Seniors
Patient support for older adults learning, simplifying, or safely using everyday technology.
About Default Gateway
Free, human-to-human technology help for everyday life.
Default Gateway is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Licking County, Ohio, with a growing presence in Dayton, Ohio. We provide free, human-to-human technology help so people can use tech confidently in everyday life.
Our focus is on seniors and neurodivergent community members, and we welcome people with disabilities and low-income households. We do not turn folks away because they do not fit a label.
EIN: 39-4462075
Our mission
Accessible, personalized technology support.
Default Gateway empowers elderly individuals and neurodivergent communities by providing accessible, personalized technology support. Through one-on-one assistance, education, and digital resources, we help people build confidence, independence, and essential skills for everyday life.
We aim to close the digital divide by offering free or low-cost services rooted in trust, patience, and inclusion.
Our values
- Dignity & Respect
- Accessibility
- Privacy
- Patience
- Community Partnership
- No Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Person-First Support
Who we serve
Support for people who need technology to feel less hostile.
Neurodivergent people
Practical systems for ADHD, autism, AuDHD, executive dysfunction, overwhelm, and real-life routines.
Disabled and low-income households
Help finding usable tools, affordable options, accessibility settings, and clear next steps.
Primary service area: Licking County, Ohio. Limited presence: Dayton, Ohio.
Common barriers we address
- Digital literacy gaps and past bad tech experiences.
- Executive function challenges.
- Affordability and confusion about what equipment, services, or plans are actually needed.
- Access to healthcare, financial services, and essential resources.
- Communication hurdles that can lead to isolation or lost independence.
What we teach and troubleshoot
- Device basics and setup.
- Online safety and scam prevention.
- Email, messaging, and video calls.
- Online grocery, pharmacy, appointments, and transportation support.
- Google Docs, Google Drive, and file management.
- Calendars, reminders, timers, and executive-function supports.
- Accessibility tools like captions, screen readers, display settings, and focus aids.
How sessions work
- One-on-one by appointment.
- Usually 60 minutes.
- Follow-up appointments as needed.
- No public office yet.
- Meetings may happen at partner or community spaces, in homes, or mutually agreed public settings.
- Always free.
- Sensory-friendly, calm, step-by-step support.
Equipment and affordable access
We do not currently loan or provide devices, but we are pursuing grants and partnerships. In the meantime, we can help identify reduced-cost device and internet options and assist with setup.
Privacy, security, and data ethics
Your trust is everything. Default Gateway collects the absolute minimum client information required to provide services. We never sell personal information. We do not store identifying client information on the public internet.
We may use anonymized, aggregate data, such as number of sessions or general skill goals reached, to apply for grants and demonstrate community need, but never names or details that could identify a person.
Get involved and donate
We are not accepting volunteers yet because of the sensitive nature of the work, client privacy concerns, and current insurance and vetting capacity. We are building toward a safe volunteer program in the future.
Accepted donation types include cash or check, direct deposit at TrueCore Federal Credit Union, and in-kind device donations on a case-by-case basis.
If your need is not listed
Please still reach out. We make every effort to meet technology needs, even when they fall outside typical categories.
Our staff
People behind the gateway
Bridgette Showman
Executive Director
Aaron Stites
Technical Advisor
Ian Queen
Oversight
Sean O'Hara
Oversight