SHLB at Fiber Connect 2026: Joey Wender to Lead Panel on Broadband and Aging in America

SHLB’s Executive Director Joey Wender is heading to Fiber Connect 2026 in Orlando, Florida
(May 17–20) to moderate a panel on one of the most pressing challenges in broadband policy:
making sure seniors aren't left behind.

"Broadband Boomers: BEAD's Senior Moment"
As billions in BEAD funding begin reaching communities, the broadband landscape is shifting
fast. But infrastructure alone isn't enough. Joey's session "Broadband Boomers: BEAD's Senior Moment" will explore what it actually takes to help older Americans age safely and
independently in a connected world, covering digital literacy, telehealth access, and the role
anchor institutions like libraries and health care providers play in keeping seniors connected and
healthy. Joey will be joined by Thomas Kamber, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of
Senior Planet and Older Adults Technology Services at AARP, and Deborah Kish, Vice
President of Research and Workforce Development at the Fiber Broadband Association.

Why This Matters for the SHLB Community
Anchor institutions are often the front door to connectivity for seniors, from libraries offering
digital skills classes or a rural health clinic providing telehealth access. As broadband networks
expand, these institutions will be critical to ensuring adoption and meaningful use keep pace
with deployment.

More Worth Checking Out
This year's Fiber Connect program includes several other sessions relevant to the SHLB
community, including a Telehealth and Broadband Summit and a Broadband Policy Upload
session featuring speakers from organizations like the National Council on Aging, American
Telemedicine Association, and Penn State University.

To learn more or register, visit fiberconnect.fiberbroadband.org.