Developmental Services Center in Champaign Receives $10,000 Grant from Comcast to Advance Digital Equity Through Skills Training

Community Day Services Program supports digital skills training and helps adults with disabilities achieve greater levels of independence

August 29, 2023 – Developmental Services Center (DSC) announced today that it has received a $10,000 grant from Comcast to make upgrades to its computer lab and  support its Community Day Services program, which provides adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) digital skills training designed to help them achieve greater levels of independence.

“Digital skills play a vital role in navigating and participating in today’s increasingly digital world – from employment, entertainment and social interaction to accessing healthcare and an array of social services,” said Danielle Mathews, DSC Chief Executive Officer. “We appreciate Comcast’s continued partnership and support in helping to advance digital equity for people with IDD and deliver on our mission, which is to ‘support people in living a rich and meaningful life.’”

The grant is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. One of Project UP’s centerpieces is Internet Essentials, a low-cost Internet adoption program for eligible low-income households, which has helped 1.9 million people in Illinois connect to the Internet at home since it launched in 2011.

“Through Internet Essentials, Comcast has helped hundreds of thousands of income-constrained Illinois households bridge the digital divide,” said Carl Jones, Jr, Comcast’s Regional Vice President of Government and External Affairs. “I’m proud that Comcast was a pioneer in efforts to close the digital divide early on and continues to make investments and offer solutions that further our commitment to the communities we serve through Project UP.”

Jones also noted that the “Affordable Connectivity Program” (ACP), a federal digital equity initiative, provides eligible low-income households a credit of up to $30 a month toward the cost of Internet and/or mobile phone service, including all of Comcast’s Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile plans, as well as Internet Essentials. For more information, visit www.xfinity.com/acp.

About Developmental Services Center (DSC)

DSC is a nonprofit organization with over 50 years of providing services and supports to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, currently serving approximately 1,200 people in Champaign and Ford counties. DSC partners with people with a clear focus on strengths and preferences to help design the level of supports needed to achieve personal success.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information

About Comcast Greater Chicago Region

With around 5,000 local employees, Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region (https://chicago.comcast.com) serves customers in central and northern Illinois, including the Chicago area, northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. “Like” Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region on Facebook by visiting @Comcast. “Follow” Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region on Twitter at @ComcastIllinois.