Keep Us Connected 2022 Campaign
Campaign Update
In the Keep Us Connected 2022 Campaign, we asked the City for $3.5 million a year for two years (2022-2024) to strengthen and expand SF Connected Programs beyond current baseline funding to close the digital divide for people with disabilities and older adults.
These are the results…
With the budget process now completed, the following funds were directed toward programs committed to bridging the digital divide:
$350,000 for digital access and training from the Dignity Fund Annual Allocation
$75,000 to help senior centers provide “hybrid” programming (onsite and virtual)
$200,000 this year and $100,000 next year for digital access and training from the Board of Supervisors add-back process
In addition, the State of California is sending $1.1 million to DAS this fall for digital inclusion efforts and there were other increases in tech-related funding tied to specific projects.
Thank you for being one of 1000+ people who signed petitions in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog.
Next steps include:
drafting a resolution on digital equity to better identify allies on the Board of Supervisors committed to moving this issue forward; and
identifying other City departments and ask them to demonstrate their commitment to digital equity.
1000+
Thank you getting the word out to your friends and neighbors and for making presentations to around the City.
Thank you for writing letters to your Supervisors.
We couldn’t have done it without you!
BUDGET PROPOSAL
We are asking for $3.5 million a year for two years (2022-2024) to strengthen and expand SF Connected Programs beyond current baseline funding to close the digital divide for people with disabilities, older adults, and other impacted communities. The Keep Us Connected 2022 Campaign builds on the recent findings from the 2021 Empowered San Francisco Technology Needs Assessment, and would fund items needed as part of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan through the Dept. of Disability and Aging Services.
Broadband Internet Access. $300,000
Increase the number of free or low-cost internet options to ensure that residents with disabilities and older adults have access to high-speed, reliable and affordable internet.
Digital Services and Equipment $525,000
Increase the number of free or affordable devices to SF residents with disabilities and older adults, including those with obsolete 3G cell phones.
Equip Sites for Hybrid Programming $75,000
Provide sites with needed equipment and support to host hybrid activities.
Assistive Technology $200,000
Increase the availability of free or low-cost assistive technology (AT) equipment, tools and devices that allow individuals with disabilities to live with greater independence.
Technical Support $300,000
Expand technical assistance programs to assist individuals in using and maintaining their devices and internet, from initial set-up and online tech support (in multiple languages & at sites), including repair and loan programs, and AT options.
Basic Training for New Users $200,000
Grow the number of free new user digital literacy classes in multiple languages and accessible formats designed to support older adults and people with disabilities.
Outreach and Engagement $200,000
Expand outreach materials and strategies to raise awareness of available digital resources and to better coordinate efforts to close the digital divide in San Francisco.
Digital Literacy Staff $1,050,000
Provide more one-on-one training and classes; hire more computer trainers, tutors, and volunteer coordinators, a majority of whom could be seniors and adults with disabilities ($575,000).
Grow the number of bi-lingual trainers and tutors, and those experienced with assistive technology, to better reach those with loss of vision, hearing, dexterity or other disabilities ($300,000).
Provide train-the-trainer workshops to ensure service providers have basic assistive technology (AT) knowledge and can provide AT support to patrons with disabilities ($175,000).
Digital Inclusion Pilots $500,000
Continue current successful pilots that are focused on equity and inclusion for individuals and communities historically left behind; identify and launch new pilot opportunities.
Expand access to telehealth tools and resources in order to improve linkage to healthcare providers and community health resources.
Launch a Digital Navigator pilot program in partnership with libraries, social service agencies and healthcare organizations.
Language Access & Accessibility $100,000
Increase the number of digital inclusion resources in multiple languages and accessible formats (Braille, large-print, ASL, captioning) to ensure that non-English speakers and diverse people with disabilities can access digital inclusion resources.
Program Evaluation $50,000
Conduct an evaluation of program outcomes; different intervention models; and user experiences.
There are people who live totally alone and they don’t have anybody to help them. And we need to get training for our own benefit, to improve our way of life and be able to learn more about technology.”
Older Latinx Adult (Empowered SF Tech Needs Assessment)
