New program delivers practical training on how to use tablets and other mobile technologies
Halifax, Nova Scotia – February 19, 2015 – The Nova Scotia Community Access Program (NSCAP) is launching a new initiative aimed at providing seniors with skills and confidence in using mobile technologies. The program, called “Connecting older adults with mobile technology” officially launches today across the province. Development of the program was completed thanks to a $58,650 grant from the .CA Community Investment Program, which provides funding for projects that enhance the Internet for the benefit of all Canadians.
“Connecting older adults with mobile technology” will ensure older adults can easily find and make use of online information and communicate using mobile devices. The program provides orientation, training, and support in the use of these technologies. There are currently 167,000 people over the age of 65 in Nova Scotia, and NSCAP hopes to reach as many people as possible by offering this program in community-based CAP sites all across the province.
“We want to meet older adults where they are, both geographically and in terms of their skill level,” says Eric Stackhouse, Chair of NSCAP. “This program will create a comfortable and supportive learning environment that allows Nova Scotia seniors to safely take advantage of all the Internet has to offer.”
According to new data released from .CA Community Investment Program and Ipsos Reid, 86 per cent of Canadians, including those over 55 (90%) and those caring for a parent over 65 (87%), agree that providing better access to the Internet, along with training on how to use it, would help older Canadians stay better connected to their communities and families.
“It is critical that the benefits of the Internet extend to Canada’s seniors. With basic training and small adaptations, tablets, e-readers and mobile phones can be important sources of information and social connection for those who might be less comfortable with technology,” said David Fowler, Director of Marketing and Communications for .CA. “The .CA Community Investment Program was designed to fund these innovative approaches to digital literacy and inclusion.”
The program will offer beginner, basic, and advanced training options and will include topics such as: choosing the right device, understanding the technology, finding useful applications, and accessing ongoing support.
NSCAP is one of 29 organizations to receive funding in the first year of the .CA Community Investment Program.
For more information on how to register for “Connecting older adults with mobile technology” visit www.nscap.ca or call 1-844-539-9063 (toll free).
If you live in Victoria County and want to take part in the training, contact the Coordinator for Victoria County: Donna MacDonald, 902-725-2760 or email donna@vccaps.com.
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About NSCAP
The Nova Scotia Community Access Program (NSCAP) connects people to technology, training and opportunities to open doors locally, nationally, and worldwide for growth and development. NSCAP has several ongoing province-wide projects such as the introduction of 3D printing, robotics clubs for youth, and small business technology training.
To learn more about NSCAP or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Eric Stackhouse
Chair of NSCAP
902-755-6031
About .CA and the Community Investment Program
Through the Community Investment Program, .CA funds projects that demonstrate the capacity to improve the Internet for all Canadians. The .CA team manages Canada’s country code top-level domain on behalf of all Canadians. A Member-driven organization, .CA represents the interests of Canada’s Internet community internationally.
The second round of the .CA Community Investment Program is now open for applications at http://www.cira.ca.
To learn more about the CIP and to arrange interviews with the .CA Community Investment Program, please contact:
Ryan Saxby Hill Communications Manager for .CA ryan.hill@cira.ca 613-316-2397
Victoria County C@P 