Adopt resolution authorizing acceptance and execution of the first amendment to Agreement No. AT-2223-57 with California Department of Aging (CDA) to increase funding by $48,818 for a new agreement total of $367,184 for the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024 for the provision of Access to Technology services. (No general fund impact) (Sullivan)

Governor Newsom issued Executive Order (EO) N-73-20 to improve broadband speed and access in California, including improving download speeds for all Californians and to bridge the digital divide for two million Californians who lack broadband access. The EO specifies older adults as a priority population, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as older adults were more vulnerable to COVID-19, were continuing to shelter in-place and may have experienced reduced interactions with other people and their communities. This led to increased risks of loneliness and isolation for older adults with potentially negative outcomes to mental and physical health. The EO is also in alignment with goal three of Governor’s Newsom’s Master Plan on Aging that prioritizes addressing the digital divide that directly impacts older adults.

In 2021, the Governor signed Assembly Bill (AB) 135 into law, which added Welfare & Institutions Code (WIC) section 9104, which required the California Department of Aging (CDA) to create the Access to Technology (ATT) program.

The ATT program is a 24-month program (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2024) to meet the needs of diverse older adults and adults with disabilities to connect older adults and adults with disabilities to technology to help reduce isolation, increase connections, and enhance self-confidence.

For the Access to Technology Program, Yolo County has partnered with local agencies who have purchased technological devices based on client need and have trained our older adult population to utilize these devices. Partner agencies have been providing the following services: completing intakes and assess the older person’s need for technological devices and access, conducting training in order for recipients to fully utilize their technological devices, and providing outreach materials and services to the target population. These services have assisted in combating isolation and building self-confidence and self-empowerment for older adults in Yolo County by increasing opportunities to connect with others independently using technological devices.

The increase of this Agreement by $48,818 will allow our partners to be able to service more residents in the continued effort to reduce isolation of the older adult population in Yolo County.

Performance Measures included in this Agreement are as follows:
This is a revenue agreement; therefore, this agreement does not contain County performance measures.

County Counsel has approved this Agreement as to form.

Not applicable to revenue agreements.

No general funds are required by this action. The total amount of this action is increasing the Agreement by $48,818 for a new agreement total of $367,184 in revenue for the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024. The amount of $367,184 is included in the HHSA adopted budget for 2023-24.