The Arc and AT&T are working together to make digital skills training more accessible to people with disabilities.
Technology & Digital Inclusion
Technology for everyday life.
From staying connected and learning new skills to managing routines, communicating, working, and having fun, technology can open up new possibilities. Power Up with Tech helps people with developmental disabilities, families, and supporters explore technology, build skills, and get practical support using it.
Technology that works for you.
Everyday technology can support communication, routines, safety, learning, connection, work, entertainment and more. What works will look different for each person. Power Up with Tech helps you explore the possibilities and find tools that fit your life, goals and support needs.
Learn Tech Skills
Build your skills and confidence using everyday technology. Learn with us live or explore free online lessons at your own pace.
Power Up with Tech Workshops
Learn digital skills through live, accessible workshops designed with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in mind. Join us on Zoom, follow along step-by-step, ask questions, and practice skills you can use in everyday life.
Workshop topics include:
Windows Computer Basics • Internet Basics • Email Basics • Cybersecurity • iPhone Basics • Android Basics • Video Conferencing • Amazon Echo Show • Amazon Fire Tablet
Upcoming Workshops
12:00 PM & 6:30 PM | Virtual
•
September 23 — Mobile Device Basics: Android
•
October 21
— Video Conferencing
•
November 18 — Amazon Echo Show 8
•
December 16 — Amazon Fire 7 Tablet
Learn at Your Own Pace
Continue building your digital skills anytime with free, self-guided online courses available through AT&T DigitalLearn.
Explore topics including:
Technology Basics
Computers • Email • Websites • Mobile Devices
Online Safety
Passwords • Fraud & Scams • Staying Safe Online
Digital Citizenship
Healthy Digital Habits • Online Relationships • Misinformation • Digital Footprints
Explore Everyday Tech
See how technology can fit into everyday life. Explore ideas for communication, routines, staying connected, safety, learning, work, entertainment, and more.
List of Services
-
CommunicationList Item 1
Connect with others, express yourself, and make communication easier.
-
Routines & RemindersList Item 2
Use technology for schedules, reminders, tasks, and everyday routines.
-
Staying ConnectedList Item 3
Keep in touch with friends, family, and your community.
-
Home & SafetyList Item 4
Explore technology for your home, alerts, monitoring, and added peace of mind.
-
Work & Learning
Use technology to learn new skills, get things done, and participate at work or school.
-
Fun & Entertainment
Enjoy music, games, videos, hobbies, and other things you like.
Find Tools & Devices
Explore tools, apps, and devices that can support everyday life. Learn what they can do, how people are using them, and how to get started.
| Amazon Echo Devices
With support from Amazon, The Arc of Virginia received 500 Amazon Echo devices to share with people with developmental disabilities and families.
Use an Echo to support everyday life:
Set reminders & routines • Make video calls • Follow recipes • Play music • Check calendars & weather • Control compatible smart-home devices
Devices are available at no cost while supplies last.
Smart Support at Home Guides
Practical guides with ideas for using everyday technology to support communication, routines, reminders, safety, learning, connection, independence, and more.
Find ideas for every age and stage:
Babies & Toddlers • School Age • Teens & Youth • Adults • Older Adults & Caregivers
Explore real-life ways tools like smart speakers, tablets, apps, reminders, video calling, and other everyday technology can help at home and in the community.
| Built for Independence
Build everyday skills and greater independence with step-by-step lessons designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Explore 300+ lessons in:
Daily Living • Safety • Transportation • Employment
The Arc of Virginia partners with The Arc of Northern Virginia to make Arc2Independence available to people across Virginia.
Get Help with Technology
Need help figuring out technology or want someone to learn alongside you? Connect with us for one-time technology help or ongoing peer mentoring.
Technology Help
Have a question about your phone, tablet, computer, smart device, app, or other technology? Get help troubleshooting a problem, learning how something works, or figuring out what technology might work for you.
Tech Mentoring
Want more ongoing support? Tech Mentors are Peer Mentors who can help you build technology skills, explore tools, and become more confident using technology in everyday life.