Easter Seals UCP North Carolina Receives Major Microsoft Grant

Connie L. Cochran, President and CEO of Easter Seals UCP North Carolina, announced recently that the organization has been awarded a large strategic grant from the Microsoft Corporation totaling $1,658,919 in retail products. The grant award is comprised of Microsoft products Microsoft Office, Microsoft Windows OS, Microsoft Server OS, Microsoft Encarta, Microsoft Math, and many Backend Software Licenses. These products will serve to bring the organization into full compliance with all Microsoft software licensing requirements and, by strengthening its technological infrastructure, enhance its ability to serve individuals with disabilities and their families.

When asked about the impact the Microsoft grant would have on individuals and families, Easter Seals UCP North Carolina CEO Connie Cochran said,

"Good communication is prerequisite to the top quality services we strive to provide to individuals and families on a daily basis. In our children's centers, the Microsoft products will allow our teachers and therapists easier access to web-based teaching and treatment materials. We will be able to communicate more often and more effectively with our parents and take full advantage of accessibility features that have tremendous impact in our work with children who have visual, hearing, physical or learning impairments. In addition, the many adults we serve face tremendous communication barriers every day. This Microsoft grant award will go a long way in helping us enable adults with disabilities to become more engaged in their communities. The individuals we serve will be better able to communicate with family, friends and others on matters relating to education, employment or social engagement."

Easter Seals UCP North Carolina is a state-wide non-profit organization that provides supports and services to over 15,000 North Carolina residents with disabilities and their families. Easter Seals UCP North Carolina's three major focus areas are Child and Family Services, Accessible Living and Employment.

For more information, contact Jane Phillips at (919) 865-8724 or visit the Easter Seals UCP North Carolina Web site.