Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement No. AT-2223-57 with the California Department of Aging in the amount of $318,366 for the period of October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024 for the provision of Access to Technology services and adopt resolution authorizing acceptance and execution of Agreement No. AT-2223-57 with CDA for Access to Technology services funding, including any non-financial amendments to the Agreement, upon approval as to form by County Counsel. (No general fund impact) (Sullivan)

Governor Newsom issued Executive Order (EO) N-73-20 to improve broadband speed and access in California, including improving download speeds for all Californians and to bridge the digital divide for two million Californians who lack broadband access. The EO specifies older adults as a priority population, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as older adults are more vulnerable to COVID-19, are continuing to shelter in-place and may be experiencing reduced interactions with other people and their communities. This has led to increased risks of loneliness and isolation for older adults with potentially negative outcomes to mental and physical health. The EO is also in alignment with goal three of Governor’s Newsom’s Master Plan on Aging that prioritizes addressing the digital divide that directly impacts older adults.

In 2021, the Governor signed Assembly Bill (AB) 135 into law, which added Welfare & Institutions Code (WIC) section 9104, which required the California Department of Aging (CDA) to create the Access to Technology (ATT) program.

The ATT program is a 27-month program (October 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024) to meet the needs of diverse older adults and adults with disabilities to connect older adults and adults with disabilities to technology to help reduce isolation, increase connections, and enhance self-confidence.

For the Access to Technology Program, Yolo County plans to partner with local agencies that can purchase technological devices based on client need and train our older adult population to utilize these devices. Partner agencies will provide the following services: complete intakes and assess the older person’s need for technological devices and access, conduct training in order for recipients to fully utilize their technological devices, and provide outreach materials and services to the target population. These services will assist in combating isolation and building self-confidence and self-empowerment for older adults in Yolo County by increasing opportunities to connect with others independently using technological devices.

Performance Measures included in this Agreement are as follows:
This is a revenue agreement therefore this agreement does not contain County performance measures.

County Counsel has approved this Agreement as to form.

Not applicable to revenue agreements.