Empowering Through Technology: Major Initiative to Boost Digital Skills for Disabled Communities

The Arc and AT&T launch $850,000 collaboration to boost technology skills through accessible digital skills training

Imagine not being able to apply for jobs, access healthcare, or connect with loved ones online. For many with disabilities, this is the reality. Today, The Arc of the United States, The Arc San Francisco, and AT&T are excited to announce an $850,000 collaboration to advance digital literacy and bridge the digital divide for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This initiative will ensure that people with IDD and their families receive access to digital literacy resources and support in using these vital tools.

In today's digital age, technology is essential for accessing transportation, education, employment, health care, and social interaction. However, people with disabilities face significant barriers to understanding and adopting digital tools, often due to higher rates of poverty and limited access to adaptive technologies. According to Pew Research Center, 38% of adults with disabilities do not own a computer, compared to 19% of those without disabilities, and 28% of people with disabilities do not own a smartphone, compared to just 12% of the nondisabled population.

Together, The Arc and AT&T will provide $20,000 grants to 24 local chapters and $10,000 grants to 2 local chapters of The Arc, empowering them to train 6,250 people with IDD. These chapters will deliver accessible, easy-to-understand digital literacy training through both in-person and virtual workshops. Participants will benefit from plain language materials and adaptive technologies such as screen readers and accessible devices, ensuring everyone can effectively use digital tools.

The 26 chapters receiving grants are: AHRC Nassau (NY), Arc GLOW (NY), CCARC Inc. (CT), Mohave County Arc (AZ), Northeast Arc (MA), Ridge Area Arc (FL), The Arc of Bartholomew County and The Arc of Jackson County* (IN), The Arc of Bradford County (FL), The Arc of Butte County (CA), The Arc of the Capital Area (TX), The Arc of DFW Area (TX), The Arc of El Paso (TX), The Arc of Evansville (IN), The Arc of High Point (NC), The Arc of Illinois, The Arc Maryland, The Arc of Mid Ohio Valley (WV), The Arc Muskegon (MI), The Arc of Nevada

The Arc of Oklahoma, The Arc of Racine County (WI), The Arc for the River Valley (AR), The Arc of South Carolina, The Arc Southern Maryland, and The Arc of Virginia.

*Partnering and splitting funds

"A lack of access to technology and digital skills robs millions of people with disabilities of their independence and the ability to fully engage in community life," said Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States. "The digital divide closes doors to employment, education, health resources, and human connections that many of us take for granted. The pandemic has amplified these inequities, making it even more urgent to address the digital skills gap for people with disabilities. This collaboration with AT&T is a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone can harness the extraordinary possibilities that technology offers."

"Access to the internet is just one part of the digital divide. Knowing how to use it effectively is just as important," said Mylayna Albright, AVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T. "This collaboration with The Arc will provide high-quality digital literacy and learning resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the country."

In addition to direct training, The Arc of the United States will launch a public awareness campaign aimed at reaching over 3 million people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to digital literacy resources. From June 2024 through May 2025, this collaboration will equip those are often left behind with essential technology skills, empowering them to learn, earn, and fully participate in their communities.

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About The Arc of the United States: The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses. Founded in 1950 by parents who believed their children with IDD deserved more, The Arc is now a network of nearly 600 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Through the decades, The Arc has been at the forefront of advances in disability rights and supports. There are over 7 million people with IDD in the United States, which encompasses over 100 different diagnoses. Visit www.thearc.org or follow us @TheArcUS to learn more. Editor's Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T: We're committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today's learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we've committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

Media Contact:

Jackie Dilworth

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