Digital Inclusion Week To Connect Fairfax Co. Residents With Benefits

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Greater connectivity will be emphasized during Digital Inclusion Week in Fairfax County, where more than 80 percent of eligible county residents still have not signed up for federal internet service benefits.

Digital Inclusion Week, which runs from Monday, Oct. 2 through Friday, Oct. 6, will highlight ways residents can get connected to the internet and special programs for people to learn digital literacy skills.

The Fairfax County government is joining with Cox Communications and other organizations on organizing programs, including a Digital Equity Summit on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Tysons. The summit will include a keynote address, panel discussions and workshops to advance the cause of digital equity in the community.

The federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which less than 20 percent of eligible residents in Fairfax County have signed up for, provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service. The program also provides a device discount up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

Residents can visit the federal program’s website to find out if they qualify for the benefits.

Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services will host tech clinics and help residents register for the Affordable Connectivity Program at these times and locations across the county during Digital Inclusion Week:

• Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Hollin Hall Senior Center, Kingstowne Center for Active Adults and Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care Center
• Oct. 3, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Lorton Community Center
• Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to noon: Bailey’s Community Center
• Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: James Lee Community Center and Lincolnia Senior and Adult Day Health Care Center
• Oct. 4, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Willston Community Center and Kingsley Commons
• Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, Herndon Senior Center, Lewinsville Senior and Adult Day Health Care, Pimmit Hills Senior Center, Herndon Adult Day Health Care Center
• Oct. 5, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Providence Community Center
• Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Little River Glen Senior and Adult Day Health Care Center, Burke/Springfield Senior Center Without Walls
• Oct. 6, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Mott Community Center

During Digital Inclusion Week, Fairfax County Public Library branches will also host open houses. They include:

Sherwood Regional Library

• Join FCPL at its Tech Lab on the second floor at Sherwood Regional Library at 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane in Alexandria from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Find out what they do, how they use technology, and enjoy drop in stations related to all.

Pohick Regional Library

• Join FCPL at its maker space at Pohick Regional Library at 6450 Sydenstricker Road in Burke to find out what they do, how they use technology, and how they combine technology with traditional crafts. Check out their technology "petting zoo" and try some gadgets to make something and take it home. Enjoy a demo with a 3D Printer, make a design using the 3Doodler (3D Pen), discover what can be made using their Cricut, and learn about the technology available in its Memory Depot. Wednesday, Oct. 4, from noon to 3 p.m.

Herndon Fortnightly Library

• Join FCPL at the Maker Lab at Herndon Fortnightly Library at 768 Center Street in Herndon to celebrate Digital Inclusion Week and learn more about digital equity, digital tools and technology offered by Fairfax County. Explore the Maker Lab @ Herndon and meet with other tech representatives from T-Mobile and Cox. Check out the technology “petting zoo” and discover more technology resources that can be used for daily life, work and school. Thursday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Learn more about digital equity and inclusion in Fairfax County.