YOUR DIY GUIDE TO DIGITAL RESOURCES

FREE EQUIPMENT, TRAINING, CYBER-SECURITY, 

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES & SOFTWARE

DECIDE WHAT YOU NEED AND TAKE ACTION TODAY

Large-Screen Devices + Hotspots (POSSIBLY FREE):  Places you and organizations can use to apply for a free or low-cost computer. 

  • Computers4People computers4people.org/   Provides free computers for income-qualifying individuals; free refurbished laptops to college bound students in financial need; PC Teen Building Classes; and Digital Skills Classes for all ages. Computers (desktop, laptop, tablet) come loaded with the Google Chrome Suite. Users can download and install for free Apache Open Office @ https://www.openoffice.org/download/. (Computers4People.org requires that nonprofits “nominate” an individual. If you feel you may qualify, to start the process of requesting a device, contact BRPC @ digital@berkshireplanning.org or call (413) 442-1521 x 16.

  • PCs 4 People pcsforpeople.org/  Connects people with low-cost computers and internet services and recycles and refurbishes computers. Multiple languages supported.

  • Total Access totalaccesscomputers.com/  Located in Adams, MA, this business offers discounts on computer trade-ins and remote support for computer viruses and other software issues.

Digital Skills: Adults: Information about free and low-cost websites to help you build your digital skills and confidence. Some are aimed at specific audiences, such as older adults.

  • Cyber-Seniors cyberseniors.org/   Free technological support and training for seniors. Book a one-on-one tech call, watch instructional webinars, check out their cybersecurity center, visit their discovery hub, or connect with helpers in the community. For information, call 888-217-3057. Multiple languages are available.

  • Digital Skills Library Online digitalskillslibrary.org/  An open website of free learning resources designed to help all adult learners develop the digital skills needed to achieve their personal, civic, educational, and career goals. Available in multiple languages. 

  • Digital Learn training.digitallearn.org/   An online hub for digital literacy support and training from the Public Library Association. Includes self-directed tutorials to increase their digital literacy. Video modules are narrated and written in plain language for English and Spanish speakers.

  • Goodwill Foundation (GCF) Global  edu.gcfglobal.org/en/   Free program to learn the essential skills from MS Office and email to reading, math, and social media. The site offers more than 300 topics, including 6,000+ lessons, 2,000+ videos, and 50+ interactive exercises and games. English, Spanish or Portuguese languages.

  • Google Applied Digital Skills  applieddigitalskills.withgoogle.com/s/en/home  Free online, self-paced digital skills classes focused on the Google Suite.

  • MA Adult Literacy Hotline 1-800-447-8844   Provides referrals to over 300 adult education programs that offer one-on-one tutoring, and small group or classroom instruction.

  • Open Office, A Free Version of Microsoft Office openoffice.org/download/  Free, open-source version of Microsoft Office that can be installed on computers rather than paying for an MS license. Downloads available in multiple languages.

  • Mass Vets Advisor mass.gov/collections/vets-advisor  Website for veterans and their families to search for all the benefits they are entitled to. Multiple languages are available.

  • Northstar via BRPC digitalliteracyassessment.org/build-skills#find-location   Free digital skills assessment and online classes are available by entering BRPC’s PIN: Z3E9. To arrange a group class leading to certificates, email digital@berkshireplanning.org. Multiple languages supported.

  • Senior Planet - AARP   seniorplanet.org/  Free digital skills and online classes aimed at older adults. Speak to a technology trainer from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Mon to Fri for free at 888-713-3495. Multiple languages are available.

  • Tech Boomers/Tech Life Unity techlifeunity.com/  Free tutorials on how to use the most popular and trusted websites and internet apps. Over 60 courses packed with videos and articles tailored to those with limited computer skills. The site is written in easily understood, non-technical language.

  • Tech Foundry – Tech Hub techhubmass.net/  Free virtual and in-person tech classes through a range of courses, whether you’re starting out or looking to master advanced software. Topics range from basic computer skills to software use. Students who complete six classes are eligible for a free device. Call (413) 340-1105 or email info@techhubmass.net. In English, but some training materials in Spanish. If 5 or more people are interested in a Spanish-language class, they may be able to arrange one.

How Do I Learn How to Use What I Already Have?

  • For Android Phones

Training from GCF Global  edu.gcfglobal.org/en/androidbasics/  Android phones are manufactured by different companies. To identify the phone manufacturer, Google search for the name, model, and "how to" or "guide." Most phone manufacturers have device-specific guides on their websites.

Digital Skills: Youth: Resource information teachers, parents, and others can use to help young people become safe and skilled digital citizens.

  • aiEDU aiedu.org/  Online classes on AI – artificial intelligence - are both self-guided and teacher-led.

  • Code.org  code.org/  Expands access to computer science in schools with a focus on increasing participation by young women and students from underrepresented groups. Multiple languages are available.

  • DLCS Parent and Guardian Resources doe.mass.edu/stem/dlcs/pg-resources.html Supports parents around digital literacy and computer science with access to MassCORE and school report cards. Multiple languages supported

  • Girls Who Code  girlswhocode.com/ Works to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like and does.

  • Teens Teach Tech  connectednation.org/programs/teens-teach-tech  Invites teachers, youth-focused organizations, and community nonprofits to offer workshops, mentorship, virtual sessions, and community events covering digital skills from computer literacy to mobile devices and staying safe on the internet. Part of AT&T Connected Learning.

Discount Internet + Cell Service: Information about how to access discounted (often slower) internet service for people enrolled in a program such as SNAP, WIC, SSI, or veteran’s benefits. For questions about qualifying, email digital@berkshireplanning.org.

Assistive Technologies & Software: Assistive Technologies include computers, equipment, products, and services to help people with physical limitations more easily access and use online resources.

  • Choice Magazine Listening choicemagazinelistening.org/ or call toll free: 1-888-724-6423

    A free audio magazine for adults with impaired vision or other disability. Four times a year, listeners receive 12 hours of great magazine writing. A talking book player is also provided free of charge. Recipients enjoy the issue for several weeks, then return it in a postage-free mailer. also available as a download. CML is a nonprofit and services are free.

  • MassAbility Assistive Technology Services  mass.gov/info-details/massability-assistive-technology-services

    Connects people with disabilities with the technology they need to live more independently. Our regional provider can be found at https://www.easterseals.com/ma/  For more information call 617-204-3851.

  • UCP of Western Mass ucpwma.org/ or call: 413-442-1562

    Offers free durable medical equipment, an assistive technology library, and a radio reading service through Berkshire Talking Chronicle over WRRS (104.3) to support children and adults with disabilities. They also offer Computer Fundamentals webinars to teach beginning and advanced computer knowledge and skills. UCP offers services to non-English speakers.

Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity involves putting in place practices, software, and hardware to protect one’s personal information from outside threats and attacks that could put their identities, finances, and safety at risk and result in negative consequences.

This resource guide, organized by Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, is designed to meet the needs of residents from youth to older adults. Please use it to secure those resources you need.