ACL/CMS Webinars 3/4 and 3/18: Bridging the Digital Divide for HCBS Beneficiaries (Parts I and II)

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) has left many older adults and people with disabilities grieving the loss of close relationships and a sense of community due to physical distancing orders, staffing shortages, and the closing of day programs. All this takes a considerable toll on their physical and mental well-being.

The transition to telemedicine and virtual services in place of in-person services has helped expand care to millions. However, without the skills, resources and supports to get online and participate in digital forums, many older adults and people with disabilities are more isolated than ever. This “digital divide” affects their ability to obtain life-saving health information, medical services, procure basic goods and services, address social determinants of health (employment, education, transportation), and stay connected. 

It is uncertain when in-person services will resume to pre-pandemic levels. Yet technology solutions may provide opportunities such as: socialization, the ability to address disability and language related barriers, tools to manage chronic diseases and promote behavioral change that can be implemented now and preserved after the end of the PHE to supplement and support in-person services.

This two part webinar series provides HCBS stakeholders a holistic framework to address 5 key areas:

Part I (March 4, 2021)

1. Awareness and Leadership: Leadership, funding, enact policies, public engagement, stakeholder mobilization  
2. Beneficiary and provider: Assessing technology needs/opportunities, engagement, education, and supports
3. Barriers: Identifying cultural and systemic barriers 

Panelists:

• Kim McCoy Wade, Director, California Department on Aging 
• Emily Shea Tanis, Ph.D., FAAIDD, Co-Director, Policy and Advocacy, Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities, University of Colorado 
• Tannis Hargrove, Project Director, Healthy Community Living, RTC:RURAL, The Rural Institute, University of Montana  
• Tom Kamber, Executive Director & Ex-Officio Board Member, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) & AARP Foundation Pilot “Connecting to Community”  
• Crystal Wren, Social Services Chief II, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Disability Services Division 

Part II (March 18, 2021)

4. Internet: access and affordability
5. Hardware (internet enabled devices - smart phones, tablets) and software/applications: Affordability, accessibility, technical considerations, universal design, setup, ongoing technical supports.

March 18 panelists to be confirmed.

About the Webinar Series 

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) host a monthly webinar series that invites subject matter experts and practitioners from across the home-and-community-based services (HCBS) continuum to share insights and best practices to develop high quality HCBS programs and services.