A person with disabilities wearing headphones and a dark purple sweatshirt sits at a computer workstation, typing on a keyboard. Their hair is styled with pink and purple braids, and a pink furry accessory is attached to their chair. An orange curved line design element runs across the top of the image.

How The Arc and Comcast Are Bridging the Digital Divide

/in /by The Arc

Technology opens doors to education, employment, and human connection. For people with disabilities—who are three times less likely to go online—this digital divide doesn’t just limit opportunities; it can create a painful isolation that goes beyond mere inconvenience.

Since 2017, The Arc and Comcast have been breaking down digital barriers, one person at a time. Our training programs have created new paths for nearly 6,000 people with disabilities, helping them tap into capabilities and dreams that had been waiting to shine. Here are just a few of their stories.

Alex: Finding Purpose Through Technology

When Alex lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he lost more than income—he lost his carefully constructed daily routine, sense of purpose, and the independence he had worked so hard to achieve. That’s when The Arc of Lane County in Oregon stepped in with a lifeline in the form of a tablet and personalized training. With patience and encouragement, tech coaches taught Alex to use navigation apps, opening the door to a new job with a food delivery company. Alex now uses Google Maps to guide his delivery routes.

The tablet that started as a work tool has blossomed into Alex’s window into the world. He is creating a new network of co-workers and friends. He discovered online music, sports, and YouTube videos—fulfilling his life in ways his family never imagined. His tablet has become a gateway to both professional pride and personal joy.

 April: Reading Her Way to Independence

For April, being unable to read made her dream of independent living seem unreachable in a world of written instructions and warning labels. The team at Sertoma Star Services, a chapter of The Arc in Indiana, introduced her to the Synthy text-to-speech app that reads documents aloud—even handwritten notes. Now she can read her mail, cooking instructions, and medication labels without assistance. Each scanned document allows April to navigate the world with confidence.

Joshua: Overcoming Anxiety Through Technology"A student with disabilities sits at a classroom desk working on a laptop, looking toward the camera. The student has short, black, curly hair and is wearing a red shirt with a black and white jacket draped over their shoulders. A large screen is mounted on the wall behind them, with educational posters and cartoon character cutouts decorating the classroom. A pair of headphones and papers are on the desk.

School once filled Joshua with deep anxiety. That’s until tech coaches at The Arc of South Florida introduced him to interactive learning apps like Kahoot for interactive quizzes and Aleks for math practice that helped him stay engaged and better understand his lessons. They also trained Joshua’s caregiver, Josephine, on the apps so she could provide timely support when he struggled. Now Joshua is thriving in school. With newfound confidence, he is engaging more with classmates, contributing to group discussions, and building friendships that once seemed impossible. With each new skill, he grows more motivated to set goals for his future.

Caleb: Navigating Online Safety

Caleb is a typical teenager. He has a mobile phone and is active on social media and online gaming. His family encourages his independence; however, Caleb’s trusting nature made him vulnerable to online scammers. The Arc of Harris County in Texas taught him how to recognize warning signs and protect his information and identity. His family now has tools to reinforce critical safety skills, balancing Caleb’s independence with necessary protection.

A person with disabilities stands outside a bike shop holding the handlebars of a blue adult tricycle with a white basket on the back. They are wearing sunglasses, a black long-sleeve shirt, and black shorts. The shop’s glass windows reflect bicycles and outdoor surroundings.Nelson: Mapping a Path to Freedom

Nelson is an independent young man, but he couldn’t get around his community without his parents’ help. The Arc of Davidson County in Tennessee introduced him to navigation apps for his phone. Now Nelson plans his own routes on his electronic trike, choosing his destinations and schedule, taking advantage of bike paths, and being mindful of the distance. Each journey strengthens his confidence and independence.

The Arc is grateful for Comcast’s commitment to helping people with disabilities develop a wide range of technical skills. Together, we are delivering the fundamental human right to be seen, heard, and valued in our increasingly connected world.

“Providing access to digital skills training opens doors to opportunity and greater independence—transforming lives, especially for individuals with disabilities,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer of Comcast Corporation. “Our partnership with The Arc exemplifies the kind of collaboration that fuels our mission at Comcast. We’re proud to continue growing this work together and expanding our impact in communities across the country.”

Comcast’s partnership with The Arc is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to create digital opportunities and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people, Project UP is focused on connecting people to the internet, advancing economic mobility, and opening doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

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