Technology Resources
Technology is useful when it works and you know how to use it. Learning to use technology can take some time and be frustrating. There are many organizations that offer free help with technology issues. Many public benefits, medical providers, and social programs use technology to allow access to a broader audience. Understanding how to use technology can ease anxiety around its use and allow you to stay connected. Below are a few places to go for help when you’re trying to use technology that isn’t cooperating.
Public Libraries
Many of the public libraries in Wisconsin have not only technology available for you to use, but may offer classes or one-on-one tech support. They may have classes available to help you learn how to use the internet, a laptop, or even your smartphone. Some even offer time slots to meet with someone to walk through technology issues. If you don’t have internet or a computer, you can use theirs for free. Call or visit your local library to see what technology support they offer.
United Way
United Way offers a program called Techquity that focuses on developing digital skills, tech support, and connecting individuals with technology and the internet. They have navigators available to help one-on-one with technology issues like setting up the internet. They can troubleshoot technology issues and help walk you through issues. They also help connect people with low-cost internet access and laptop computers. Find a navigator near you at https://www.techquitywi.org/digital-navigator or look up more information about this program at https://www.techquitywi.org/.
Cell Phone Providers
If you have issues with your cell phone, you should call or visit your cell phone provider. They are there to help with technical issues and to answer your questions. They can walk you through issues and help solve problems related to your cell phone or cell phone service.
AARP
AARP offers free online classes on a variety of topics. They offer classes about technology. You can learn about online safety, online scams, cell phones, and artificial intelligence, or AI. Once you learn more about technology and get comfortable with it, you can take other online classes like a stretch class or join an online discussion on aging. You can find a class on SeniorPlanet at https://seniorplanet.org/classes?page=1.
Cyber-Seniors
Cyber-Seniors is an online nonprofit organization that offers technology support and online classes. This organization offers one-on-one technology support phone calls. They also provide online classes to help update technology skills. To learn more about this organization go to https://cyberseniors.org/.
Utilize these free technology resources to solve technology issues and build your technology skills. Understanding technology will help you stay connected and ensure that you use technology safely. Build confidence using technology to utilize telehealth appointments, request prescription refills online, sign up and manage health benefits on your cell phone, pay bills online, learn something new in an online class, and connect with loved ones or new friends online.
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