Digital equity for older adults and people with disabilities in San Francisco

San Francisco Tech Council is a mission-driven, multi-sector initiative that advances digital inclusion for older adults and people with disabilities so all can participate in the City's connected community.

Together, older adults and people with disabilities make up almost one-third of San Francisco's population.

Many lack the internet access, devices, digital literacy, and tech support they need to maintain social connections, access medical care, manage finances, and participate in the life of the City.

The new Plan provides a series of recommendations to bridge the digital divide. These include enhancing internet infrastructure and accessibility, developing a robust device ecosystem, investing in digital literacy and support, ensuring inclusion in design and access, raising awareness, fostering collaboration and partnerships, and securing sustainable funding for ongoing efforts.

SF Digital Equity Plan for Older Adults & Adults with Disabilities

This is what digital inclusion looks like.

Providing tech support in underserved neighborhoods

SF Tech Council, along with members and partners, has conducted over 20 Tech Support Popups for older adults in neighborhoods throughout San Francisco. In 2022 we were the recipients of an AARP Community Challenge grant for these events.

Supporting diverse older adult entrepreneurs

The very first cohort in our Kickstart Your Business @50+ program pitched their business ideas on Demo Day in June 2022. To date, four cohorts of older adults have completed the program.

Reducing social isolation and loneliness with technology

The SF Tech Council has collaborated with community partners in pilots to reduce isolation and loneliness through targeted tech interventions. Learn more about them in this video!

Engaging organizations that serve older adults and/or people with disabilities

The SF Tech Council regularly convenes members and partners on issues at the intersection of technology, aging and disability. At a recent monthly meeting, we featured two startups that focus on tech interventions for older adults and people with disabilities that improve their quality of life.

It starts by breaking down silos.

  • Computer screen with 10 faces in a virtual meeting

    We convene.

    We are the community table around which leaders from the technology and business sectors, city agencies, community-based organizations, philanthropy, and academia come together to share information and solve problems collaboratively.

  • Older adult woman standing against a wall holding a tablet and reading.

    We collaborate.

    We collaborate with community partners to conduct pilots and support projects that harness technology and innovation to find out works in different segments of these populations.

  • Two older women with masks on holding a sign that reads "Keep Us Connected." The woman on the right is in a wheelchair.

    We advocate.

    We work together to identify and pursue the supportive policies and funds needed to achieve digital inclusivity. Through our multi-sector network, we have become a strong, effective voice in policymaking.

This is what our partners are saying…

“The intersection between the non-profit and the for-profit (healthcare & technology) worlds has been insanely valuable. I always leave feeling inspired. The SF Tech Council is one of the best networking meetings.”

— Amber Carroll, Senior Director, Connection Programs, Front Porch

“The SF Tech Council has supported CTN by not only connecting us with potential partners, but also allowing us to further promote our programs. Attending SF Tech Council discussions helps us stay-up-to-date on services, supportive techniques, and programs."

— Stephen Minor, Digital Literacy Senior Program Manager, Community Tech Network (CTN)