Arc Press Release: Digital Literacy Training

Free Digital Skills Training Now Available for People with Disabilities in Bartholomew & Jackson County

The Arc of Bartholomew County brings nationwide initiative to the local community, empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through technology

Are you or a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) feeling left behind in our digital world? Help is now available. The Arc of Bartholomew County is bringing free, accessible digital skills training to the local community as part of a nationwide initiative by The Arc of the United States and AT&T.

The Arc of Bartholomew and Jackson County are partnering to receive $10,000 each to help tackle digital illiteracy in our local communities.

What You Need to Know:

— Who Can Participate: People with IDD, their families, and caregivers

— What's Offered: Free workshops covering basic web searching, digital safety, online job searching, how to use email and social media, and more

The Arc of the Bartholomew County’s workshops will help people with IDD acquire essential skills, addressing a critical need in our community. People with disabilities face significant barriers to understanding and adopting digital tools, often due to higher rates of poverty and limited access to adaptive technologies.

According to the Pew Research Center, 38% of adults with disabilities do not own a computer, compared to 19% of those without disabilities, and 28% of people with disabilities do not own a smartphone, compared to just 12% of the nondisabled population.

The Arc of Bartholomew County will deliver accessible, easy-to-understand digital literacy training through both in-person and virtual workshops.