(NewsDirect)
As part of itsongoing commitment to digital inclusion and accessibility, Comcasttoday announced the availability of live American Sign Language (ASL)interpreting services at eight Xfinity Store Locations in the GreaterBay Area.
Customers who need ASL support can stop into any of the selectBay Area Xfinity Stores, where representatives will utilize ASL VideoRemote Interpreting (VRI) to access a live interpreter provided bypartner, Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD). The RetailAssociate simply taps the app on the store iPad and is connected inmoments via video to a live interpreter who can translate from ASL toEnglish and vice versa as the customer and Associate converse.
“We’re proud todeliver an inclusive service solution that will help more customersbetter interact and engage with Retail Associates representing ourXfinity Products and Services, to provide them with a much betterin-store experience,” said Thomas Wlodkowski, Comcast Vice Presidentfor Accessibility. “I’m also grateful to our partners inCalifornia — who are helping to close the digital divide for moremembers of our disabled community by working with us on a variety ofdigital equity initiatives.”
Comcast launched the ASL VRI service as a pilot inselect stores last year; it is the first telecommunications retailerin the country to offer live, on-demand, remote ASL interpretingservices in stores to better serve customers. The company is expandingthe service to additional stores across the country this year.
The eight XfinityGreater Bay Area stores that offer ASL VRI serviceinclude:
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San Jose: 1068 E. Brokaw Rd. # 50, San Jose, CA 95131
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Sunnyvale: 301 W. McKinley Ave. Suite 140, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
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SanJose: 1566 Monterey Hwy #20, San Jose, CA 95110
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San Jose: 1600Saratoga Ave., San Jose, CA 95129
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Palo Alto: 2825 El Camino Real #100,Palo Alto, CA 94306
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Fremont: 43325 Christy St., Fremont, CA 94538
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Oakland: 3070 E. 9 th St., Oakland, CA 94601
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Dublin: 4104 Grafton St., Dublin, CA 94568
“As part ofCalifornia School for the Deaf’s mission, we are deeply committed toproviding a language rich environment that maximizes communicationaccess in order for our students to lead fulfilling lives,” said AmyNovotny, Superintendent, California School for the Deaf. “Access totechnology and connectivity builds confidence and independence, andthat’s why we are excited to partner with Comcast on opportunitiesto close the digital divide for members of our Deaf and hard ofhearing community.”
The AmericanCommunity Survey (ACS) estimates that 3.6% of the U.S. population is“deaf or have serious difficulty hearing.” Additionally, accordingto Pew Research Center, 23% of people with disabilities say they nevergo online, with 57% saying they do not have a home broadbandconnection. That’s why, through its Project UP initiative, Comcast is working to address and eliminate the uniquebarriers to connectivity through a series of efforts, including InternetEssentials , LiftZones , and skilldevelopment and training .
Inaddition to announcing this inclusive retail experience for customers,Comcast donated $60,000 in digital equity grants to communitypartners, San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and VisuallyImpaired, California School for the Deaf, and the World Institute onDisability. These grants aim to broaden the scope of digital inclusionand accessibility to students, families, seniors, and communitymembers.
“Assistive technologies are opening doors to greaterindependence for folks with a range of disabilities,” said SharonGiovinazzo Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco LightHouse ofthe Blind and Visually Impaired. “These innovations truly can levelthe playing field. Comcast has been a valued partner in deliveringtechnologies and supporting our efforts to promote independence,community, and equity for blind and low vision people.”
“Diversity, equity andinclusion are the guiding stars of what we do here at the WorldInstitute on Disability, and it is gratifying to see partners, such asComcast, who also believe that equity and accessibility gohand-in-hand,” said Marcie Roth, Executive Director and ChiefExecutive Officer, World Institute on Disability. “Technologycontinues to evolve rapidly, and we must continue to work together toinvest in solutions, which will help support people with disabilitieshaving equal and greater access to products and services in today’sworld as well as laying the foundation for greater accessibility forfuture generations.”
About Comcast’s AccessibilityProgram:
For more than a decade, Comcast has invested inmaking its products, technology, and experiences accessible to thewidest possible audience while opening new doors to independence forpeople with disabilities. These innovations include the Large ButtonVoice Remote, voted USA Today’s Best Accessible Design remote in2023, and the Xfinity Adaptive Web Remote. To learn more aboutComcast’s groundbreaking accessibility work, visitcorporate.comcast.com/accessibility.
About ComcastCorporation:
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is aglobal media and technology company. From the connectivity andplatforms, we provide, to the content and experiences we create, ourbusinesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, andguests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, andvideo through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute,and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brandsincluding NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bringincredible theme parks and attractions to life through UniversalDestinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com formore information.
Contact Details
ComcastCalfornia
Jon Koriel
+1 925-315-2690
CompanyWebsite
https://california.comcast.com/
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