Comcast’s Partnership Empowers Utah’s Deaf and Blind Communities

Imagine a world where educational barriers dissolve and information becomes universally accessible. No, it’s not science fiction; it’s the inspiring reality for Utah’s deaf and blind communities, thanks to a meaningful partnership between Comcast, The Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB), and the National Federation of the Blind of Utah (NFB) – a partnership we treasure because it benefits the lives of so many Utahns.

This week, that partnership was on full display when Lindsay Yazzolino, a nationally recognized leader in tactile graphics, visited Utah and shared her vision with USDB students.

As the keynote guest, Lindsay, who is visually impaired, led an interactive experience, offering a hands-on experience of the cutting-edge Braille Monarch technology, a next-generation tactile graphics device, that gives students with unique needs faster and more equitable access to educational materials.

A professor, consultant, and leading figure in tactile graphics and accessibility, Lindsay is actively involved in NASA’s groundbreaking program, Astro Access. This initiative integrates individuals with disabilities into the U.S. astronaut program.

Answering all of the students’ questions, Lindsay is one of only 12 people selected for NASA’s program and has been instrumental in enhancing accessibility within NASA’s space exploration endeavors. Her work focuses specifically on incorporating tactile information, digital mapping, and other innovations to make space missions more inclusive for all.

We learned that tactile graphics are not just images; they are gateways to understanding, allowing individuals who are blind to “see” through touch. Through Lindsay’s efforts, visual information is no longer a barrier but a bridge to knowledge and independence.

Comcast proudly supports accessibility in Utah through Comcast Foundation grants, funding programs like USDB’s assistive technology, and digital training programs which are imperative for students to bridge the gap caused by vision and hearing loss. 

This collaborative effort is a testament to the transformative power of technology and a shared commitment to inclusion because Comcast’s funds directly impact students.

From education to independent living, the possibilities are endless as Comcast gets the chance to create a more equitable and vibrant society for all.