Connected Living and Boston Housing Authority Report Residents Graduates of Computer Training Course
Aug 03, 2011 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Connected Living and the Boston Housing Authority announced that after 12 weeks of intensive courses, 92 residents from three BHA properties successfully completed the Connected Living computer training program.
According to a release, the 12-week program included computer classes that supported residents at a variety of competency levels. Each class was taught by a Connected Living Community Program Manager, also known as an Ambassador. Once residents completed the 12-week program and passed a broadband assessment, they received a certificate of broadband independence, which serves as a voucher for a new computer. Based on housing and income requirements, each participant may be eligible to receive Comcast Internet connection in their apartment for up to 12 months. "We have a commitment to keeping our elderly residents connected to the online world," said Mayor Thomas Menino. "This program allows a new generation to experience all the benefits of technology." As a sub-recipient of the City of Boston's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant for sustainable broadband adoption, Connected Living launched the computer training program in three BHA elderly and disabled public housing developments in April 2011. The grant, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, works to increase broadband internet adoption in Boston's low-income areas. Connected Living launched in these BHA properties to help seniors and people with disabilities connect online through an easy-to-use web-based portal combined with personal training and support from an Ambassador.
"We are so proud of all the BHA graduates. They are excited to get online and stay connected," said Sarah Hoit, CEO and co-founder of Connected Living. "Connected Living is transforming their lives; the program is opening up a world of opportunity and ensuring that they aren't left behind in the digital age." "We're very excited that our residents have had the opportunity to participate in this program," said BHA Administrator Bill McGonagle. "We hope that the skills they've learned here will allow them to successfully use emerging technology in the future." Each graduation program will feature a small speaker segment along with a certificate presentation ceremony. The graduation schedule is the Rockland Towers in West Roxbury graduation on Aug. 10 at 2 p.m., and St. Botolph in Back Bay graduation on Aug. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Connected Living, formerly My Way Village, combines technology with high-touch personal support.