AT&T Kicks Off California 'Digital You' Tour To Help Bridge The Technology Skills Gap Among Older Adults

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Building off AT&T's commitment to help bridge the technology skills gap, the company today kicked-off a series of hands-on technology training workshops designed to help empower older adults to use mobile technology and fully participate in today's digital society. The statewide tour is part of AT&T's new digital literacy initiative, Digital You, which provides online tools, apps and resources for people of all ages to learn more about how to have a safe and secure online experience. The Digital You technology training workshops were developed in collaboration with the OASIS Institute.

The series of workshops aims to help older adults learn how to better use and make the most of tablets and smartphones, and discover how broadband and mobile technology can help improve their lives. The tour kicked-off today at the Norman Park Senior Center in Chula Vista and will include more than 20 additional workshops across California hosted in collaboration with leading senior organizations including: Agency for Aging / Area 4, El Dorado County Seniors, Janet Goeske Senior Center, Keiro Senior HealthCare, Lincoln Heights Senior Citizens Center, Monterey County Meals on Wheels Sally Griffin Senior Center, Pasadena Senior Center, San Diego OASIS, Self-Help for the Elderly and many others. All workshops are free and provide hands-on experience with tablets and smartphones.

"Digital literacy is critical not only to California's economy, but to the personal and professional development of all Californians," said California State Senator Ben Hueso. "AT&T is educating all walks of life through its Digital You technology training workshops. I am excited to be part of this event and see our residents learn the skills, knowledge and principles of computer devices and networks that will help them successfully navigate through the digital world."

Reports released in 2014 from the Pew Internet and American Life project show that while the majority of adults ages 65 and over are already using the Internet (59%) and cell phones (77%), a significant number say they would like assistance when it comes to using new digital devices. According to the report, 77% of older adults indicated that they need someone to help walk them through the process of using a new technology device such as a smartphone or tablet.

"Broadband and mobile technologies help everyone stay connected with the people and interests they love, and the information and resources they need," said Ken McNeely, President of AT&T California. "AT&T's California Digital You tour will help ensure that more older adults have the skills and confidence they need to take full advantage of today's technology and the many websites, apps and resources that can help improve their lives."

Information and resources to help older adults – and people of all ages – use mobile devices, navigate the Internet, recognize scams, keep private information secure, back up data and more is available on the Digital You website at: http://digitalyou.att.com/. To request information about upcoming Digital You workshops in California, contact Gwen Oldham at [email protected] or 415.939.6912.

About Philanthropy and Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. In 2014, nearly $127 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T's signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) helps millions of people and businesses around the globe stay connected through leading wireless, high-speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. We're helping people mobilize their worlds with state-of-the-art communications, entertainment services and amazing innovations like connected cars and devices for homes, offices and points in between. Our U.S. wireless network offers customers the nation's strongest LTE signal and the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network. We offer the best global wireless coverage. We're improving how our customers stay entertained and informed with AT&T U-verse^® TV and High Speed Internet services. And businesses worldwide are serving their customers better with AT&T's mobility and highly secure cloud solutions.

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