Los Angeles, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet

Description: Recent wildfires showed that many older adults, including those aging with disabilities, could not reliably receive alerts or take part in emergency planning. World Institute on Disability responded with digital literacy and disaster preparedness workshops for older adults impacted by the fires, supported by an accessible, screen-reader-friendly toolkit for ongoing use. Older adult peer mentors helped guide participants and extend support beyond the sessions. One participant said they had never joined disaster planning because others made safety decisions for them, but the training helped them ask about alerts and communication options. Participants reported greater confidence using technology for alerts, telehealth and coordination, strengthening self-advocacy and readiness for future emergencies.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

New Bern, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet

Description: The program will train older rural residents to use internet tools before and after storms. Participants will gain skills for alerts, telehealth visits and recovery assistance.

Birmingham, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet

Description: Many older adults lacked the digital access and skills needed to receive alerts, reach family and neighbors and find reliable information during storms and other emergencies. That gap increased risk and left some residents less connected to local readiness efforts. Beanstalk addressed the problem by providing tablets and leading hands-on trainings tied to real emergency tasks. Participants learned to set up contacts, enable security features and use preparedness apps for weather alerts and local hazard updates. They practiced sending messages and checking alerts so those steps felt routine. The effort built confidence and created peer support: several attendees began helping others during sessions. One participant said, "I finally feel like Im catching up with the world again... Now I dont feel as isolated. I feel safer." The project expanded a base of tech-ready volunteers who can help neighbors stay informed and communicate when conditions change.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.