Ottawa Responsible AI Hub and The Glebe Centre Inc. Sign Partnership to Advance AI Literacy and Inclusion for Seniors
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that emerging technologies are not only innovative but also accessible, ethical, and inclusive
As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes everyday life, concerns around deepfakes, online scams, and digital misinformation are rising, often disproportionately affecting seniors who are too frequently left on the sidelines of technological change. In response, the Ottawa Responsible AI Hub (ORAH) and Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance responsible AI education and digital inclusion for older adults in Ottawa.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that emerging technologies are not only innovative but also accessible, ethical, and inclusive. As part of this collaboration, the Ottawa Responsible AI Hub is leading the AI for All: Seniors AI Literacy Program, a community-based initiative delivered in partnership with Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre to equip seniors with practical knowledge of AI in everyday life, including its use in healthcare, communication, and home support, while also building awareness of risks such as deepfakes, online scams, and digital security threats. The program aims to reduce digital exclusion and empower seniors to engage confidently with rapidly evolving technologies while promoting the safe and responsible use of AI-enabled tools.
“This partnership represents an important step toward bridging the gap between innovation and inclusion,” said Somto Mbelu, Founder and Program Lead, Ottawa Responsible AI Hub. “We launched the AI for Seniors initiative to ensure that older adults are not left behind as AI becomes embedded in everyday life. Through this collaboration, we are expanding that vision by equipping seniors with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate AI systems safely and meaningfully.”
Patricia Goyeche, Coordinator of Community Programs at Abbosford, added: “Seniors are very eager to learn about AI, but many can also feel intimidated by it. Through this partnership, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that helps them understand what AI is, how to use it in everyday life, and how to protect themselves from risks such as scams, misinformation, and misuse by bad actors.”
Antonia McGuire, AI Education and Public Literacy Lead and Course Instructor (ORAH), added: “AI for Seniors is a pilot phase of a broader vision to expand inclusive AI education beyond seniors. Our goal is to deliver accessible, evidence-based learning through a participatory, co-design approach that reflects the needs of diverse and often underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to AI skills. At its core, the Hub is a space for meaningful collaboration, where we come together to create value, innovate responsibly, and respond to the needs of all. We believe this is possible through collective effort and shared purpose.”
Richard Olayanju, Project Manager, added: “From a delivery perspective, this initiative is structured to ensure strong coordination, clear outcomes, and measurable impact. We are focused on creating a scalable model that can be replicated across communities to expand access to responsible AI education.”
The MOU outlines areas of collaboration including program delivery, community engagement, knowledge sharing, and the development of inclusive frameworks for responsible AI adoption in community-based settings. This partnership builds on ORAH’s broader work in advancing responsible AI through initiatives such as the Ottawa Responsible AI Summit and the Global Forum on Responsible AI, reinforcing its role as a leader in public interest AI and community-centered innovation.
About Ottawa Responsible AI Hub (ORAH)The Ottawa Responsible AI Hub (ORAH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing responsible, inclusive, and trustworthy AI through public education, policy engagement, and applied research. ORAH brings together stakeholders across government, academia, industry, and civil society to promote AI systems that serve the public good.
About The Glebe Centre Inc.The Glebe Centre Inc. is a community-based organization in Ottawa dedicated to supporting seniors through high-quality care, housing, and community programs that promote independence, dignity, and well-being.