The goal of the Digital Inclusion Learning Circle is to provide a space for digital skills trainers to share their knowledge and expertise, get tips to improve their programs and services and brainstorm new ideas. The February Digital Inclusion Learning Circle featured presentations from Pam Rooks, Refugee Digital Access Specialist with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, and Megan McNaughton, Tech Access Partnerships Coordinator with Kansas City Public Library

Demonstrating her presentation’s interactive features, Pam Rooks exhibited a series of slideshow presentations she’s developed to “gamify” digital skills learning for adult-learners who are also refugees. Her slideshows cover topics such as avoiding pop-ups and using computer mice correctly. 

Rooks came to the learning circle needing suggestions to increase the entertainment value of her slide decks. Rooks was met with a variety of ideas and supportive gestures. You can learn more or get involved with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas by visiting their website for more information. 

Megan McNaughton has seen an uptick in demand for her digital skills classes, which range in topics from Zoom: Beyond The Basics to Online Security: Cyber Threats. McNaughton works mostly with older adults, teaching computer classes to increase the quality of life for individuals otherwise left behind in the digital age. She received affirming feedback from her colleagues and was prepared to share her materials freely with those in need or are curious about the course curriculum. Library card-holders with the Kansas City Public Library can access the entirety of McNaughton’s curriculum for digital literacy. 

Join the Digital Inclusion Learning Circle group on LinkedIn and connect with other practitioners at the monthly meetings at the LAMP campus (Zoom option available). If you have a digital skills training program and would like to bounce ideas off your peers, please email Leah Henriksen for more information.

Further Reading

From Tax Help to Tech Clinics: How Education Leaders Are Closing the Digital Divide

The Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion (KCCDI) gathered for its May 2025 meeting with a focus on how digital access impacts the delivery of essential services. Speakers from the University of Missouri Extension, the City of Kansas City and LINC shared real-world examples of how digital barriers affect residents, and how local efforts are helping bridge the gap.

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Devices Grants Tell Transformative Stories of Digital Access and Support (Part 1)

The KC Digital Inclusion Fund awarded $75,000 to expand digital opportunities for clients of 11 eligible nonprofit organizations, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for residents of Kansas City. These grant funds helped job seekers, youth, individuals in reentry, and seniors gain skills and access, showing how technology can create opportunity, independence, and improved quality of life.

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Discovering the Power of Assistive Tools for Computer Access

KC Digital Drive created three short videos showcasing the Missouri Assistive Technology Demo Site at the LAMP Campus. These videos highlight adaptive tools like specialized keyboards, mice, and communication devices. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage community members to explore assistive tech for community partner’s staff and clients to promote accessibility.

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