--News Direct--
City of Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling joined Comcast at Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA) today in Burien to showcase the facility’s assistive technology makeover made possible by a $65,000 contribution of equipment and in-kind services from Comcast. NWPVA’s upgraded facility will provide critical online resources and facilitate digital literacy training for veterans who have a spinal cord injury or dysfunction.
Comcast began providing free WiFi service to NWPVA’s location in 2020 through the company’s Lift Zones program. The building is now equipped with hardware, furniture and support to aid NWPVA members in accessing vital resources, private meeting spaces and independent navigation of computers using assistive technology. Comcast engaged the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) to consult on the technology, software, equipment and furniture. WATAP provides assistive technology resources and expertise to Washington residents who face challenges related to disability.
Some of the assistive technology now available in the facility include:
- GlassOuse Assistive Device that can navigate a computer through head movements and bite-click.
- Dragon Software by Nuance for high quality, powerful dictation through speech recognition.
- High visibility keyboards and mouse options for varying dexterity.
- Height adjustable desks and conference tables for varying wheelchair needs.
- Extendable monitor arms for users with low vision.
“We are thankful for the investment Comcast is making to bring to life our vision for a facility that provides training in an inclusive and accessible environment to our veteran community,” said Joy Cochran, Vice President, Northwest PVA. “The financial support and complimentary WiFi service from Comcast combined with the WATAP consultancy are critical to providing the most relevant and impactful technology for our facility and members.”
As part of Comcast’s ongoing commitment to help connect underserved communities to the Internet, the company has created free, WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” at nearly 100 non-profit organizations and community centers throughout Washington. Lift Zones are part of Comcast’s Project UP – a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity. The initiative also provides access to hundreds of hours of educational and digital-skills content to help people navigate online learning.
According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), people with disabilities are among the groups most likely not to use the internet at home, often due to cost barriers, lack of interest or challenges with technology accessibility. Additionally, nearly 48 million U.S. workers — one-third of all U.S. workers — do not have the foundational digital skills needed to secure in-demand jobs. This points to a digital skill divide in Washington and the nation.
“Having digital skills matters now more than ever. We recognize the challenges people with disabilities confront, which affects their ability to use the internet and technology,” said Roy Novosel, U.S. Marine Veteran and Vice President of Engineering for the Comcast Pacific Northwest Region. “That’s exactly why a fully accessible and digital community learning space like this one in Burien is so important, and why we at Comcast want to partner with organizations like Paralyzed Veterans of America to help close the digital skills divide in Washington.”
To add some art to this unique learning space, Urban ArtWorks constructed a mural designed by veteran artist Charles Conner and hand-painted by Comcast employee volunteers. This mural is now on display inside the Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America building in Burien.
Lift Zones complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which helps connect lower-income families to the Internet at home. Internet Essentials is Comcast’s signature digital equity initiative and the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. Since 2011, Internet Essentials has connected a cumulative total of more than 8,800 low-income residents to broadband Internet in Kitsap County.
Internet Essentials has a comprehensive design that addresses each of the three major barriers to broadband adoption. This includes: multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person; the option to purchase a heavily subsidized, low-cost Internet-ready computer; and low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month, plus tax. For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/education. To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
Comcast’s commitment to the military community goes back to our founder, U.S. Navy veteran Ralph Roberts. We are proud to create special experiences for military customers, hire military-connected talent, and support organizations that serve veterans and their families.
About Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America
The mission of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Northwest Chapter is to improve the quality of life for Veterans of the United States Armed Forces & their family, for those who have a spinal cord injury or dysfunction, while advocating for civil and disability rights for all. The Northwest Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA), a member chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, accomplishes it’s mission by coordinated efforts through programs that provide opportunities for health promotion, recreation, employment, sports and recreation, service and camaraderie for paralyzed veterans; elevate society’s information level about the attitudinal, physical and legal barriers that confront persons with disabilities in order to influence the removal of those barriers; advocate for and monitor the delivery of high quality and appropriate health care benefits and service; cooperate with and seek the support of other groups and individuals that share NWPVA’s objective; and educate the public with the current and ongoing needs and current and past contributions of America’s veterans. Learn more at https://nwpva.org/.
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
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