Burien’s Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America facility receives high-tech, $65,000 revamp

The Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA) facility in Burien received a significant technology upgrade this week thanks to a $65,000 donation of equipment and in-kind services from Comcast.

The investment aims to enhance digital literacy training and provide veterans with essential online resources, particularly those with spinal cord injuries or dysfunction.

At an event held on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling and Comcast representatives, along with NWPVA leadership, showcased the revamped facility. The upgrades, which include assistive technology, furniture, and WiFi connectivity, will help veterans gain independent access to computers, facilitate private meetings, and offer comprehensive digital training.

Joy Cochran, Vice President of NWPVA, emphasized the importance of the partnership.

“We are thankful for the investment Comcast is making to bring to life our vision for a facility that provides training in an inclusive and accessible environment to our veteran community,” she said.

The new equipment includes state-of-the-art devices such as the GlassOuse Assistive Device, which allows veterans to navigate computers using head movements, and Dragon Software, a powerful dictation tool. High visibility keyboards, adjustable desks, and extendable monitor arms are also available to ensure accessibility for all users.

Comcast has partnered with the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) to ensure the best possible technology solutions for NWPVA. In addition, Comcast has provided free WiFi through its Lift Zones program since 2020, which offers internet connectivity at nonprofit organizations and community centers throughout Washington.

“Having digital skills matters now more than ever,” said Roy Novosel, a U.S. Marine veteran and Comcast Vice President of Engineering for the Pacific Northwest region. “We recognize the challenges people with disabilities confront, which affects their ability to use the internet and technology. That’s exactly why a fully accessible and digital community learning space like this one in Burien is so important.”

To further brighten the space, Comcast employee volunteers, led by veteran artist Charles Conner and Urban ArtWorks, hand-painted a mural now displayed inside the NWPVA building.

This initiative aligns with Comcast’s broader digital equity mission, which includes the Lift Zones and Internet Essentials programs. Since its launch in 2011, Internet Essentials has connected more than 8,800 low-income residents to broadband in Kitsap County alone. The program offers low-cost internet service, heavily subsidized computers, and access to digital literacy training.

Photos

Below are photos from the event, courtesy NWPVA (click arrows or swipe images to view slideshow):

About Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America

The mission of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Northwest Chapter is to improve the quality of life for Veterans of the United States Armed Forces & their family, for those who have a spinal cord injury or dysfunction, while advocating for civil and disability rights for all. The Northwest Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA), a member chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, accomplishes it’s mission by coordinated efforts through programs that provide opportunities for health promotion, recreation, employment, sports and recreation, service and camaraderie for paralyzed veterans; elevate society’s information level about the attitudinal, physical and legal barriers that confront persons with disabilities in order to influence the removal of those barriers; advocate for and monitor the delivery of high quality and appropriate health care benefits and service; cooperate with and seek the support of other groups and individuals that share NWPVA’s objective; and educate the public with the current and ongoing needs and current and past contributions of America’s veterans. Learn more at https://nwpva.org/.

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.

Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America is located at 616 SW 152nd Street, Suite B, Burien, WA 98166: