No Technology? Staying Connected

The world has shifted to zoom calls, video chats, telemedicine, therapy by video, MyChart communication with providers, and so much more that’s online or technology-dependent. How do you stay connected and receive the services you deserve if you don’t have a smart phone, web cam, or computer? Let’s chat about it and find some solutions!

SPEAKER:

Carolyn Wesolowski (Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Linkage to Care Specialist)

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PACT NOW = Preventing and Assisting with COVID-19 among Trans and Non-binary Wisconsinites. PACT NOW is a partnership between FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic.

This project is funded by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

(c) 2020

Introduction 0:00
The importance of social connection for wellbeing 4:22
The “digital divide” 5:56
Strategies for getting connected without technology 7:08
Letter writing/sending postcards 7:43
Little free libraries 8:26
Sitting outside/chatting with neighbors 9:29

Sharing technology with others 10:02
In-person health visits instead of telehealth 12:12
Reaching out as a form of connection 15:01
How to get connected to tech 16:33
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin 17:42
Free WiFi hotspot map 18:54
Getting a phone through Life Line Support 20:21

How to apply for services without tech? 25:08
Where can people donate old computers/phones? 25:59
Free/discounted internet? 28:42
On It foundation: free/discounted computers for students 30:43
Limited tech and telehealth? 32:13
Ordering groceries/supplies with limited tech 36:40

How can we offer assistance delivering groceries/supplies? 41:20
Mutual aid requests/volunteering 42:48
Getting help with just a phone (no internet) 44:33
Carolyn’s contact information 47:22
Shelley’s contact information 49:59
Sources of educational content/digital library content 50:56
How is the Inclusion Clinic handling visits? 54:52