September 7, 2022

Family Resources Newsletter – September 2022

Dear CDA Families,

Digital access is an important part of society today. In fact, most people rely on technology to manage important day to day activities, such as completing schoolwork, finding employment, working from home, and accessing government or other types of assistance. Digital access provides the opportunity for us to interact and communicate with others quickly. However, not everyone has the tools or access that this digital society provides.

While it is not a new concern, COVID-19 magnified the pre-existing gap when schools and businesses were forced to shut down and many students and workers had to quickly transition to distance learning and remote work. Before the pandemic, many people without technology relied on public places and local organizations, such as libraries to access the tools they needed to complete school assignments or apply for employment or other types of assistance. When these places closed, many people were left disconnected. Unfortunately, the gap between those who have digital access and those who do not describes the digital divide and those without digital access are at a disadvantage for educational, economic, and social opportunities.

In response to the digital divide, CDA developed the Connected Families Program and partnered with several community-based organizations to help families overcome digital barriers. The program provides assistance to digital access, training, and other resources to eligible families enrolled in the Alternative Payment program.

If you are interested in enrolling in our Connected Families Program where one of our Family Resource Specialists will work with you to access digital equipment, training, and/or other resources that meet your individual needs, please contact us at familyresources@cdasd.org.

Below are some important resources to help you get and stay connected:

Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.

You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.

San Diego Futures Foundation (SDFF)
SDFF is a nonprofit organization that provides access to digital equipment, education, and resources. In partnerships with SDFF, CDA hosts ongoing digital literacy workshops to help participants enhance their digital literacy skills. Find out more and register for upcoming sessions at https://cdasd.org/workshops/.

Computers 2 Kids (C2K)
C2KSD responds to this digital disparity and the real-world demand for computer literacy through its Technology Assistance Program that recycles and refurbishes used computers and delivers them to families in need. C2K also provides each recipient with education, training and technical support necessary to achieve success. Learn more: https://www.c2sdk.org/

Access 4 All
Helps provide digital access and resources to the community by providing free Wi-Fi and internet access as well as laptop use at select library locations. Learn more: https://www.sandiego.gov/sdaccess

Everyone On
Provides various resources on low-cost internet services and other digital access. Learn more: www.everyoneon.org

San Diego District Attorney’s Office
A variety of parent resources available, including protecting children online.
Learn more: www.sdcda.org/preventing/protecting-children-online/resources


Upcoming Workshops

We have FREE workshops all year round:

  • September 8th (Spanish Session): Alfabetización Digital: Sincronizar el Calendario y la Aplicación Teams en Outlook
  • September 20th (English Session): Childhood Lead Poisoning
  • September 27th (Spanish Session): Envenenamiento Infantil por Plomo

Click the button below for more information and register today:

Workshops


We’re Here to Help

For individualized assistance with resources or referrals, please contact our Family Resources Team via the contact form on our workshops page:

Contact Form

 

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