The Arc and Comcast forge path to digital equity with $1M boost

The Arc of the United States and Comcast NBCUniversal have announced that they are expanding their long-term partnership to enhance equity and opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

Comcast will provide a $1 million grant over the next two years to modernise The Arc’s data infrastructure, strengthen its digital literacy programmes, and improve Spanish-speaking families' access to special education advocacy. The initiative is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity.

The Arc of the United States advocates for and serves individuals with IDD, including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses. 

Founded in 1950 by parents who believed their children with IDD deserved more, The Arc has grown into a network of nearly 600 chapters across the country. The organisation promotes and protects the human rights of people with IDD and supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

The grant will enable The Arc to overhaul its data collection and analysis capabilities across its nearly 600 chapters nationwide. The new centralised data system will track these chapters' essential services, capture the organisation’s collective impact, and generate insights to better advocate for and support the IDD community. 

The technological upgrade aims to benefit all stakeholders, enhance support from the national office, enable chapters to learn and adopt best practices, and strengthen the support network for people with disabilities and their families.

Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, emphasised the importance of data in achieving inclusivity: 

"For too long, students with disabilities have faced a whole host of barriers that have denied them the free, appropriate public education they are entitled to.  "It is essential that parents and school personnel alike understand fully their rights and responsibilities so that students get the education they need consistent with federal law. 

“Our partnership with Comcast to get The Arc@School in the hands of more families and educators is tearing down those barriers in profound ways. With their support, we are empowering students to not only access the education they deserve but to truly thrive."

In addition to data modernisation, Comcast’s funding will support The Arc’s efforts to make resources more accessible to Hispanic communities. The Arc@School Special Education Advocacy Curriculum was translated into Spanish and launched in early 2024, with Comcast’s support in 2023. 

The new grant will enable The Arc to conduct targeted outreach to Hispanic communities through Spanish-language webinars, collaboration with Spanish-speaking Special Education Advocates, and local programme access. 

The Comcast grant will also support The Arc’s Tech Coaching Centres, which provide tailored digital skills training to individuals with IDD. The Arc will expand this training to include caregivers and family members, integrating technology skills into all aspects of daily life. 

The programme will support ten sites across Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas. Since 2014, Comcast has helped The Arc’s Tech Coaching Centres provide digital skills training to over 2,500 people with IDD, enhancing outcomes in employment, health, independent living, education, and social connections.

Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation and President of Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, underscored the role of technology in providing opportunities and independence:

“Whether it's having a reliable job, managing your health, learning lifelong skills, or being socially connected – technology is the bridge to opportunities and independence. 

“We’re proud to partner with The Arc to meaningfully advance digital access and equity for people with disabilities.”