The Verizon (News - Alert) Foundation, with a Mission to "improve education, literacy, family safety and healthcare" by "using technology to improve lives," and the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications,  has announced their latest push for improved access to information and services for those with disabilities, by offering grants of $25,000 each to four Massachusetts nonprofit agencies.

 

The Verizon Foundations belief that "technology can open up new opportunities and transform lives, especially for individuals with disabilities," is highlighted by the Verizon Assistive Technology Grant. The grant is awarded in support of improved access to assistive technologies, to make it easier for those with disabilities, such as the visually impaired or other physically challenged individuals, to leverage technologies like speech recognition software and other innovative technologies to lead independent, fulfilling lives.

 

"At Verizon, we are focusing on advancing technology and solutions to improve efficiencies and increase access to services for people with disabilities," said Donna Cupelo, Verizon region president of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in a statement to the press.

 

"It is an honor to partner with these organizations that are committed to providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities."

Grant recipient, Deaf Community Enterprises of Quincy, has said the grant funds they receive will be used to "develop a comprehensive training program for people who are deaf and blind" as well as to update their Website and make it fully accessible for these individuals.

 

Easter Seals Massachusetts, another grant recipient, has said they will enhance their job training and employment program for people with disabilities.

 

As well, New England Home for the Deaf in Danvers commented in a statement that their grant funds will be used to launch "a series of workshops focused on making the Internet a safer place for deaf students and parents of deaf children."

 

And, Northeast Veterans Business Resource Center (NEVBRC) in Boston has said they will use The Verizon Foundation grant to offer severely disabled veterans and their spouses with a way to secure a job and become self-employed including offering live, interactive training classes, counseling and advocacy through the Internet.

 

According to a news release, the services will be offered to patients at national poly-trauma centers, including Walter Reed Army Medical Facility and Bethesda Naval Medical Station, and select VA medical facilities across the United States and its territories.