Needham Community Council Logo

570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494

Needham Community Council Logo

570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494

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Tech & Tutors

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Current Users

For existing users that are enrolled in the Tech & Tutor program.

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New Users

Needham residents without access to technology are encouraged to apply.

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Get Involved

Learn more about how you can help the program as a tutor or with a gift. 

Current Users

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Info for Current Users

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Navigating Your New Tablet Guide

Just getting started using your Tablet?  Your Tablet is set up with all new Account ID’s and passwords.  If you do not remember or have misplaced your account and password, please contact the Tech & Tutors phone line at:  781-444-2415 ext, 2120.

The basics of getting started can be found in our Tablet Basics document:  Tablet BASICS

This document will show you how to turn your Tablet on and navigate getting on your wifi and logging in to your Tablet.

How to Use Your Email

Accessing your email is a great way to communicate with loved ones, businesses and much more!  You should have received your email address and password when you got your Tablet.  Instructions on how to access, write and receive email can be found here:  Email BASICS

How to Zoom with Your Tablet

Using Zoom has become an essential part of staying connected to our families, doctors and much more.  Instructions on how to access Zoom:  Zoom BASICS

How Do I Get Help With My Tablet?

There are many workshops and classes available for you to get one-on-one time with one of our tutors.  See the schedule below.

Give us Feedback

How is your Tablet Experience going?

If you have received a tablet from us, we would love your feedback on how and how often you use your tablet.  We may be calling you for feedback or you can complete the survey at this link:  Fire Tablet Feedback

Classes and Workshops

There are many opportunities to learn more about your Tablet.
Participants can attend group sessions at the Center at the Heights, or
make arrangements to work one on one with a volunteer tutor.
Please refer to the schedule below for class topics, dates and times. 
To reserve a seat in an upcoming class, please call the Center at the Heights at 781-455-7500.
or, Stacey Fallon at 781-444-2415, ext. 2120.

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Tech & Tutors at the Center at the Heights

Join us for a series of one hour Fire Tablet lessons followed by a Q & A session at the Center at the Heights.   Each week there is a new topic that builds on the week before.  By the end of the 8 week series, you will have a better understanding on how to navigate your tablet and utilize its various features to stay in touch with friends, family and your Needham community.

Please check out our most up-to-date schedules for classes at the Center at the Heights:

  • Sept. – Oct. – Tuesdays at 2pm – Fire Tablet Workshop (click to open full schedule of classes)
  • Thursdays, 11 am – 1 pm, 20 minute appointments available
    Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Ave in Needham
    Please call The Center at the Heights to reserve 
    a 20 Minute Appointment at 781-455-7555* We are not Google or Apple support.  We are Needham neighbors with experience in the fields of technology and/or education with an interest in sharing our knowledge so that those without access to or familiarity with technology do not fall into the “digital divide”.
  • Fridays, 10 am – 11 am – “Aging in a Technology Era” – drop-in mutual support with tech support guidance.
    Have you gone to a restaurant where they ask you to “scan a code to see a menu?” Has your doctor told you to find your test results by logging into your “health portal?” Maybe you want to go to a concert but don’t know how to put your ticket into your phone wallet (whatever that is!) If you sometimes feel like a Fred Flintstone in a George Jetson world, then this session is for you! Come and share your experiences and/or frustrations in a good-humored, understanding and patient environment. In this safe space, you can vent and lean on your peers with some tech tutors for support. And, hopefully, through similar shared experiences, we can shed some light with compassion, technical insight, and direction so you can transition into this “techy” world more comfortably. Cost: FREE (Sponsored by Needham Community Council’s Tech and Tutor Program)

 

Drop In Support

Do you have 1 or maybe a few tech questions that you would like some help with*?  Please schedule a Tech & Tutor visit at times listed below:

  • Mondays, 11 am – 12 pm
    Where:  Needham Community Council, 570 Hillside Ave
    Please call 781-444-2415 ext. 2120

  • Thursdays, 11 am – 1 pm, 20 minute appointments available
    Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Ave in Needham
    Please call The Center at the Heights to reserve 
    a 20 Minute Appointment at 781-455-7555

* We are not Google or Apple support.  We are Needham neighbors with experience in the fields of technology and/or education with an interest in sharing our knowledge so that those without access to or familiarity with technology do not fall into the “digital divide”.

Other Resources

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Quick Reference Tips

The Tech & Tutors team will continue to create quick reference guides to help with some of our most commonly asked questions.  To open a guide, just click on its link below:

How to Turn Your Tablet On

How to Connect to WIFI

How to Change Tablet Brightness

How to Change Your Gmail Password

How to Change Your Amazon Password

How to Turn Your Tablet Off

Using Hoopla to Access E-Books, Audiobooks and more….

