Contact
Contact Us:
DVADigitalNavigator@dva.wa.gov
1-800-562-2308 Option 2
Shawna Harper, Program Manager
JoAnn Mebane, Communications Consultant
Naziroh Brockman, Administrative Assistant
Apply for the Digital Navigator Program
Information
Affordable Connectivity Program - Federal low-income internet assistance.
Technical Support:
For help with cellular service issues or other phone related problems, please call 1-800-268-0796
WDVA cannot provide technical support once you receive your kit.
Event Locations
Prior to events, applications must be submitted. Please check your emails for detailed information and bring one of the required documents along with a valid ID card when you pick up your kit.
June 12- Longview
Lower Columbia College Student Center Rm 115 (Next to Parking Area on 15th Ave)
1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA 98632
10:00am - 3:00pm | Last appt is at 2:30pm
June 13- Vancouver and Langley
Vancouver
Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence, Penguin Union Bldg. 015
1933 Ft Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663
9:30am - 3:00pm | Last appt is at 2:30pm
Langley
Island Senior Resources, Fireside Room
14594 S Route 525, Langley, WA 98260
10:00am - 2:30pm | Last appt is at 2:00pm
June 14- Everett
Carnegie Resource Center
3001 Oakes Avenue, Everett, WA 98201
9:30am - 3:00pm | Last appt is at 2:30pm
June 15- Burlington and Bellingham
Burlington
American Legion Post 91
721 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington, WA 98233
9:30am - 2:30pm | Last appt is at 2:00pm
Bellingham
Opportunity Council
625 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
9: 30am-2:30pm | Last appt is at 2:00pm
June 20- Aberdeen
Aberdeen American Legion, Post 5
112 West 1st St, Aberdeen, WA 98520
10:30am - 3:00pm | Last appt is at 2:30pm
Digital Navigator Resources
Digital Equity
Digital equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.
It is important to note here the use of “equity” vs. “equality.” When we use the word equity, we accurately acknowledge the systemic barriers that must be dismantled before achieving equality for all.
Digital Inclusion
Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This includes five elements:
1. Affordable, robust broadband internet service;
2. Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user;
3. Access to digital literacy training;
4. Quality technical support; and
5. Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration.
Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use technology.
Statistics
Program Goals for 2023
The Digital Navigator Programs main goals include serving:
- Up to 4,000 individuals will speak with WDVA Digital Navigators, who will provide basic digital skills, Internet search assistance, and tips for finding jobs, housing, social services benefits, and other state and local resources.
- Up to 1,000 qualified individuals or households, with households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, will receive internet subscription assistance for six to twelve months.
- Up to 1,000 qualified individuals or households, with households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, will receive internet-enabled devices such as laptop computers, tablet computers, or smartphones, including simple device instructions, personal orientations for how to use the device, and leave-behind tip sheets (translated into multiple languages).
- Up to 1,000 individuals will enroll in digital skills literacy training and related services, where they will receive a standardized digital skills assessment and enroll in at least one upskill course or lesson while also receiving value-added case management and leveraged support services.
Currently, all new applications are being placed on a waitlist until the Digital Navigator Program’s grant cycle has been confirmed. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we encourage Veterans or their family members to continue applying! If additional funding for the program is acquired, we will resume distributing kits to those already on the list as soon as possible.
The Digital Navigator Program is a grant-funded program within WDVA that helps eligible Veterans or their families connect to earned benefits, healthcare, and other supportive services.
The program will focus on Veterans in underserved rural areas, elderly Veterans, Veterans of color, Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program Participants, and Veterans participating in higher education or apprenticeship. Grant funding is provided by the Department of Commerce to advance digital literacy skills, digital equity, and connectivity in Washington.
We are here to help eligible Veterans or families:
- by providing Digital Navigator kits
- build computer skills to help access earned Veteran benefits, healthcare and services
- connect to resources that are suitable for their skill level, needs and lifestyle
Digital navigator services and support include:
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Assessment and guidance toward resources that are suitable for their skill level, needs, and lifestyle.
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Assistance with filling out program intake forms.
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Digital literacy, technical and application skills training. Information can be found on www.digitallearn.org.
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A toll-free hotline to schedule appointments with a Digital Navigator or to request technical assistance.
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Assistance with enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a monthly internet service and one-time connected device benefit from participating internet companies for qualifying low-income consumers.
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Digital literacy and technical application skills training
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Support through Vet Corps members who will assist with using equipment to access Veteran benefits and other supportive services.
What Equipment will participants receive?
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Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data through T-Mobile through Feb 2025
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Laptop
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Smart Phone (Hotspot enabled)
Who is Eligible?
You must be a (an):
- Veteran (with a discharge that is not dishonorable)
- Active-duty military
- Reserve Member
- Spouse or child living in the same household of a qualified individual
- Spouse or child who is actively receiving benefits from a deceased Veteran or Active Duty servicemember
And at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline for your household size (household size includes yourself).
Households may also be eligible for the USAC Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Veterans, Service Members, or their family members who meet these income qualifications are eligible to receive one equipment package per household.
2023 Digital Navigator Income Qualifications
*VA disability, compensation, and other tax-exempt allowances are not counted as income*
| Persons in Family | Household Poverty Guideline - 200% |
| 1 | $29,160 |
| 2 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $60,000 |
| 5 | $70,280 |
| 6 | $80,560 |
| 7 | $90,840 |
| 8 | $101,120 |
For families/households with more than 8 persons,
add $5,140 for each additional person.
Guidelines can be found on aspe.hhs.gov.