Comcast and Four-Time Paralympic Medalist Wow Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Students While Inspiring Them to Dream Big
Comcast, the National Federation of Blind Utah (NFB), and the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind (USBD) partner to amplify accessibility awareness during the 2023 NFB Annual Conference.
As part of this initiative, in Millcreek City, Comcast hosted a meet and greet with four-time Team USA Paralympian and two-time goal ball medalist Tyler Merren for students, parents, and staff at the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind.
Students caressed Tyler’s medals that designers created with accessibility in mind. The unique design equips different amounts of tiny steel balls inside the medals based on their color, so they make distinct sounds when shaken. So, for example, visually impaired athletes can shake the medals next to their ears to determine the color/ranking. Additionally, Braille letters spell out the Olympic venue and year.
It was wonderful for students to meet and hear from an Olympic athlete who can relate to their challenges. Tyler is excellent–he spoke to the students personally about his challenges and how he has overcome them. He inspired the students, and they had well-thought-out questions for him. Thank you to Comcast for planning this event and collaborating with the USDB Education Foundation to bring different organizations together to benefit all. The USDB Education Foundation is grateful to Comcast for our partnership,” – Amy Zaharis, Development Director, USDB.
For over a decade, we’ve worked to make our products, technology, and experiences accessible to the broadest possible audience while opening new doors to independence for people with disabilities.
Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation grant supports USDB’s Deaf and Blind Children Digital Technology Training program. The course provides digital literacy courses that teach fundamental computer skills by using assistive technology to access technology. The overarching goal of digital literacy is that blind students can apply screen reader skills to navigate all aspects of digital use.
“Everyone deserves to have the same advantages, and many of the children the foundation supports might not be able to,” said Comcast community impact specialist Ioana Platon. “Students might not be as likely to pursue educational or career pursuits they don’t think they can do. With our grant, we help provide tech and assistive devices to bridge the gap.”
Our commitment to accessibility brings together Comcast NBCUniversal and our partners to accomplish the following:
- Amplify the development of more accessible entertainment experiences;
- Address the unique barriers to digital equity for people with disabilities;
- Foster a culture of inclusion that represents and supports people of all abilities; and
- Raise awareness for disability inclusion through our platforms and reach.
