Comcast and Team Gleason Partner to Revolutionize TV Control and More for People with Physical and Speech Disabilities

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast has partnered with Team Gleason to enhance technology solutions for individuals with physical and speech disabilities, particularly those with ALS. This collaboration will focus on improving the Xfinity Adaptive Remote, first launched in 2019, which allows users to control their home entertainment via assistive tech. The latest update introduces customizable buttons for enhanced usability. This initiative aims to increase accessibility and independence for users, leveraging feedback from individuals with disabilities and expert networks.

Positive

• Partnership with Team Gleason focused on innovation for individuals with disabilities.
• Enhancements to the Xfinity Adaptive Remote to include customizable buttons.
• Collaboration utilizes direct feedback from users and industry experts.

Negative

• None.

The partnership will fuel the innovation, development and distribution of accessible products and experiences for people with physical and speech disabilities such as ALS, beginning with the Xfinity Adaptive Remote

PHILADELPHIA & NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Comcast and Team Gleason have partnered to drive inclusive innovation to improve the independence and quality of life for people with physical and speech disabilities, including those living with ALS. Together, Comcast and Team Gleason are actively engaging with people with ALS (pALS) and caregivers, as well as preeminent clinicians, technologists and assistive technology partners to define and develop accessible, empowering experiences – from TV control to smart home solutions and beyond.

Comcast’s Xfinity Adaptive Remote experience on a tablet (Photo: Business Wire)

The companies are proud to announce their partnership’s first collaboration, working together on the latest evolution of Comcast’s Xfinity Adaptive Remote. The Adaptive Remote, first launched in 2019, is an award-winning web-based remote control for Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex– which gives customers unprecedented control of their in-home entertainment experience. The Adaptive Remote works on any computer, smartphone or tablet by seamlessly connecting with the assistive devices that people with disabilities use and trust, including eye tracking technology, sip and puff technology, switch control technology, voice control software and more.

The Adaptive Remote experience works in any web browser without requiring any additional downloads. Simply visit remote.xfinity.com, log in with your Xfinity credentials, and control any of your Xfinity devices with the assistive technology that suits you. In an industry-first, the technology offers the ability to type instead of speak voice commands—which, for many without use of their voice, is the only way to harness the power and ease of voice navigation. The latest update to the Adaptive Remote changes the game with the ability to add custom buttons that execute any action or voice command of your choice, from toggling closed captions, to “sports on now” to “front door camera,” and countless other possibilities.

When asked to rank the technologies and experiences that are most important to them, people with ALS and other physical disabilities consistently list controlling their TV and entertainment experience independently. Team Gleason’s network of industry experts and close relationships with pALS serve as a connection for the Adaptive Remote Product team at Comcast to gain customer feedback. Together, Comcast and Team Gleason continue to shape best practices in designing for people with ALS and other physical disabilities.

“Our partnership with Comcast allows us to continue innovating on technology that provides people with ALS and other physical disabilities the latest in accessibility functions,” said Blair Casey, Team Gleason’s Chief Impact Officer. “We will expand awareness and usership of the Adaptive Remote, leveraging Team Gleason’s robust network of clinicians, technologists, and caregivers to give people with limited physical capabilities the ability to access Comcast's suite of technology.”

“Team Gleason is incredibly proactive and uniquely connected in the disability and tech spaces,” said Joel Moffatt, Principal Product Manager and Engagement Lead on Comcast’s Accessibility Team. “Together, we’re able to accelerate innovation, create better experiences for everyone in the home, and bring disability perspectives to the forefront.”

About Comcast:

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About Team Gleason:

Team Gleason Foundation was founded by former New Orleans Saints player, Steve Gleason, after his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2011. Team Gleason’s mission is to improve life for people living with ALS by delivering innovative technology and equipment, as well as providing and empowering an improved life experience. For more information on how to help people living with ALS have the resources and the opportunities to not only continue living, but continue living productive, purposeful, and meaningful lives, please visit www.TeamGleason.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220119005819/en/

Media:

Kate Panarese

Kate_Panarese@comcast.com

267-418-1887

Suzanne Alford

Suzanne@teamgleason.org

504-606-4384

Source: Comcast Corporation

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Comcast and Team Gleason partnership?

The partnership aims to improve technology solutions for individuals with physical and speech disabilities, particularly those with ALS.

What is the Xfinity Adaptive Remote and when was it launched?

The Xfinity Adaptive Remote is a web-based remote control for Xfinity devices, launched in 2019, allowing users to control their entertainment using assistive technologies.

What new features have been introduced in the Xfinity Adaptive Remote?

The latest update adds customizable buttons for users to execute specific actions and voice commands.

How does the Xfinity Adaptive Remote benefit users with disabilities?

It provides unprecedented control of home entertainment experiences, allowing for the use of various assistive technologies.

Who is involved in the partnership to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities?

Comcast is working with Team Gleason, a foundation focused on improving life for individuals living with ALS.