health Department, and the Wood County Building Inspection to meet the requirements for this location to open,” Niese said.
The positions of Northeast site driver and the Pemberville site manager are vacant. WCCOA staff cover the Rossford route when intermittent staff are unavailable. Additionally, programs and social servicesstaff are still covering the Pemberville site when intermittent staff are unavailable.
The next meeting will be held Oct. 9 at 1:15 p.m. in the Wood County Senior Center.
