Age-Friendly Technology Guide
About
Since March 2020, older adults have made monumental shifts in their daily lives to keep themselves, and others, safe from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As the population most at risk for serious illness, older adults have sacrificed elements of their regular routines due to the risk of possible infection. Even as businesses and social opportunities moved online, many older adults were left without access simply because they do not have a computer or internet access at home.
Prior to the pandemic, older adults could visit local community centers, libraries, or senior centers to use a computer. However, when those entities shut their doors as well, older adults were left without access to critical services, information, and opportunities such as:
- ordering groceries online,
- accessing telehealth appointments,
- scheduling a COVID-19 vaccination,
- digitally connecting with family and loved ones,
- and online social gatherings and classes.
Since the pandemic began, efforts have been made to get local older adults digitally connected. However, the technology gap still exists. That is why, in an effort to assist older adults in identifying affordable technologies, Computer Reach created the Age-Friendly Technology Guide (PDF).
Access the Tech Guide
To access a printable version, click this link to download the guide as a PDF document.
Click the image to zoom in on the guide.
Click the image to zoom in on the guide.
Guide Information and Links
To view the information online, continue reading below.
Internet
Verizon Fios Fiber
- FiOS Internet Fiber Plan with speeds of 200 Mbps.
- $480 per year (several discounts to reduce $39.99 per month available).
- Call 855-509-5140 x 12685 and ask for “June.”
- Will need to provide your home address to verify if fiber service is available.
- Eligibility based on Seniors, Military, First Responders, Current Verizon Wireless users, Government Support Programs.
Comcast Cable
- Internet Essentials Cable Plan with speeds of 50 Mbps.
- $120 per year (no discounts below $9.95 per month available).
- Call 855-846-8376 to learn more and get signed up.
- Will need to provide your home address to verify if Comcast cable service is available.
- Eligibility for this plan is based on multiple government support programs.
PCs for People WiFi
- Mobile Beacon HotSpot Plan with speeds of 25 Mbps.
- $180 per year (some discounts available if you pay the full year in advance).
- Call 651-354-2552 to learn more and get signed up.
- Will need to provide your home address to verify if Sprint Wifi service is available.
- Eligibility for this plan is based on multiple government support programs.
Technology Devices
Amazon Fire Tablets
- Fire 7 Tablets are available for $50 – $300.
- For assistance, call 888-280-4331.
- View available devices on Amazon.
Apple iPad
- Apple iPads are available for $330 – $1650.
- For assistance, call 800-692-7753.
- View available devices on the Apple website.
GrandPad (Tablet for Older Adults)
- GrandPad Tablets are available for $250.
- For assistance, call 888-545-1425.
- View available devices on the Consumer Cellular website.
Facebook Portal (Smart Video Calling)
- Facebook Portals are available for $130 – $280.
- For assistance, call 866-380-3888.
- View available devices on the Facebook website
Google Nest
- Google Nests are available for $90 – $230.
- For assistance, call 855-469-6378.
- View available devices on the Google website.
Microsoft Surface Tablet
- Microsoft Surface Tablets are available for $250 – $3,000.
- For assistance, call 877-696-7786.
- View available devices on the Microsoft website.
Samsung Galaxy Smartphone
- Samsung Galaxy Smartphones are available for $110 – $670.
- For assistance, call 800-726-7864.
- View available devices on the Samsung website.
Refurbished Apple and PC Computers
- Desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and more are available for $50 – $400.
- For assistance, call 412-444-8816.
- View available devices on the Computer Reach website
Available Training
Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh (Free)
- Virtual Senior Academy, AgeWell
- Phone: 412-697-1186
- Email: helpvsa@jccpgh.org
- Website: jccpgh.org
Community College of Allegheny County (Free)
- Community Education
- Phone: 412-788-7507
- Email: bison@ccac.edu
- Website: ccac.edu
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Free)
- Virtual Classes
- Topics: Safety & Security, DigitalLearn, iPhone and iPad Basics, and more!
- Phone: 412-622-3114
- Email: info@carnegielibrary.org
- Website: carnegielibrary.org
- Virtual Classes
Osher Lifelong Learning Initiative ($125 per term, $225 per year)
- Virtual Classes
- Phone: 412-624-7308
- Email: osher@pitt.edu
Technology Support
University of Pittsburgh (Free)
- Community Computer Help Desk
- Phone: 412-383-0805
- Email: communityhd@pitt.edu
- Website: community.pitt.edu/volunteer/tech-support
East End Tech Concierge ($60 per hour, onsite visits)
- Appointments are available Monday through Friday.
- Karen Kendall
Phone: 412-445-7047
Email: karenkendall@eastendtechconcierge.com
Website: eastendtechconcierge.com
More Information
For questions or more information, contact Computer Reach at 412-444-8816 or info@computerreach.org.
