Empowering our clients in the IT world
“We’re expected to do more and more things online, but people forget we didn’t grow up with it. It’s a different language and I don’t speak it.”
These words were spoken by Bruce, but his words are echoed by many of our clients. In consultation with our Country Home Services’ client advisory group, we started monthly IT sessions in our Kadina, Clare, and Nuriootpa offices.
These sessions were tailored to whatever clients said they’d like help with at the time. Some clients came with a limited understanding of the internet/technology, and some had more.
Ron’s first goal was learning to send a text message. He found the informal, social, safe learning space helpful, “My voice is heard, and I feel so much more confident now. I like that I can do things for myself, and I’m confident to try things.”
Kris wanted to have more confidence and skill using her smartphone and tablet. Geoff and Jan, both members of CHS’ client advisory group, are passionate advocates for clients learning.
Geoff enthused, “We need to get up to date, and if I go along to the sessions, at least I can share the things I do, and people might be encouraged that they could do it too.” Jan strongly promotes empowering clients, “We’re old,” she said bluntly, “We’re not stupid. We can be taught how to use technology, not just have people do it for us.”
The IT Sessions were a trial and finish up in May. Country Home Services may continue sessions in some locations; however, there are already some excellent free IT sessions run by community centres and libraries. Our client advisory group is reviewing the IT trial and investigating other ways we can keep supporting clients and communities.
If you have thoughts or suggestions, let us know!
