In 2020, the Ginsberg Center collaborated with Eastern Michigan University’s Engage@EMU office to launch the Digital Connecting Corps. The DCC aims to bridge the generational gap in digital literacy by helping older adults to learn new technology skills. “The COVID-19 pandemic increased social isolation and lack of digital access and digital literacy amongst older adults in Washtenaw County drastically,” said Julie Vogl, who served as project coordinator during the DCC's early days. “Before the Digital Connecting Corps, there was no County-wide infrastructure or nonprofit focused on digital connection and literacy for older adults—the DDC begins to fill that void.”
Today, students and faculty from EMU's Occupational Therapy program have partnered with UM work-study students to assist almost 200 older adults with their technology needs. These "tech coaches" help older adults work towards their personalized learning goals over the course of nine to twelve weeks, meeting at one of three senior centers in Ypsilanti, Milan, and Chelsea. Participant goals might be anything from using a smartphone to creating a Facebook account, or from setting up an Etsy shop to navigating a healthcare portal.
At the end of each course, participants have the option to re-enroll if they would like to add more technology skills to their repertoire. The DCC also offers participants the option to receive a refurbished laptop free of charge. So far the DCC has distributed 63 devices, meaning that 96% of participants who requested a device received one -- and the training to use it to the fullest.
Digital literacy can have a significant impact on the lives of older adults, especially when it gives them access to social technologies that combat isolation. But the DCC also benefits its younger participants. Dr. Alicia Jones, Professor of Occupational Therapy and a member of the DCC's leadership team, reported that her Occupational Therapy students felt that serving as tech coaches "made them better future clinicians" by giving them experience working with older adults. Tyler Calhoun, former Communications and Operations Coordinator for Enage@EMU and another DCC leader, explained that the program "is a testament to what can happen when generations come together for something beneficial for everybody. A lot of fun can happen. A lot of growth can happen. And a lot of good can happen. It gives me a lot of hope."
Over the next year the DCC plans to expand its offerings by collaborating with community organizations to design customized trainings on frequently-requested topics, such as navigating healthcare portals. The DCC is also working towards a long-term partnership with an EMU course in Occupational Therapy or a related field, which could radically increase the DCC's capacities by bringing in up to forty new tech coaches. It's clear that the DCC's programming is a two-way educational street, as older participants and younger coaches build skills and connections together.
Visit the DCC's website to learn more about their activities and to view a short video of participant and coach testimonials.