Press Release: 4/17/2026

Elder Services of Worcester Area Awarded Devices To Increase Technological Access Among Older Adults

 

This April, we at Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. (ESWA) are proud to share that we have been awarded 300 devices to help strengthen technological access and connection for older adults across Central Massachusetts. Through the Connected and Online Program, a statewide initiative led by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute(MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), we received 200 Dell tablets and 100 Dell laptops to distribute throughout our service area.

These devices will be shared across the region through our Tech Connect Program, in collaboration with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. To support the strong launch of this initiative, we are also partnering with the Worcester Housing Authority to offer pilot technology classes designed to support successful technology integration, increase usability, and build digital confidence among older adults.

Yaw Boateng, ESWA’s Tech Connect Supervisor expressed that “These devices will further advance ESWA’s mission of promoting independence among older adults and will expand the reach of our Tech Connect program, enabling us to support more individuals across the Greater Worcester area through digital navigation services.”

The Connected & Online Program is part of a $28.5 million statewide effort to distribute more than 26,000 internet enabled devices to organizations across Massachusetts. The initiative focuses on expanding access to education, workforce development, and health care services, with special attention given to Gateway Cities and rural communities.

MBI Program Executive Jody Jones shared via MBI’s press release, “MBI is expanding access to devices in order to empower residents and enable them to take full advantage of opportunities in today’s economy. By putting devices in people’s hands, we are opening up new pathways to trainings and resources that can accelerate careers.”

We are honored to be a recipient of this meaningful initiative. Increasing digital access directly supports our mission to help older adults maintain independence, dignity, and connection within their communities. We are excited to put these devices to work and look forward to the positive impact they will have on the older adults we serve.

About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech

A division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is working to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, MBI uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high-speed internet access as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training.

Learn more at broadband.masstech.org.