Free and Low-Cost Internet Access, Devices, and Classes
Our Neighborhood Tech Connect program helps seniors and people with disabilities use computers, tablets, and other technologies to connect with family members, manage their health, learn new skills, and more. This is even more important than ever when we are all spending much of our time at home. We also assist eligible participants to receive free devices and internet service. The keys to digital inclusion are access, equipment and training. Many of the older adults and people with disabilities we work with don’t have the resources to afford internet access or devices at home. Community Living Campaign is setting up San Francisco older adults and people with disabilities with tablets, internet access, and training. To find out if you qualify, contact us at tech@sfcommunityliving.org or 415-821-1003, ext. 109. We offer services in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and English as detailed below.
We Provide FREE:
- Devices on Loan
- Internet Service (Free or Low-Cost)
- Virtual and In-Person Tech Classes and Help Desks
- Cantonese & Mandarin
- English
- One-on-One Tutoring (Cantonese &Mandarin, English and Spanish)
(Note: Hit the Back Button on your browser to come back to this part of the page)
Free Devices On Loan
Eligible seniors and people with disabilities can enroll in our Device Lending Program.
Eligibility:
- Must be at least 60 years old OR 18+ years old and living with a disability
- Must live in San Francisco
- Cannot already have a working device (smart phones excluded)
Free and Low-Cost Internet Service
If your internet connection is not working well enough for you, or you don’t yet have internet service, we can help you sign up for service via the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Free Virtual and In-Person Tech Classes and Help Desks
Not sure how to use Zoom? Want help reaching your doctor or family? Need tips on how to use social media? Our friendly and patient tech trainers are here to help! Our digital literacy trainers are reaching out to students by phone, email, WeChat, and Zoom to offer as much help as we can while keeping everyone physically distanced.
Cantonese & Mandarin Tech Classes
Join Wanda and her team of Chinese Language trainers virtually to learn a variety of skills in a community-Visit the Technology Training in Chinese page for more details about tech classes and more Chinese-Language Activities.
English Tech Classes Login Info: Calling in and Using Zoom
Check our online event calendar for all upcoming English-language technology classes.
- Audio Only: Listen in on any of the English-language Tech Help Desks by dialing in over the phone: 888-475-4499 (toll free) or 669-900-6833 (local) and enter the Meeting ID: 872 1940 7561 ##. There will be a “waiting room” until the Zoom class starts at its scheduled time.
- Video & Audio: Watch & join any of the English-language Tech Help Desks by clicking this Zoom link and completing registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87219407561 . There will be a “waiting room” until the Zoom class starts at its scheduled time.
- You don’t need to pre-register for classes ahead of time; just register 10-15 minutes before class start time.
- Once you register, you will receive an email from Zoom a few minutes later that contains a link at the bottom of it that is specifically for you. If you use the link in the email, you will not have to register every time.
For each of the classes below, click on the title (bold underlined text) to be taken to the specific class series with more detailed information. From there you can click on the class for the specific day you want to attend.
For more assistance, please click on this link to go to a PDF of Zoom instructions and scroll down to Page 14.
NOTE: For all in-person classes, you must sign up ahead of time by emailing tech@sfcommunityliving.org or calling (415) 821-1003, extension 109 to reserve your place.
In-person San Francisco locations:
CLC Main Office Mission Neighborhood Center
1663 Missions Street, Suite 525 372 Capp Street
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Apple Help Desk, Mondays 10:00am-12:00pm (In-Person at the CLC Office and Virtual)
Join Peter for skilled & patient assistance with your Apple devices.
Computer Basics Help Desk, Mondays 1-2:30pm (In-Person at the CLC Office and Virtual)
Join Peter for patient & skilled assistance with your computer – we will try to assist you with any kind of computer you own.
Internet Safety Help Desk, Tuesdays 10:00am-12:00pm (In-Person at the CLC Office and Virtual)
Join Peter to learn about Internet Safety & Security – find out new tips & tricks with personalized help.
Zoom Help Desk, Tuesdays 10:00am-12:00pm (In-Person at the CLC Office and Virtual)
Join Peter to learn about Zoom – find out new tips & tricks with personalized help.
Android Help Desk, Wednesdays 3:30-5:30pm (Virtual)
Join Peter for skilled and patient assistance with your Android smart phones & tablets.
Computer Basics Help Desk, Thursdays 10:00am-12:00pm (In-Person at the Mission Neighborhood Center)
This class starts on 4/20/2023. Join Molly and learn more about your devices – bring your questions and devices. The computer lab will have computers you can use as well.
Thursday Tech Topics, Thursdays 3:30-5:30pm (Virtual)
Join Maia to learn how to use different online applications to make your device-using experiences more personalized and productive. This class is open for CLC staff and participants.
Virtual Help Desk, Fridays 11:00-1:00pm (Virtual)
11:00am-12:00pm: Topic Help
12:00-1:00pm: General Questions
Enjoy patient teaching and learn fun practices for online use with Molly and Liz, with an emphasis on Accessibility.
One-On-One Tech Help Appointments in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish
Our tutors can also provide one-on-one help in multiple languages. Just call 415-821-1003 x109 or email tech@sfcommunityliving.org to set up an appointment. To get the best match with one of our tutors, please let us know your preferred language, the device you’re using (Mac, PC, Android Tablet or Phone, iPad, or iPhone), whether you have Internet access at home, and what you’d like help with.
Explore the Online World
Learn new things online and be entertained while waiting to resume your regular activities. First stop, our blog post on Fun (and Free) Things to Do from Home.
Learn lots of things you can do online through this simple site with links to all kinds of resources, including info on how to use Skype or Zoom for video chats, free online games, movies and much more. Two popular destinations are GFCLearnFree.org and TechBoomers.com, where you use this time to learn how to do so much more online with a computer, tablet or smartphone.
And don’t miss the San Francisco Public Library! They have a robust range of digital services that give card holders 24/7 free access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, classes, music and more. It is all available for free with your library card.
If you have a permanent or long term disability that prevents you from visiting the library, you can sign up for Library Access from Home. You can get your library card, use online resources, and borrow things via mail.
SF Connected Computer Labs
Due to Covid restrictions, CLC is currently offering dozens of free computer classes and tutoring each month online via Zoom. This includes classes to help people use accessible technologies for those with vision, hearing and other disabilities. Click HERE to see our Events Calendar.
We also are now offering one-on-one training/tutoring in our office, by appointment only. For more details, contact our tech team:
By phone: (415) 821-1003, x109
By email: tech@sfcommunityliving.org
Other SF Connected Sites
As part of the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services’ SF Connected Program, Community Tech Network, Self-Help for the Elderly and Conard House also have computer training and specialty classes. For more information on free classes, call (415) 355-3555, visit the SF Connected map, or see the SF Connected class schedule.
Other Resources
In addition, the San Francisco Public Library has expanded the number of computers in its branches and you can book time to use computers or to get help accessing information on-line. For a list of branch libraries with computer access, go to the San Francisco Public Library web site and search for Senior Computer Classes on the SFPL events page.