Digital Connecting Corps
About the Program
The Digital Connecting Corps (DCC) is an Eastern Michigan University (Occupational Therapy and Engage@EMU ) initiative that seeks to implement and maintain an intergenerational and sustainable digital support program for older adults living in Washtenaw County. Our goal is to utilize the resources of the EMU’s Occupational Therapy student capital to consistently serve as tech coaches for the older adult community at Washtenaw County older adult and community centers.
Goals and Outcomes of the Program
- Digital Literacy and Training
- Technology and Access
- Community Impact
Through the three prongs of this program, we anticipate to increase our county’s older adult digital access and literacy. All while providing a mechanism for older adults to learn needed technology to decrease social isolation.
Programming Information
How did we start?
Engage@EMU at Eastern Michigan University and the Ginsberg Center at University of Michigan collaboratively created an intergenerational plan to help bridge this digital divide. A survey was shared with three Washtenaw County older adult centers (Ypsilanti, Chelsea, and Milan) to see what the critical needs were. From this, we were able to identify how to meet the needs of the senior centers.
The Occupational Therapy program at Eastern Michigan University trains students in working with older adults and clinical practice. These students are then utilized to serve as technology coaches at the various sites.
Each center was able to reach out to its members (via phone or computer) to offer services such as technology training. As a result, we were able to collaborate with various senior centers across Washtenaw County and serve the older adult population. We have been able to continue this relationship with the centers to provide ongoing programming and support.
Where are we now?
We are currently accepting new participants for Summer 2025. Reach out to [email protected] or (313) 365-0488 to register. Eligible participants must be 55 years of age or older and reside in Washtenaw County.
We currently host two cohorts of technology training sessions; one at the Ypsilanti Senior Center and the other at Ypsilanti Township Community Center. Prior to the sessions, each participant is consulted to discuss their technology goals, things they struggle with and what they would like to learn. These typically include: Internet setup, technology device use, smartphone camera use, smartphone app use, social media setup, email setup, and more.
How does the DCC work?
The program is taught by EMU’s Occupational Therapy students. Over the course of 8-10 weeks, the participants and tech coaches meet weekly for a two hour class at the designated center. The class begins with understanding laptop basics and fundamentals such as accessibility. The classes cover a variety of topics, but consistently review Google, Gmail, Online Shopping/ Grocery/ Pharmacy, Youtube/ Music, and Google Calendar. During the tech sessions, we also review phone basics and connecting your phone to your laptop.
After the sessions are complete, the older adult participants will receive an electronic and hard copy of what they learned should they need to access this in the future. The participants also have the option to re-enroll if they would like to learn additional technology skills.
New Program Developments and Opportunities
We are currently in the pilot phase of our home-bound program. We have partnered with Ann Arbor Meals of Wheels to connect with individuals who may not be able to leave their home. We will be providing an initial in-home set up session for home-bound individuals, where we will be providing them with access to all the resources and teaching them to access Zoom.
We will be hosting weekly Zoom support sessions that cover the same topics as the community centers. Individuals will be able to drop into the sessions to ask questions and learn more skills with the support of a tech coach.
Key to program sustainability will be the co-design of a Center-driven computer distribution process and one that provides some revenue generation (e.g. older adult center free rental, pay rental to ensure future purchases, etc.). Generating minimal revenue will assist Centers in supporting future computer maintenance through Digital Inclusion.
Compliance and Accountability
Students sign an Agreement Form attesting that they are committing to this project for at least one semester. Students will also complete an I-9, Background Check, Student Handbook Review, and Data Security/Confidentiality Review prior to their start date.
Resources
Check out these free resources available to our older adult community:
GetSetUp aims to enrich older adults' lives with lifelong learning, social events that combat loneliness and isolation, and wellness classes that get them moving more and eating better. They offer a number of live, interactive sessions for older adults, and MDHHS is currently providing GetSetUp classes to Michiganders age 60 and above for free! Use the coupon code: MICHIGANHEALTH while booking your class which will waive your fee for PAID classes.
Senior Planet from AARP harnesses technology to change the way we age. Their courses, programs, and activities help older adults learn new skills, save money, and make new friends. The events hosted by Senior Planet are available at locations nationwide, online, and are open to anyone 60 and older.
- Reframing Aging is a long-term stigma reduction initiative designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. DCC Program Managers have attended the Reframing Aging workshops as well. Check out their site for great resources to help tell a new story about what aging looks like.
Media Coverage
Contact Us
Program Director: Dr. Alicia Jones [email protected]
Graduate Assistant: Ana-Maria Gramisteanu [email protected]
Questions/ Registration: Email [email protected]
Call or text: 734-487-6570 (EMU Engage)
Find us on Instagram: @digitalconnectingcorps
Partnerships and Sponsorships
Ypsilanti Senior Center
Ypsilanti Township Community Center
Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels
Michigan Health Endowment Fund
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Verizon
This is a truly collaborative effort in partnership with educational and nonprofit organizations in Washtenaw County. We are always looking for more partners that can help us increase the capacity for the DCC. If you or your organization is interested in partnering, please fill out this Partnership Interest Form.