Meet OAI's Digital Inclusion Specialist
OAI's Digital Inclusion Specialist, Malarie Burgess, is paving the way for a more connected Howard County. As the Digital Inclusion Specialist, Malarie advocates for increased access to technology and build out the skills to use it. These efforts are part of the Transform Howard Initiative, and align with Howard County’s move toward being an Age-Friendly community, addressing challenges noted in the Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan.
Senior Planet
Howard County’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is a proud partner of the Senior Planet program. Senior Planet is the flagship program of the national nonprofit Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP that harnesses technology to enhance the way we age.
The Office on Aging and Independence will offer a variety of courses, programs, and activities to help older adults learn new skills, save money, access health information, make new friends, and so much more!
How Safe is Your Data?
Senior Planet: Connecting to the Internet Workshop
Wednesday, June 7th
1:30PM
DCRS, 9830 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia MD
Not always sure if your internet-enabled devices are connected to the internet? In this hands-on workshop, we’ll go over how to check the WiFI connection on your PC, iPhone, or Android smartphone. We’ll also cover how to use the hotspot from your smartphone and best practices for password protection and connecting to public WiFi.
Limited to 8 participants - REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Online registration here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search/detail/127006?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&locale=en-US
ACP Enrollment Event
Thursday, June 15th
1:30PM
North Laurel 50+ Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel MD
Office on Aging and Independence welcomes all qualifying older adult residents of Howard County to register for an appointment at our event. To reserve a time or if you have other questions, please call 410-313-6542 or email [email protected]
Smartphone Photography
Tuesday, June 20th at
11:00AM
North Laurel 50+ Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD 20723
Interested in learning more about your smartphone camera? Come to this lecture to explore your smartphone’s camera and some features like recording video, adding filters to pictures, and using your camera’s timer! We’ll also go over some basic tips for taking good selfies, selecting backgrounds, and using optimal lighting. This presentation will cover Android and iPhone.
TO REGISTER call 410-313-6542 or REGISTER HERE
Internet of Things
Thursday, June 22nd
1:30PM
Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 MD-97, Cooksville, MD 21723
This lecture provides an overview of the vast world of the Internet of Things and discusses best practices for keeping your devices secure. Learn about how consumer devices communicate with each other across this ecosystem and which of your devices are part of the Internet of Things. You’ll also find out about the technology that is fueling smart homes and smart cities.
TO REGISTER call 410-313-6542 or REGISTER HERE
Are you great with technology and have a passion for community service? Apply to become a 'Senior Planet' trainer today!
Use this interactive map to local free wi-fi hotspots around Howard County.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
ACP Application Enrollment Assistance Events:
Thursday, June 11
1:30PM
North Laurel 50+ Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel MD 20723
FREE
Howard County Office on Aging and Independence welcomes all qualifying older adult residents of Howard County to sign up for an appointment at our regional application assistance event. In addition to getting help with the application process, we will have various internet/wireless service providers available for you to learn more about/set up your service. Call 410-313-6542 or email [email protected] to reserve a spot or if you have questions about eligibility.
Thursday, July 27
1:30PM
East Columbia 50+ Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia MD 21045
FREE
Howard County Office on Aging and Independence welcomes all qualifying older adult residents of Howard County to sign up for an appointment at our regional application assistance event. In addition to getting help with the application process, we will have various internet/wireless service providers available for you to learn more about/set up your service. Call 410-313-6542 or email [email protected] to reserve a spot or if you have questions about eligibility.
Transform Howard was launched on May 24, 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the initiative is to transform Howard County into a national model for innovation and digital inclusion by ensuring all residents can access the digital world and the opportunity it brings.
Please contact OAI’s Digital Inclusion Specialist, Malarie Burgess at 410- 313-6542 (voice/relay) or [email protected].