E-Connect Technology Initiative

Do you lack a device to access your virtual online recreation program? The Recreation Council Tablet Initiative may be able to help.  Informational Flyer 

Eligible applicants:  Individuals of all ages who have an intellectual or developmental disability as defined by SB-40 board services and must reside in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or St. Charles County.  Applicants must lack the needed technology to access their virtual recreation/social programs, indicate financial need, and have a desire to engage in virtual recreational programming and socialization opportunities during these trying times.

• Apply HERE for a Samsung 8″ tablet. Cost to apply for a tablet is $30.
• Optional funding up to $20 per month for a data plan YOU purchase for the tablet. Your tablet works with WIFI in your home.  A data plan makes it mobile so you can use it on the road.  You pay for the plan on your own and we reimburse you.

This project is possible through the Recreation Council’s funding partners, the Saint Louis Office for DD Resources, the Productive Living Board of St. Louis County, and the DDRB of St. Charles County.  We are very grateful to these funding partners in responding to this identified need. Applicants must be eligible for SB-40 board services. 

Online Safety

• Open DNS: This is a tool that helps you screen out unwanted websites and content while you are on the internet. Consider loading a free home version of “Open DNS” on your tablet by visiting this LINK. Or print this or Information Sheet – Online Security for Youth

Financial Assistance for Internet Connection:

• Free and Low Cost Internet Access: www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/how-can-i-get-free-internet
• AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM, formerly called Emergency Broadband Benefit for people who cannot afford internet service.  Pays $30 per month toward internet service. Complete the application at GetInternet.gov or call 1-877-384-2575. People on Medicaid qualify!  For questions, contact Jamile Kadre at Jamile.Kadre@fcc.gov.
• FCC’s Lifeline is an ongoing FCC funding program to reduce internet and mobile fees for qualified families.
• Project Appleseed: www.projectappleseed.org/discount-internet-compute – Find Low Cost Internet Service (as low as $16 per month) and computers.

Here is a link to our VIRTUAL RECREATION PAGE so you can see all the amazing programs that recreation providers are holding.  Join one today!

Alternate Funding Sources for youth who do not qualify for our voucher program: 

• ARYA Foundation – adaptive equipment requests – LINK
• Adam Morgan Foundation – Apple a Day initiative – LINK
• Maggie Welby Foundation- equipment and school-based needs – LINK
• Cuivre River Foundation – LINK

HOW TO USE YOUR NEW TABLET

Life Tech is a new program run by the St. Louis Arc that supports people with IDD as they identify, acquire, and learn how to use technology to help in their day-to-day life. This personalized, goal-oriented approach pairs assistive technology solutions with individual technology needs. LifeTech Flyer ~ Website

Basic Guide for Beginners: CLICK HERE to PRINT a brief guide on how to turn on your new tablet and how to charge your device.

Watch this 20 minute video. Stop it every few minutes and practice the skills.

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ZOOM Step-by-Step Guide – How to use ZOOM to attend virtual events: You Tube Video or  printable instructions

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ETIQUETTE FOR ATTENDING ONLINE GROUPS

Socializing online is new to everyone, so it’s important to know how to behave during virtual meetings, social gatherings, recreation programs, or group activities.  Print out this 2 page handy guide developed by LifeBridge Partnership and Pathways to Independence: Click Here for your Guide to attending virtual meetings  or  Learn to Use ZOOM – printable instructions