earlSpeak is a technology education company dedicated to helping people understand computers and to showing them how to integrate technology into their lives. The earlSpeak teaching system yields a vibrant combination of entertainment, empowerment and computer skills. We are based in lower Manhattan, New York.

earlSpeak is certified by the New York City Department of Business Services as a Minority-Owned Enterprise.

It is our belief that the Internet is potentially, a very powerful resource for older Adults & Seniors. Introducing them to the Internet is like showing them a whole new world that they can explore from the safety and privacy of their own residence.

We at earlSpeak have found that after being introduced to the Internet, older Adults & Seniors embrace it as a way to keep in touch with children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends via e-mail. They also frequently use the Internet to learn and do research and to carry out transactions that simplify their lives and reduce their dependence on others. In addition to e-mail, other favorite uses for the Internet include:
· Reading about news and current affairs
· Gathering travel information
· Exploring medical resources
· Shopping and gift-buying
· Banking and Investing
· Playing games
· Checking the weather
· Participating in online discussions and chat rooms
· Pursuing other educational opportunities

Unfortunately, many older Adults & Seniors remain unfamiliar with computers and how to access the Internet. This is where we can help. earlSpeak’s mission is to introduce the wonders of the Internet to your community. Where there is interest, earlSpeak can help its clients buy a computer, set it up, choose an Internet service provider, provide personalized one-on-one Internet tutoring at their residence and subsequent telephone support.

A recent research report by Mizuko Ito et al. entitled, “Broadening Access: Research for Diverse Network Communities”, (at page 2) captures earlSpeak’s purpose and opportunity:

Seniors above the age of 65, in particular, have much lower rates of computer and online access (Starch 1998). Many seniors are at risk of social isolation after retirement and with the onset of physical disabilities, could uniquely benefit from access to network communities. Further, most seniors have not used computers as children or younger adults, and thus require support to achieve basic computer access.

Once connected to the Internet, researchers have found that the majority of older Adults & Seniors spend less than 2 weeks learning how to use the Internet. All they need is some help at the start!

However, according to International Data Corp., an information technology research company based in Framingham, Massachusetts, older Adults & Seniors will represent the fastest growing group of Internet users in the U.S. over the next several years. The Internet momentum is clearly growing amongst our elders.

Source: International Data Corp, estimates (E) as of July 2000.

For more information or to arrange a time to begin, please contact us at info@earlspeak.com or call 212-966-8273. While we specialize in working with older Adults & Seniors, our Computer and Training Combination Packages are also available to Internet beginners of all ages.

If you are a member of a group, consider hosting a free, on-site Internet seminar presented by earlSpeak!