Izzy Rahl, right, a biology student from Osseo, and Fairhaven resident Marilyn Martin practice using a phone to write texts and make calls. Freshman students in an Honors First-Year Interest Group led by Melissa Deller, a lecturer in Criminology, Anthropology and Sociology, visit Fairhaven retirement community to help seniors learn to use cell phones and other technology on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has awarded the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater $378,400 to support the technology needs of regional older adults and people who have disabilities. The grant funds the newly opened Intergenerational Technology Services, where college students will provide free technology services to community members in four counties in southeastern Wisconsin.
UW-Whitewater will offer a program of services to enhance technology use among people aged 50+ who live in Walworth, Jefferson, Rock, and Waukesha counties. IGeTS is housed at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 W. Main Street, in Whitewater. Services are offered in English and Spanish and include group technology training classes, one-on-one technology support, and telehealth visit support. The center, which will be staffed by a director, university students, and community volunteers, is expected to serve more than 800 people who are enrolled in IRIS, Family Care, Family Care Partnership, or PACE.
Jeannine Rowe, a professor of social work and gerontology at UW-Whitewater who championed the initiative, highlighted its value.
“A challenge for many older adults and older persons with disabilities, especially those who reside in small towns and communities, is how to harness technology for social good and problem-solve technology issues,” said Rowe. “Technology is an outlet to the world. It connects and engages people; it also helps people obtain needed goods and services and receive healthcare services. This program promotes independence. UW-Whitewater is proud to be home to IGeTS and address these technology needs for our region.”
This grant is part of a statewide effort intended to improve Medicaid home and community-based services that help older adults and people who have disabilities. A total of $12.75 million is being awarded to 91 organizations statewide during this round of funding, which was made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act. To learn more about this opportunity and other funded projects, visit the DHS website. Questions about these awards or ARPA funding can be sent to the DHS media team at DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
IGeTS will mark the initiative with an open house from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.
For more information about IGeTS, contact Tanya Mordecai, director of Intergenerational Technology Services, at mordecaitm24@uww.edu or 262-472-1836. Jeannine Rowe, professor of social work and gerontology, can be reached at rowej@uww.edu or 262-472-1162.
Written by Kristine Zaballos
Link to original story: https://www.uww.edu/news/archive/2023-09-igets