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.
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.
What Participants Are Saying
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.