Washington, DC – The Arc of the United States and Comcast NBCUniversal announced a significant expansion of their longstanding partnership, aiming to enhance data infrastructure, digital literacy, and Spanish-speaking special education advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Comcast will provide a $1 million grant over two years to support this initiative.

This funding is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity. The investment will revolutionize how The Arc collects and analyzes information across its nearly 600 chapters nationwide, creating a centralized data system to track vital services and reveal insights to better support the IDD community.

According to Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, “In our pursuit of a fully inclusive society, data is power.” She notes that the grant will allow The Arc to strategically uplift millions of people with disabilities across America by enhancing their advocacy and support mechanisms.

Additionally, the Comcast grant will support The Arc’s efforts to make resources accessible to Hispanic communities. The funding will enable The Arc to offer Spanish-language webinars and collaborate with Spanish-speaking Special Education Advocates. Five chapters in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Virginia will receive subgrants to provide 150 Spanish-speaking families free access to the program, ensuring their children receive a quality public school education.

The grant will also support The Arc’s Tech Coaching Centers, which offer customized digital skills training to people with IDD. The initiative will expand to include training for caregivers and family members, covering 10 sites across various states including Colorado and Texas. Since 2014, Comcast has helped the centers empower over 2,500 people with IDD by advancing measured outcomes in several areas.

Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation, emphasized the importance of digital access and equity for people with disabilities, highlighting the partnership’s role in creating opportunities and promoting independence through technology.

The Arc, founded in 1950, advocates for and serves people with IDD, promoting their human rights and full inclusion in the community. More information about their work can be found at www.thearc.org.

Source: Comcast Grants $1M to Transform The Arc’s Data, Tech Training, and Spanish Education Resources.