AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
World Institute on Disability (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Expanding High-Speed Internet
└ Expanding High-Speed Internet
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Stites, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: The library will lend Wi-Fi hotspots and devices through secure pickup lockers in Stites. Local support will help residents get online for health care and communication.
Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: Older adults at Somerset Villas faced high internet costs and unreliable connections, limiting their ability to reach health information, communicate with family and handle essential online tasks. PCW installed long term free Wi-Fi across all floors, in apartments, common areas and outside seating areas. It also added 14 indoor access points, an outdoor unit and a rooftop antenna. The project initiated digital literacy events, cybersecurity sessions and one on one support visits that helped residents connect devices and build confidence. Some saved money by canceling paid service. One resident celebrated being able to stream familiar TV channels after PCW improved coverage near his unit.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Mount Vernon, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: NewFlex Youth Programs addressed digital skill gaps that left many older adults struggling to use smartphones and tablets for everyday tasks, limiting communication and access to essential services. The project delivered hands-on, one-on-one technology support through intergenerational workshops. Youth interns and students met older adults in familiar community spaces and provided personalized help with messaging, email, apps and device navigation. As the program evolved, structured scheduling and hybrid options expanded access while reinforcing skills already learned. The approach built trust and normalized asking for help, leading to repeat participation and older adults proactively requesting sessions. One participant, a board member age 50 and over, said individualized instruction finally helped her master tasks she had struggled with for years and motivated her to continue learning after receiving a session summary and certificate.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Los Angeles, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Older Asian American Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles faced language and cultural barriers that made public transportation hard to navigate, leaving many isolated. To address this, the group provided in-language travel training, hosted monthly pop-up events at transit hubs and farmers markets and created culturally relevant route maps. Outreach connected with about 4,000 older adults, and volunteers offered one-on-one guidance. The effort secured a five-year city contract to expand language services and influenced policy changes, helping the participants feel connected and empowered with safer, more accessible transit options.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Los Angeles, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The Thai Community Development Center sought to beautify Thailand Plaza, a commercial center along Hollywood Boulevard in Thai Town. The more than 1,000 square feet of metal garage doors making up the plaza's faade were a target for graffiti. To solve this, the Center commissioned two artists to replace the tags with vibrant murals illustrating Thai culture. They also repainted the gates of the nearby Brahmin Shrine in deep black and gold. By doing this, project organizers hope to deter future vandalism in the area, inspire a sense of community and draw new visitors to Thai Town. Locals hailed the project during a celebration marking the district's 20th anniversary.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP California State Office
200 S. Los Robles Avenue
Suite 400
Pasadena, CA 91101
United States