Amazon Fire Help Page

To get help troubleshooting common issues with Fire Tablets you can access Amazon’s help page by clicking here:  Fire Tablet Help

What's the Hoopla About?

What is all the Hoopla about?!  Our tablet users can tell you that the Hoopla App can get you all the great digital media you get from the public library for free at HOME! You can borrow movies, ebooks, audiobooks, popular TV shows and more.  Try the Hoopla app and have fun exploring the library from your own armchair!!

Check it out here:  HOOPLA
Quick Reference Videos

The Tablets and Tutors team will continue to produce quick reference videos to help you to manage your tablet in a visual way.  If you have recommendations for video tips, please email sfallon@needhamcouncil.org.

Adding Email Account to Tablet

Creating Your MyActiveCenter

Using MyActiveCenter to See COA/CATH Event Schedules and Register for Classes

New Users

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General Information

Who is Eligible to Get a Tablet?

Any resident of Needham who does not have access to technology is encouraged to apply.  Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Amazon Fire Tablets are provided free of charge.

How to Request One?

To join the Tablets and Tutors Program program, begin by completing an Tablet Request and Pre-Assessment Form:  Tablet Request Form

A staff member will be in touch with you about your Tablet needs and interests.

How Do I Learn How to Use It?

Your Tablet will be customized to make it easy to use right out of the box.  A tutor will introduce you to the Tablet and its features during an initial one-on-one session.  You can also attend our 8 week course at the Center at the Heights, or you may be partnered with a volunteer tutor by request (call Stacey at 781-444-2415, ext. 2120.  

Do I Get to Keep the Tablet?

With the support of the Metrowest Health Foundation and your generous neighbors, we are able to provide these Tablets to Needham residents free of charge and you get to keep them.  We do ask that you sign a User Agreement.  You may see a copy of one here:  Use Agreement.

Do I Need WIFI? And, are there Affordable WIFI Options?

Yes, to use the Amazon Fire Tablet (or any other device that requires the internet) you need to have WIFI.  If you are not sure whether you have WIFI in your home or apartment, call your cable TV provider, Comcast, Verizon, etc. and ask if WIFI is included in your service. 

If you do not have internet access you may qualify for Comcast Internet Essentials Program reduced access rate.  Many other providers are now offering programs as well.  For example, Verizon now offers a reduced access plan called Verizon Plus.   In addition to provider discounts, the Federal Government offers a program that discounts your cable bill by $30.  We found this link that provides information on how lower income families, older adults and students may access the internet for less money:  INTERNET FOR LOWER INCOMES

Comcast Internet Essentials:  Home Internet service for $9.95/month with no term contract, no cancellation fees.  For more information, click here:  COMCAST INTERNET ESSENTIALS

Verizon Forward Program: A discount Verizon offers to provide internet access to our customers who are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). With ACP and Verizon Forward Program, customers can get free internet service. No hidden fees. No equipment charges.  For more information, click here:  VERIZON FORWARD PROGRAM

AT&T Access:  Internet service for $10/month with free installation, no annual contract and no deposit for eligile households.  For more information, click here:  AT&T ACCESS

Affordable Connectivity Plan, ACP (formally the Emergency Broadband Benefit, EBB):  A federal government program that provides a benefit on home internet or wireless service for eligible households.  If you currently have WIFI service, your bill could be decreased by up to $30 per month. 

See below a list of local providers participating in ACP:
Cleo Communications:  614-285-4869
Comcast, Internet Essentials: 1-844-963-0178
Cox Communications:  866-439-1289
Earthlink:  888-327-8454
GCET:  413775-6400
Hughes Network Systems:  844-737-2700
Otelco:  833-683-5261
RCN:  800-746-4726
T-Mobile:  1-800-937-8997
Verizon:  1-800-837-4966

 

Get Involved

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Become a Tutor

We are currently seeking volunteers that would be interested in helping to support this program and it’s participants.

While some experience with technology is important, patience and gentle learning style is what our new learners most need.

We will provide an Amazon Fire Tablet and basic training to help you support our new users.

If you are interested, please apply here:
Tech & Tutors – Tutor Application or contact our Tech and Tutors Program Manager at sfallon@needhamcouncil.org.

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Give a Gift

The Tech & Tutors Program is made possible with the support of our generous neighbors.

Join your friends and neighbors by making a gift today and help make technology accessible to all!