The Be Connected Building Digital Skills program is designed to support people over 50 who face barriers or need guidance to access the online world. To make this vital work possible, Good Things Australia provides funding, practical resources, training, and ongoing support to organisations around Australia. This program also has specialist rounds, that focus on organisations supporting CALD communities, First Nations or people with disability. And that’s the case of the Association of Holocaust Survivors.
“Our participants are mainly Holocaust survivors and older adults with disability. Many have limited mobility, and some live with Parkinson’s disease or other conditions that make using a mouse or keyboard difficult. We deliver one-on-one and small group sessions, mostly online via Zoom, adapting every lesson to each person’s needs and abilities.” Commented Vicky Repka, organisation Digital Mentor.
For older adults, particularly those with mobility restrictions or disability, staying independent is really important. Access to technology gives participants more choice in how they manage their day-to-day lives and to keep in contact with others.
With Vicky’s support, participants are learning to use video calls to speak with overseas family, understand complex letters from hospitals, and use translation tools when English is a barrier.
Lately, they have even been exploring AI (Artificial Intelligence). Mentors have supported participants in using ChatGPT to help write emails or draft questions to prepare before calling a hospital. These simple skills provide a powerful buffer against isolation, ensuring that participants can manage healthcare and stay connected to their loved ones.
“Our participants are genuinely eager to learn,” says Vicky. “They don’t come to us because they want to become technology experts – they simply want to solve everyday problems.”
Some of the most common practical questions Vicky received include: “How do I reply to this email?”, “Is this message a scam?”, “How do I join my doctor’s Zoom appointment?”
Lately, mentoring sessions have focused on highly practical digital tasks. Mentors have been helping participants navigate MyGov and Medicare, manage passwords securely, fill in online forms, update their devices, and recognise and avoid sophisticated scam emails and text messages
The community Vicky supports is truly unique. Many of the participants are Holocaust survivors in their late 80s and 90s, living with age-related health conditions and disability. Yet, far from being stopped by the rapid pace of technological change, they are embracing it.
“It is incredibly inspiring to see people who have overcome so much in life continue to embrace new technology – including artificial intelligence – with curiosity and determination.”
Their incredible journey is a powerful, living reminder that it is never too late to learn new skills—especially when those skills help people stay connected, informed, and independent.
We currently have a Be Connected specialist Building Digital Skills round for organisations currently supporting people over 50 with disability. Learn more and apply now! Applications close 7 August 2026.