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. 

Digital Inclusion Specialist

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!

Senior Planet Cover Photo
Information and Resources
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Upcoming Classes and Events
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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

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search/detail/126762?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

 

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

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search/detail/126233?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

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Become a Senior Planet Trainer
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Are you great with technology and have a passion for community service? Apply to become a 'Senior Planet' trainer today! 

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Howard County's Free Wi-Fi Hotspots
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Use this interactive map to local free wi-fi hotspots around Howard County.

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Affordable Connectivity Program
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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.

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Transform Howard Initiative
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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.

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Have Questions or Need Assistance?
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Please contact OAI’s Digital Inclusion Specialist, Malarie Burgess at 410- 313-6542 (voice/relay) or [email protected]

 

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