INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (February 29, 2024) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, has been awarded a grant from the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation for the Comcast NBCUniversal Digital Literacy and Employment Program. This is the third consecutive year that this funding has been provided to allow continuation of digital literacy and employment training services for transition-age youth with disabilities that will result in digital literacy skill building for participants.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Digital Literacy and Employment Program is serving young adults ages 18-24 with a diagnosed disability who are preparing to work in a competitive work environment. The project focuses on delivering targeted digital literacy curriculum in the classroom combined with an internship that will allow each participant to demonstrate what they are learning in a real work setting.

“Digital literacy skills are critical for young adults with disabilities to maximize their opportunity for success and full inclusion at school, at work and in their leisure time, as they transition into the adult world,” said Easterseals Crossroads Director of Employment Programs, Marjorie Duryea. “Understanding how to use web browsers, search engines, email, text, and cyber security are essential skills to thrive in today’s digital world. Easterseals Crossroads is pleased to partner with national Easterseals and 12 other affiliates across the country by sharing resources and best practices in offering digital learning opportunities for young adults with disabilities in our community.”

Digital literacy and access to technology are two areas of strategic investment at Comcast NBCUniversal that empower people and create opportunities for those who need it most. Easterseals and affiliates throughout the country have been chosen by Comcast NBCUniversal for many grants and programs throughout the years.

About Easterseals Crossroads
As one of 68 Easterseals affiliates, Easterseals Crossroads has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 85 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easterseals Crossroads offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals. We provide top-quality, family-focused and innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the individuals we serve. For more, visit eastersealscrossroads.org.

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.

Easterseals Crossroads Hosts “The Emily Talk” Focused on Interacting with People with Disabilities in Emergencies
Hear from first responder Tom Felter on Friday, March 8 from 2-4 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (February 29, 2024) – In honor of Disability Awareness Month, Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, joins first responder Tom Felter as he shares his insights and expertise about interacting with people with disabilities during emergency situations.

“The Emily Talk” is a free event taking place Friday, March 8 from 2-4 p.m. at the OneAmerica Tower, located at 200 N. Illinois Street in Indianapolis. Tom’s daughter Emily has a disability; and he draws from his personal experience and his professional life when presenting “The Emily Talk.”

First responders — as well as the general community — will benefit from Tom’s knowledge about effective interactions in emergency situations.

The event is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase and will provide a first-hand learning experience with Emily and her father. It will conclude with an open Q&A session moderated by Deanna Proimos, a physical therapist at Easterseals Crossroads.

To register for this free event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-emily-talk-tickets-815794572527?aff=esc.

“The Emily Talk” began after Tom Felter learned of an incident where a young adult with Down syndrome was killed because he didn’t respond to commands in an emergency situation. Tom took his expertise as a first responder and a parent of a daughter with Down syndrome to create a program that teaches first responders and the wider community how to interact with people with Down syndrome, Autism and other disabilities.

Tom’s work through “The Emily Talk” inspired “Teacher of Patience,” a 30-minute Emmy Award-winning documentary about their story. Just like everyone else, Emily has good and bad days, and her unique ways of communicating her feelings are worth learning and listening to. Sometimes that takes patience, which is why Tom developed “The Emily Talk” for first responders and the greater community. Tom’s goal is to teach people how to be respectful of individuals with disabilities like Emily.