100 seniors surprised with free laptops at holiday digital safety workshop
A group of local senior citizens from the Town of Babylon and the surrounding communities were surprised with free laptops and backpacks last week, courtesy of AT&T and Morrison Mentors. The telecom company donated 100 devices to be distributed to older adults in the region.
The laptop giveaway was held during the launch of a multi-session digital literacy course for senior citizens on Long Island conducted by Morrison Mentors, supported by a $50,000 contribution from AT&T.
“This initiative represents a vital step toward bridging the digital divide for our senior citizens,” said Babylon Town Councilman DuWayne Gregory. “By providing access to technology and equipping our older residents with the skills they need to safely navigate the digital world, we are empowering them to stay connected, informed, and independent. I commend AT&T and Morrison Mentors for their commitment to fostering digital literacy and improving the quality of life for seniors in our community.”
The inaugural session of the digital literacy course, held at the Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center, focused on online safety and online shopping. The classes, tailored specifically for seniors, offer practical, easy-to-understand strategies to navigate the internet with confidence, thanks to hands-on-training provided by local teenagers. The program emphasizes techniques for identifying and avoiding online threats, empowering participants to shop and browse safely as cyber risks increase during the holiday season.
“We are deeply grateful to AT&T for their generous support and trust in Morrison Mentors to deliver a program that empowers seniors to navigate the online space safely,” said Doron Spleen, executive director of Morrison Mentors. “Together, we are working to ensure that participants gain both critical cybersecurity skills and develop the confidence to fully engage with the digital opportunities available to them.”
According to a report from Aging Connected, it is estimated that nearly 22 million seniors nationwide lack internet connection at home – an issue known as the digital divide. Research by Internet for All, a program of the federal government, 11% of households in New York do not have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world.
“Everyone deserves to be connected and to use the internet safely,” said John Emra, president, AT&T Atlantic Region. “AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Morrison Mentors and the Town of Babylon to do just that and help close the digital equity gap on Long Island. We hope this collaboration provides local seniors the confidence to harness the power of connected technology and make the most out of the digital world..”
