Maplewood Ward 3 council member, and candidate for mayor, Barry Greenberg, is working on getting five different venues for seniors to learn how to use their tablets/laptops, have internet access, socialize with other seniors, and get coffee and pastries.
Greenberg, reported to 40 South on Monday that he met with a representative of Charter Cable at the Missouri Municipal League about reduced rates (or free) internet service for seniors and children on lunch assistance (so they can do homework at home).
Greenberg said resident, Bob Harsh, told him that the criteria for seniors on Supplementary Security Income is hard to qualify for. Information regarding qualifications can be found here.
Greenberg is working on a ‘Senior Internet Café’ program. He said he spoke with the sales manager at MicroCenter — they have $30 tablets that seniors can use to get emails, read news and surf the net. Greenberg said he might underwrite the first 10 tablets to get it started, but much needs to be done before he can launch the program.
He said Maplewood coffee shops Stone Spiral, La Cosecha, and Foundation Grounds have agreed to provide space, internet access and possibly a discount for seniors who attend.
He’s also looking into a weekly class at the library, and plans to talk with Living Room to see if they are in.
I am curious also. I know there are many seniors that could benefit from learning how to use a tablet and have internet access in order to receive emails, read the news, surf the internet and find out what resources might be available to them. Getting the message out to seniors is difficult since many aren’t connected. I am hoping by creating a social environment in multiple locations that the program can experience a gradual growth as the program gains traction.
That should read “criteria ARE”, unless there’s really only one criterion!
I stand corrected. There are several criteria for qualifying for Supplemental Security Income, and Mr. Harsh was correct that very few of our seniors would qualify for SSI. I will alsopursue other avenues to see if we can better serve anyone who needs, but cannot afford internet access. I understand the the school district has investigated this same issue, and I will be speaking with Nelson Mitten to find out what MRH has already researched and learned.
I’m curious. Who are the seniors who are wanting this program? I think it’s great for the children.
If you’re implying that there are few seniors who would take advantage of this program, this is part of the technology education that few people are providing for seniors. Isolation comes partly from ignorance. And anyone who does not have access to the internet, or does not use it, is missing where the majority of information lies in our age. It may be an unpleasant shift but it’s real and it’s here.
No, Stacey, I am not implying anything. I really am wondering who these seniors are? Has anyone gathered data? A number of people I know (who are seniors) already use the internet, computers, laptops, tablets. Many seniors (I am also wondering what ages are being discussed here), if they weren’t using computers at work, have been introduced to them by children and grandchildren. I’ve seen some older people who aren’t really interested in the internet, or even cell phones (lol), but not for lack of those around them trying to persuade them to adapt to them. I speak as a “senior” who has been using computers since they were initially available for use in the business world, long before laptops even came out.
That’s awesome! It’s so important to have Internet access these days to perform well in school.
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