The Arc of the United States and Comcast NBCUniversal have announced a significant expansion of their partnership to enhance equity and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Comcast is investing $1 million over two years in The Arc, aiming to modernize its data infrastructure, improve digital literacy programs, and provide special education advocacy resources to Spanish-speaking families. This initiative is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advancing digital equity and fostering a future of unlimited possibilities.
Robust data is crucial for driving impactful change, and this investment will transform how The Arc collects and analyzes information across its nearly 600 chapters nationwide. The new centralized data system will monitor essential services, measure The Arc’s collective impact, and provide insights to better advocate for and support the IDD community. This technology upgrade will benefit all stakeholders: the national office can better support its chapters, chapters can share best practices and meet community needs more effectively, and individuals with disabilities and their families will have a stronger network to rely on.
“In our pursuit of a fully inclusive society, data is power,” said Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States. “This grant enables us to leverage our collective strength across our nearly 600 chapters to strategically uplift millions of people with disabilities across America, amplifying our human impact.”
Comcast has also been instrumental in making resources accessible to Hispanic communities. In 2023, funding from Comcast enabled The Arc@School Special Education Advocacy Curriculum to be translated into Spanish and launched in early 2024. The new grant will facilitate targeted outreach to Hispanic communities through Spanish-language webinars, collaboration with Spanish-speaking Special Education Advocates, and local program access. This will help underserved populations become effective special education advocates. Specifically, subgrants to five chapters in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Virginia will provide 150 Spanish-speaking families free access to the program and host focus groups to ensure their children receive quality public education.
“For too long, students with disabilities have faced numerous barriers that have denied them the free, appropriate public education they deserve,” said Katy Neas. “It’s essential that parents and school personnel fully understand their rights and responsibilities so students get the education they need in line with federal law. Our partnership with Comcast to distribute The Arc@School to more families and educators is dismantling these barriers in profound ways. With their support, we are empowering students to not only access the education they deserve but to truly thrive.”
Additionally, the Comcast grant will support The Arc’s Tech Coaching Centers, which offer customized digital skills training to individuals with IDD. The Arc plans to expand this training to include caregivers and family members, integrating technology skills into all aspects of daily life. This support will extend to 10 sites across Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas. Since 2014, Comcast has helped The Arc’s Tech Coaching Centers empower over 2,500 people with IDD, enhancing outcomes in employment, health, independent living, education, and social connections.
“Whether it’s securing a reliable job, managing health, acquiring lifelong skills, or staying socially connected – technology is the bridge to opportunities and independence,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation.
