For Immediate Release
Easterseals Arkansas Receives $50,000 Grant from Comcast NBCUniversal to Foster Digital Literacy and Employment for Young Adults with Disabilities
LITTLE ROCK, AR, September 12, 2023
Media Contact:
Jillian Jacuzzi
jjacuzzi@eastersealsar.com
501-227-3702
Easterseals Arkansas, a dedicated local nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities, is proud to announce that it has secured a generous one-year grant of $50,000 from Comcast NBCUniversal to support the Comcast NBCUniversal Digital Literacy and Employment Program. This program is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering transition-age young adults with disabilities through comprehensive digital skills training and employment preparation.
The Comcast NBCUniversal Digital Literacy and Employment Program extends its services to young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who have been diagnosed with disabilities and are on the path to joining the competitive workforce. This innovative project takes a multifaceted approach by combining specialized digital skills curriculum within the classroom environment with hands-on internships. These internships offer participants the opportunity to apply what they've learned in a real-world work setting, thus bridging the gap between education and employment.
Easterseals Arkansas has a proven track record in providing Pre-employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to high schools in more than 25 locations across Arkansas. Furthermore, the organization extends its Pre-ETS services to 15 students in a college setting. These students are enrolled in the ACCE program, which operates on the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus. Since the inception of Pre-ETS services in 2017, Easterseals Arkansas has had the privilege of assisting more than 200 students annually. The program encompasses comprehensive training across all five core areas of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), with the added benefit of paid work experiences during the second semester of the academic year. Easterseals Arkansas plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the development and coordination of these work experience sites, as well as managing student payroll.
Johnny Baldwin, the Director of Adult Services at Easterseals Arkansas, underscores the paramount importance of digital literacy for young adults with disabilities as they navigate the challenging journey into adulthood. He highlights the critical role of acquiring essential digital skills such as proficient web browsing, adept use of search engines, effective email communication, skilled text messaging, and the ability to engage in blogging. These competencies are vital to unlocking the full potential of these individuals across various domains, including education, home life, and the workplace. Baldwin further expresses Easterseals Arkansas' deep satisfaction in collaborating with national Easterseals and other esteemed affiliates. This collaboration fosters the exchange of valuable resources and the implementation of best practices to ensure that young adults with disabilities in their community have access to cutting-edge digital learning opportunities.
Digital literacy and equitable access to technology align with Comcast NBCUniversal's strategic investment focus. These initiatives empower individuals and create opportunities for those who need it most. Over the years, Comcast NBCUniversal has consistently chosen Easterseals and its affiliates across the nation for numerous grants and programs, reinforcing their commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Easterseals Arkansas is profoundly grateful for Comcast NBCUniversal's generous support and looks forward to further enriching the lives of young adults with disabilities through the Comcast NBCUniversal Digital Literacy and Employment Program.
About Easterseals Arkansas | For more than 75 years, Easterseals Arkansas has provided exceptional services to empower children and adults with disabilities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. Easterseals Arkansas is leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion, access through life-changing disability and community services. Services include developmental preschools in Little Rock and Stuttgart; speech-language, physical, and occupational therapy; independent living programs; and transition programs to promote employment. www.eastersealsar.com
About Comcast NBCUniversal | Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
