Comcast and the Arc Partner To Expand Tech Training and Special Education Advocacy for People With Disabilities

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast Corporation has announced an expansion of its partnership with The Arc of the United States, delivering new grants totaling $710,000 to bolster digital skills training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. The funding aims to establish additional Tech Coaching Centers across the nation and enhance the The Arc@School advocacy curriculum for Spanish-speaking families. Since 2014, Comcast's efforts have benefited around 3,500 individuals with IDD. The first grant of $560,000 will support ten Tech Coaching Centers and train caregivers, while a second grant of $150,000 will enhance special education advocacy for marginalized communities. This initiative is part of Comcast's Project UP, a $1 billion commitment to promote digital equity.

Positive

• Total grants of $710,000 to enhance digital skills for people with IDD and their families.
• Expansion of Tech Coaching Centers to ten new locations, benefiting more individuals.
• Support for Spanish translation of special education advocacy curriculum.

Negative

• None.

PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2023 / Comcast Corporation:

Comcast has announced that it is expanding its partnership with The Arc of the United States to foster digital and advocacy skills in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

The expansion comes in the form of Comcast providing two new grants to The Arc totaling $710,000. The funding will allow The Arc to establish more Tech Coaching Centers at chapters across the country and offer The Arc@School special education advocacy curriculum to Spanish-speaking families. These programs have already helped over 3,500 people with IDD develop more independence, equity, and opportunities for their future.

$710K In new grants to The Arc to expand Tech Coaching Centers

"Far too many people with IDD are left behind in our society," said Ruben Rodriguez, COO and Acting CEO of The Arc of the United States. "A quality educational experience and understanding of technology is fundamental in creating equal opportunities of all kinds. These systems continue to deepen extraordinary disparities among people with IDD, especially underrepresented communities and low-income families. Our continued partnership with Comcast is making opportunity a reality for all people with IDD. It's chiseling away at our society's rampant inequities and helping everyone - no matter your disability - build bright futures."

A first grant of $560,000, will support The Arc's Tech Coaching Centers at 10 locations across the country. It will also expand the training model to include caregivers and family members of people with IDD to ensure they can support in the implementation of technology across all environments, including assistive technology.

With technology being an increasingly vital part of navigating and participating in today's plugged-in world, including transportation, employment, recreation and social interaction, people with IDD face unique barriers to understanding and adopting digital tools, which are exacerbated by a higher rate of poverty and lower overall income. Since 2014, Comcast has supported The Arc's Tech Coaching Center, reaching nearly 2,500 people with IDD through 19 chapters and giving them access to devices, services, and training that advance measured outcomes in employment, health, independent living, education, and interpersonal connections.

"We know that digital skills training can open new doors to opportunity and help people living with disabilities gain independence," said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation.

We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with The Arc to reach even more people with IDD - including their caregivers and families - and to create pathways that can help enrich their lives.

DALILA WILSON-SCOTT

EVP and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation

A second grant of $150,000 will go towards advancing efforts to help marginalized communities better advocate for their education. This investment will allow The Arc to fully translate the curriculum into Spanish to better meet this population's needs and increase access to the content.

Academic achievement and graduation rates for students with disabilities lag far behind their peers, trends marked by inordinate discrimination, suspensions, and isolation within school settings across the country. In 2016, The Arc created The Arc@School, an evidence-based, self-paced online training program designed to help families, educators, and advocates navigate the special education system. Since 2021, Comcast has partnered with The Arc to connect underserved communities to these educational advocacy resources. To date, more than 500 families of color and low-income households have been given free access to The Arc@School, in addition to a facilitation guide, Spanish language overview of the special education process, and cultural competency resources and sections.

These grants were distributed through Project UP, Comcast's $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people in order to advance digital equity and help create a future of unlimited possibilities.

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SOURCE: Comcast Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/750671/Comcast-and-the-Arc-Partner-To-Expand-Tech-Training-and-Special-Education-Advocacy-for-People-With-Disabilities

FAQ

What is the significance of Comcast's $710,000 grant to The Arc?

The grant aims to improve digital skills training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through expanded Tech Coaching Centers.

How many people will benefit from the new Tech Coaching Centers funded by Comcast?

The expanded centers are expected to help thousands more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, building on Comcast's previous outreach.

What is Project UP by Comcast?

Project UP is Comcast's $1 billion initiative aimed at advancing digital equity and providing resources for underserved communities.

What specific programs will the grants support at The Arc?

The grants will support Tech Coaching Centers and the translation of advocacy curricula for Spanish-speaking families.

When was the announcement made regarding the partnership expansion between Comcast and The Arc?

The announcement was made on April 21, 2023.