As a growing number of senior citizens are at risk of social isolation due to the digital divide, Cleveland Clinic has partnered with DigitalC to launch a free Computer Literacy Training Course for Seniors. Through a collaborative effort between Cleveland Clinic and DigitalC, local seniors are acquiring the knowledge and technology to stay connected. The community partners piloted a programme in 2023 to provide free computer literacy training to residents aged 60 and over.
DigitalC facilitated an eight-week course at Cleveland Clinic’s Langston Hughes Community Health and Education Center in Cleveland as part of the initiative. Topics included essential laptop operation and safe internet browsing. After completing the class, participants were given the laptops they used during training, which helped expand their digital literacy beyond the classroom. To date, the programme has completed three cohorts with over 30 participants.
Carol Revels, 75, a retired State of Ohio employee, was one of 10 participants in the most recent cohort. For Revels, the computer training not only equipped her with the knowledge to safeguard herself against online scams but also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie. “I learned to be aware of misspellings within words, to be cautious of unfamiliar links, and to look for the little lock symbol and ‘HTTPS’ in the website address,” Revels said. “These are small details, but they make a big difference in staying safe online.”
Speaking about the development, Vickie Eaton Johnson, Senior Vice-President & Chief Community Officer at Cleveland Clinic, said:
Digital access plays a vital role in the overall health and well-being of a community’s residents. It affects an individual’s access to education, health information, care, employment and economic opportunities. We are grateful to collaborate with DigitalC to offer a program that connects our neighbours with the skills and devices they need and empowers them to thrive in the ever-evolving digital world, inspiring hope and a brighter future.
The computer literacy class builds on the work that Cleveland Clinic and DigitalC have done to address systemic disparities in digital access. In 2020, TransDigm Group Inc. and The Lubrizol Foundation collaborated to bring broadband service to the Fairfax neighbourhood. The project successfully connected over 160 families to high-speed internet, a testament to the positive impact of our collective efforts on the community, fostering optimism and encouragement.
Cleveland Clinic was at the forefront of modern medicine when it was first organized as a multi-specialty group practice in 1921. From a small outpatient clinic, it has grown to become the world’s first integrated international health system. With more than 65,000 caregivers worldwide, the Clinic has almost 6 million patient visits per year at more than 200 locations.
Joshua Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer of DigitalC, commented:
As the only internet service provider headquartered in Cleveland, DigitalC is dedicated to improving digital access and skills for our seniors. Through this significant partnership with Cleveland Clinic, we empower Fairfax seniors to connect, access vital resources, and enhance their sense of community through technology.
DigitalC’s commitment is to make the best internet in Cleveland accessible and ubiquitous, tearing down barriers with its revolutionary approach. It is not just a name; it’s a pledge to be bold, knowledgeable, innovative, and omnipresent. The platform aims to shape the future by redefining connectivity and creating an equitable digital future, one connection at a time.
