For many North Carolinians, the shift to online services has made everyday tasks more complicated. What may seem like a simple digital process to some can feel overwhelming to others, especially older adults who did not grow up with email, smartphones, or online account verification.
In Randolph County, that challenge has become increasingly clear as government agencies such as Social Security, Medicare, and the IRS move toward mandatory ID.me verification. For many seniors, accessing benefits now requires navigating email setup, multi-factor authentication, photo ID uploads, and in some cases live video identity checks. Even those who are comfortable with basic technology can find the process confusing and intimidating.
That is where NC Digital Futures is making a difference.
Through N.C. Cooperative Extension, Digital Skills Educator Hannah Bradley-Cobb has seen firsthand how urgent this need has become. Over the past year, helping seniors create and manage ID.me accounts has been one of the most common requests in Randolph County tech help sessions. These are not minor inconveniences. These are barriers standing between people and the benefits, services, and support they have earned and depend on.
With patient, one-on-one guidance, Hannah helps older adults move through the process step by step. In doing so, she is not simply helping someone set up an account. She is helping a resident gain access to critical services, restore confidence, and participate more fully in a world that is increasingly digital.
This is the broader impact of the NC Digital Futures Program. Across North Carolina, the program is helping residents build the practical digital skills needed to navigate modern life. From accessing public benefits and telehealth services to avoiding scams, applying for jobs, and learning to use devices with confidence, NC Digital Futures helps turn digital access into real opportunity.
The program exists because digital inclusion is about more than broadband. It is about whether people can actually use technology to improve their lives. NC Digital Futures addresses that gap by placing trusted educators in communities where they can provide practical, local, hands-on support. In Randolph County, that support is helping ensure seniors are not left behind as essential systems move online.
At its heart, NC Digital Futures is helping North Carolina residents do more than keep up with technology. It is helping them access services, protect their independence, and move forward with confidence in a digital world.
