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E-Connect Technology Initiative

Tablet Pic

Do you lack a device to access online recreation? 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:

St. Louis Arc Tech-Connect Program:

LifeTech is one of the St. Louis Arcs newest programs. This program supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by helping participants to identify personal goals and potential technological solutions, acquiring the necessary equipment, and training new users on how to make their tech work best for them. Support doesnt end once participants are trained. LifeTech provides ongoing support to participants, in tandem with the St. Louis Arc Help Desk, to answer questions and troubleshoot along the way.

More Funding Sources for youth: 

  • 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
  • Kids Assistive Technology (KAT) can help families with funding assistance when needed for purchase of assistive technology for children ages birth through 20. KAT can help with the costs of home access modifications such as a stairway lift or a ramp. The program can also help with vehicle access such as wheelchair lifts, and with items such as Braille/low-vision devices, augmentative communication devices, mobility aids, and other assistive technology devices. Visit Missouri Assistive Technology website for more information.

HOW TO USE YOUR NEW TABLET:

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

ZOOM

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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

Online Etiquette