Neighborhood and Community Services

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has declared Oct. 7-11, 2024, as Digital Inclusion Week in Fairfax County. The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to participate and engage in a connected community. As part of this effort, NCS is proud to announce expanded access to digital equipment and free Wi-Fi at NCS facilities.  Expanded Wi-Fi at NCS Facilities Though NCS community, senior, teen and adult day health centers have always offered free Wi-Fi inside, parking lot Wi-Fi Access is now available at more than 20 locations (additional locations coming soon). Find expanded Wi-Fi at: Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate Gum Springs Community Center Gum Springs Glen - EHS Herndon Harbor Adult Day Health Care Herndon Senior Center Hollin Hall Senior Center Huntington Community Center James Lee Community Center Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care Lewinsville Senior Center Lincolnia Adult Day Health Care Lincolnia Senior Center Little River Glen Senior Center Mott Community Center Minnie Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s Mt. Vernon Adult Day Health Care Murraygate Boys and Girls Club Ox Hill Boys and Girls Club Pimmit Hills Senior Center Pinn Community Center Reston Teen Center Wakefield Senior Center Willston Multicultural Center For more information on free Wi-Fi access at Fairfax County Government facilities, visit County Wi-Fi Locations. Expanded Technology at NCS Centers In addition to expanded Wi-Fi, center participants now have access to expanded technology, including:   Makerbot Sketch 3D Printers and Cricut Makers available for use in-house at NCS community centers. Robotics Kits available for use in-house at NCS senior centers and community centers. iPads available for use by participants at NCS senior center locations. For more information, check with staff at your local NCS facility. To find a facility near you, visit Find NCS Facilities. These advances in digital equity throughout Fairfax County are part of the NCS’s Bridging the Digital Divide for Older Adults and People with Disabilities Project. The project aims to address gaps in accessibility, affordability, and technical ability by increasing engagement and connection of older adults, people with disabilities and other community residents through the enrichment of resources available at its senior centers, adult day health care centers, community centers, teen centers, and Neighborhood Initiative Programs sites located strategically throughout the county. In addition to the new NCS features, several additional programs and services work to close the digital divide: Technology Programs for Older Adults, Children and Teens, including the Clubhouse Network located at NCS Centers. NCS staff trains users how to use equipment and technology that can be used in the development of small businesses and creative endeavors, enhance their recreational activities, and help them gain new skills and meaningful use of technology. Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA), where older adults and those with disabilities can stream enriching content and combat isolation. Digital Inclusion Week is a national campaign supported by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). This year’s theme is “Stronger Together: Mobilizing Towards Sustainability.” Hundreds of localities host and sponsor special events and campaigns to raise awareness and increase digital equity in their communities. Digital equity ensures opportunities for Fairfax County residents to participate and engage in a connected community. The ability to access, understand and use digital tools is essential for many tasks in daily life. Digital Equity helps businesses and individuals thrive in a technology-driven society and contribute to the county’s economic competitiveness. Fairfax County has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to digital equity, making significant strides in connecting residents with broadband and the opportunities presented by digital technologies. Despite these efforts, more than 20,000 households do not have access to a computer at home and/or an internet subscription. Earlier this year, the County developed a five-year Digital Equity Action Plan to build and improve upon existing efforts to close the digital divide in Fairfax County. Please visit Fairfax County’s Digital Equity and Inclusion page for more resources and information. About the Bridging the Digital Divide Project The Bridging the Digital Divide project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance totaling $1,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.