As a nonprofit, The Independence Center couldn’t do what we do without the generous support of individuals, foundations, and community partners. Recently, two Foundations recognized The IC’s work by awarding grants to further our mission of helping people with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives. We sincerely appreciate their support!
Colorado Springs Health Foundation Tech Grant
Many people found themselves working from home for the first time during COVID-19, and staff at The IC were no exception. Today, more than 50% of The IC’s staff continue to work remotely as a safety precaution and to adhere to the State’s safer-at-home phase. Thanks to a $4,872 grant from the Colorado Springs Health Foundation (CSHF), The IC was able to purchase four laptops and five docking stations to support more secure communications with consumers and to ensure remote staff have the same computer functions commonly used at The IC.
CSHF has awarded more than 25 mini-grants to help organizations address their COVID-19-related technology needs and adapt to a new virtual reality. Cari Davis, Executive Director of CSHF, says, “We are delighted that these grants are allowing The Independence Center and other local nonprofits to continue their important work.”
Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation
An $8,000 grant from Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation will support The IC’s Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Low Vision, Blind, and Assistive Technology programs. These departments and programs are intertwined, and staff work together to provide supports and services. This includes providing assistive technology resources, visiting with consumers at their homes to explore home modifications and assistive technology or tools, offering interactive transportation training, providing advocacy services and mentoring, educating the community about disability etiquette, and collaborating with other agencies to identify and develop supports within the community.
This grant from the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation is in recognition of Comcast’s commitment to the communities where its customers and employees live and work.