Throughout the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown and continuing to the present day, technology has played a pivotal role in helping us adapt to virtual environments and maintain connections with our educational institutions, workplaces, and loved ones. Our reliance on laptops and the internet has been instrumental in several aspects of our lives, including our pursuit of new employment opportunities as we reevaluate our life priorities, our pursuit of well-being through telehealth consultations, and our endeavors to provide our children with meaningful learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that despite the widespread availability of devices, a digital divide still persists, leaving many families without essential technological resources.
As both a teacher and a parent, I have personally witnessed the significance of device accessibility throughout the pandemic. The abrupt shift to virtual learning in March 2020 prompted numerous educational systems to urgently address the challenge of providing technology to students. While my own two teenagers had access to their individual laptops for school purposes, I was well aware that many of my students did not share this privilege. The availability of shared Chromebooks and desktop computers, as well as school Wi-Fi access, seemingly disappeared overnight, underscoring the stark inequality exacerbated by the digital divide.
For over a decade, Comcast has been diligently working to bridge this digital divide. Their Internet Essentials program has been instrumental in offering affordable, high-speed internet connectivity at home, subsidized computers, and digital literacy training to eligible low-income individuals across the United States. Recently, Comcast extended its commitment by generously donating 200 laptops to Easterseals programs in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, with the aim of facilitating connectivity to essential services within these communities.
Interestingly, although the headquarters of Easterseals is located in my own community, I was previously unaware of its mission and the scope of its programs. This changed when I had the opportunity to speak with Jonathan Horowitch, the President and CEO of Easterseals DC MD VA.
Jonathan enlightened me about Easterseals’ overarching mission, which revolves around enriching lives and expanding opportunities for all individuals in our communities. This includes children and adults, irrespective of their disabilities or military backgrounds. Easterseals actively works to enhance access to vital services in the realms of healthcare, education, and employment, touching the lives of thousands of individuals residing in our neighborhoods. Their dedication extends to addressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, healthcare improvement, and employment support. Easterseals is firmly committed to empowering individuals of all ages and abilities, fostering their active and equal participation in our communities.
Notably, during the pandemic, Easterseals adapted to the evolving circumstances by repurposing their vans, which were previously used to transport people to their centers, into vehicles for delivering essential supplies such as groceries, personal protective equipment (PPE), diapers, and wipes to families in need. Furthermore, they transitioned in-person behavioral, respite, and mental health appointments for seniors and military families to virtual telehealth visits. While certain services like career coaching were already offered virtually, the increased demand for devices became evident as individuals found themselves unemployed or lacking access to laptops or computers due to the pandemic.
In alignment with the shift towards virtual learning in schools nationwide, Easterseals Child Development Centers also embraced this approach. Thanks to valuable partnerships with Head Start and Comcast, iPads and laptops were distributed to families, enabling children, both with and without disabilities, to continue their educational journey from the safety of their homes.
When I inquired about the impact of Comcast’s donation of 200 new laptops on Easterseals, Jonathan emphasized that the contribution would be instrumental in ensuring that individuals who may have lacked access to laptops during the pandemic can now connect remotely. He stated, “This incredible donation will provide greater accessibility to our clients in numerous ways,” further adding, “These laptops will empower them to easily access telehealth services, engage in remote job interviews, explore educational opportunities for their children, and much more.”
Easterseals DC MD VA stands as a remarkable community resource, offering a diverse array of programs that support children, seniors, veterans, and military families through educational initiatives, employment assistance, mental health care, and various other services. For comprehensive information regarding the extensive range of Easterseals programs, please visit their official website.
