CGS at the Aging & Disability Technology Summit – May 15, 2012

To foster broadband technology awareness and access for all local seniors and adults with disabilities, the Mayor’s Office of San Francisco, in collaboration with the Department of Aging and Adult Services, the Department of Technology and the Community Living Campaign, is presenting an Aging and Disability Technology Summit at City Hall on May 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The focus of the summit is the "world of possibilities" using technology.

The California Genealogical Society will be hosting a table with four computers for attendees who are interested in family history. CGS member volunteers will be assisting participants who want to practice using the internet to access ours and other genealogy websites. Member volunteer Mary Beth Frederick will present a "Beginning Genealogy" workshop at 2:15 p.m. Director Pat Gallagher is spearheading our participation.

The Summit will include:

• Informative plenary sessions in the North and South Light Courts of City Hall
• Workshops on a wide range of topics – the What and Why of broadband computer access
• Interactive, hands-on computer niches where people can try out different learning opportunities, including medical research, Facebook, email and more
• Large-scale video displays featuring website demonstrations in which conference attendees can actually participate
• Program and workshop translation offered for Spanish and Cantonese speaking participants

The Summit kicks off a City-wide program of free Internet access and training for seniors and adults with disabilities. Touch-screen computers will be installed in 50 San Francisco non-profit community centers serving these populations. Free, multi-lingual classes and tutoring will be offered by trained volunteers. Computer access, with classes and tutoring, is expected to begin this spring.

The Summit and computer installation, access and training are funded by the City with a federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant.

If you would like more information about the event, sponsorship, ways to volunteer, email summit@sfcommunityliving.org or register online.


Copyright © 2012 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library