Eighth Annual Digital Inclusion Week Being Celebrated Nationwide October 7-11
BOSTON, Mass., Oct. 9. 2024 – In the spirit of ‘Stronger Together: Mobilizing Towards Sustainability,’ Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly (LBFE Boston), a leader in digital equity for older adults, marks Digital Inclusion Week by beginning delivery of free laptops and weekly instruction to its fall 2024 program participants in Boston’s public/affordable senior housing and senior centers and making digital access a reality for those who need it most.
In addition, highlighting mutual support for creating a more equitable society through digital inclusion, the City of Boston, at the request of LBFE Boston, an Age Strong Commission partner, will light up City Hall in teal at sunset on Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
Digital inclusion encompasses three critical areas: affordable internet, access to suitable devices, and digital skills training—essentials still out of reach for millions of Americans. “This week serves as an opportunity to celebrate the progress made, be visible and raise awareness, and extend our reach within the community,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, Executive Director of LBFE Boston.
Through its signature program, Digital Dividends, and its comprehensive approach to relieving isolation and loneliness among older adults, local nonprofit LBFE Boston provides laptops, internet access, and computer instruction free of charge to older adults, necessities that millions of Americans are living without. Since its launch during the pandemic in 2021, Digital Dividends has doubled its program sites.
“LBFE Boston continues to expand our work supporting older adults, especially those who face economic and linguistic barriers, in accessing devices, internet connectivity, and training and support,” continued Wilkerson. “We’re proud to be part of efforts across Boston and Massachusetts to bridge the digital divide and to create a more equitable landscape for everyone.”
In alignment with our mission and this year’s Digital Inclusion Week theme of “Stronger Together: Mobilizing Towards Sustainability,” LBFE Boston extends an invitation to advocates, policymakers, community leaders, educators, researchers, and all committed to digital equity, to help make this Digital Inclusion Week a seminal moment in our ongoing efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the digital resources they need to fully participate in society.
For more information, please visit our website lbfeboston.org or contact Jean DeMayo, Director of Development & Marketing, jdemayo.bos@littlebrothers.org, 617-993-4831.
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About LBFE Boston: LBFE Boston is a 45-year-old community-based nonprofit that helps relieve and prevent social isolation by bringing intergenerational, digital equity, and arts programs to older adults in public/affordable senior housing and community centers. For more information, visit lbfeboston.org.
About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 1,800 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.