Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Digital Equity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
SF DOS highlights digital equity push, CalAIM rollout and planned merger with Mayor's Office on Disability
Summary
At its Sept. 4 meeting, the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services outlined a push to expand digital access, early CalAIM community supports and a planned administrative merger; staff reported device distributions, conservatorship referrals and program pilots.
Executive Director Kelly Dearman told the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services Commission on Sept. 4 that the department is stepping up digital-equity efforts while rolling out CalAIM supports and preparing to absorb staff from the Mayor's Office on Disability.
Dearman said the department received 1,400 iPads through the California Department of Aging's digital connections program and has partnered with community organizations including The Arc of San Francisco, Curry Senior Center, Community Living Campaign, Community Tech Network and Self Help for the Elderly to distribute devices; she reported "13 23 iPads so far" have been distributed and described plans to refresh 44 computer labs with 200 new computers under the San Francisco Connected program.
The report framed those efforts as part of DOS's FY2024'25 strategic goals across equity, workforce, economic security, health and safety. On health and well-being, Dearman said DOS has started CalAIM community support services and enhanced care management; the department previously enrolled nearly 140 clients in enhanced care management services. She also said San Francisco implemented the SB 43 expansion of mental-health conservatorship in January 2024 and that the Office of the Public Conservator received more than 85 referrals in the six months since implementation, "nearly a 40% increase" from the same period last year, while stressing conservatorship remains a last resort.
Dearman announced that the Mayor's Office on Disability will merge into DOS next spring and that mayoral staff will move to DOS; she said the mayor's office name will not be placed inside DOS and that further details are still being worked out.
Commissioners asked staff for additional details on outreach and whether people with lived experience are consulted in conservatorship-related planning. Commissioner Sasha Buettner asked specifically whether the department consults people with lived experience for conservatorship work; Dearman said Department of Public Health processes include such outreach but said she would confirm details.
Why it matters: the report tries to link device distribution, new online tools and CalAIM services to the department's five strategic goals. The conservatorship expansion under SB 43 and the reported increase in referrals are significant operational developments that affect case intake, coordination with public health and reliance on voluntary alternatives.
What's next: Dearman said more details about the Mayor's Office on Disability merger will be released as plans solidify; the commission will receive implementation updates in future reports.
Quote excerpt: "We received 1,400 iPads through the California Department of Aging's digital connections program," Executive Director Kelly Dearman said, and later noted the City has been recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance as a "visionary trailblazer."
