“Easter Seals Greater Houston’s Adult Programs put hope within reach for adults, seniors, Veterans, and Service Members. The diverse services provide participants opportunities to live, learn, work, and play as a vital part of their own community. In addition, these valuable programs offer respite, support, and education for family members and caregivers.”
–ESGH “Adult Services” web page
Easter Seals Greater Houston (ESGH) offers a variety of adult programs, including day care, bowling, and special outings. Today, however, we’re focusing on a relatively new program—digital-skills training—that was created with a Comcast grant and has allowed BridgingApps to become more directly involved in adult services.
The opportunity for BridgingApps to provide these sessions was made possible by our good friends at Comcast Houston and our board member Misha McClure. We are so grateful! –Cristen Reat, BridgingApps Program Director
Comcast has been very generous with their funding. Because of this latest grant, we’ve been able to expand the number of people served by the Adult Program. It’s an opportunity for these adults [with disabilities] to get out of their houses, and socialize, and learn from each other. –Tara Rocha, BridgingApps Digital Learning Specialist and Adult Program digital trainer
Learning (and Teaching) Is Fun
The program never lacks enthusiastic learners. Thanks to Matt Ritch, ESGH’s Adult Program Coordinator, for sharing these participant comments:
- “Having Tara come is great! Sometimes I don’t know what’s going on with my devices. Tara has been helping me out.”
- “Thank you, Tara and Comcast, for making this possible! I didn’t know there was so much that technology can do to help!”
And from Tara: “I’m still learning about the Adult Program myself: I’ve only gone a few times so far, on different days at different locations with a lot of different people. But several of them know me already. Some have even said, ‘let me know what when Tara’s coming, so I can make sure and come’ on the same day. And it’s fun meeting Easter Seals clients that I don’t always get to see.”
About Digital Literacy
How important is it for Adult Program participants (and others) to become “literate” in basic digital skills? Consider that digital literacy is now a standard aspect of:
- Using assistive technology
- Scheduling/keeping meetings and appointments (even in-person appointments frequently request online and/or QR sign-in)
- Getting driving (or walking) directions
- Completing a college degree
- Conducting effective job searches
- Staying in touch with friends and family
For those tempted to groan at the “trouble” of learning new skills, remember this bit of wisdom: “You don’t ‘have to’ do it. You get to do it.” Learning (and being able to learn) is a privilege.
Consider also that digital technology has made it easier to customize lessons for individual learners, many of whom are frustrated by one-size-fits-all teaching approaches. Tara Rocha, who has over 15 years of teaching experience, comments that “I’ve learned a lot about the importance of variety. You’ve always got students with different learning styles.”
Putting It All Together
One of Tara’s goals for the Adult Program (and other groups she teaches): “I want the people we work with to be able to go to one place and find the information they need on digital skills, or on the different programs we offer. I’ve been collecting resources and making workbooks: course outlines and schedules, apps that I’ll share in class, homework. I love a handbook that includes everything.”
Perfect for a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston, where we pride ourselves on including services for every client’s individual needs.