D.C. Senior iPad Program

The D.C. Senior iPad Program provides life-changing social services and access to peers for more than 1,500 D.C. seniors – a population left behind by the digital divide.

A group of participants and trainers gather after a Senior iPad Program training session at the library.

Changing Lives Through Technology

The D.C. Senior iPad Program is administered by WildTech through a grant from the District of Columbia Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) to provide free iPads, training, programming, and support to seniors who lack computers. Founded to combat social isolation among homebound seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the iPad Program has become a lasting lifeline for the 1,500 and growing seniors we serve.

WildTech enrolled, provided iPads, and trained more than 400 D.C. seniors in 2021. In 2022, WildTech brought an additional 1,000 D.C. seniors into the program.

After learning how to use their iPads, seniors participate in advanced tech classes, senior-led presentations, and social hours. Guest speakers are also brought in to educate senior participants about services available in D.C. We conduct more than 14 hours of live programming via Zoom weekly, giving ample opportunities to reduce social isolation. Many participants tell us the daily engagement and access to resources has been life-changing.

Take a Closer Look

Benefits of the Program

  • We provide social interaction for isolated seniors 5 times a week.
  • We provide technology that helps seniors connect with friends, family, government services, medical assistance, and community groups.
  • Our seniors report that they use their iPads to read books, listen to music, attend religious services, order groceries, watch movies, take pictures, and read news.
  • The Senior iPad Program follows WildTech's 6 Pillars of Digital Equity.
Two Seniors attend an iPad Training Class through WildTech

We're Making a Difference

74

Average age of Senior iPad Program participants

97%

Participants who use their iPad at least 3x week

74%

Participants who use their iPad at least 5x week

66%

of participants experienced increased socialization

What Participants Are Saying

“During the training, I was like a kid in a candy store! I learned so many things; how to read emails, create a split-screen, how to download a virtual background in Zoom, and how to join the Zoom classes in two different ways! If I didn't have something else to do that day, I would have stayed to learn more! I told the library trainers I would be back and since then I have bought a portable mini-desk for my tablet."
Karen Watson, iPad Program Participant

Karen Watson

“When I first started, some were starting at the same time. I was looking into their eyes and could tell they were lonely, just like me, and looking for attention. Now that I’ve been in the program since August, they’re smiling and talking. Now they ask “wait a moment” and are able to articulate what they’re doing. It’s a gift and a lifeline for us. Too many people don’t know that when seniors get our age, there aren’t people sitting and talking with you. I’m not a phone person. Since I can see and hear people, it has helped me be able to converse more.”
iPad Program Participant uses iPad device during training session

Gracie Webb

"I just enjoy this beautiful program! It has meant a lot to me since I have been on bed rest for the last few months. Thank you for providing this for people who need to see smiling faces everyday."
Ann Dennis, Senior iPad Program Participant

Ann Dennis

We Serve Large Numbers

Our adaptable program simultaneously serves large numbers of seniors in both group and one-on-one sessions while also providing customized accessibility solutions for those needing specialized support.

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Help Desk calls answered: April 2022 - May 2023

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Class attendances: April 2022 - May 2023

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Hour-long, 1:1 training sessions held with seniors: April 2022 - May 2023
WildTech's Senior iPad Program is made possible by a grant from DACL
Supported by the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living