Imagine trying to navigate modern life without access to the internet. It would seem nearly impossible, right?
Stats show that nearly 50 percent of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), do not have access to the internet, while lacking the skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and effectively.
Not only does lack of digital literacy leave people with I/DD vulnerable to isolation and online safety concerns, but it also makes it more difficult to find employment. In fact, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities in the labor force is about one-third that of people without a disability, contributing to poverty among those with disabilities.
Tricia, a young woman with an intellectual disability and one of The Arc PPR’s 2021 Achievers of the Year, is successfully employed. Her story illustrates that when employers and the community at-large invest in people with I/DD, both those with I/DD and employers benefit.
“This has been a really big year for me… I’ve successfully held a job, moved into my own apartment, while raising my daughter into adulthood,” Tricia said. “I’m really excited about the Building for Change computer lab, because it will help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn job skills like how to use a computer, create a resume, safely use social media, use programs like Microsoft word, and more.. it will also offer a place to people with I/DD to access the internet!”
In partnership with The Resource Exchange, The Arc PPR’s Building for Change computer lab features adaptive equipment, like large keyboard and mouse sets, screen readers, enabling devices for touch screens, and more.
We invite you to partner with The Arc PPR to create bright futures for people like Tricia by donating to The Arc PPR through Indy Give — a local year-end giving campaign that gives back to worthy nonprofits in our community. Your generosity will help us create innovative digital literacy programs for individuals and families impacted by I/DD. And, when you donate through Indy Give!, you can also qualify to earn amazing rewards! You can give through 12/31/21 here: www.indygive.com/arc.
The post Give to Create a Better Future: Tricia’s Story appeared first on The Arc Pikes Peak Region.