CIGNA Makes Generous Contribution to ASD
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) was recently the grateful recipient of a generous donation by Cigna of 40 Chromebook laptops to benefit deaf and hard of hearing elementary students in grades 2 – 5. Dr. Mark Boxer, Global Chief Information Officer at Cigna and senior vice president Willis Gee, assisted in distributing the laptops to ASD students before visiting a classroom where students demonstrated the Chromebooks in action. The donation, which supports the school’s goal of empowering students through education and building lifelong skills, was made in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.
ASD’s collaboration with Cigna began in the fall of 2018 when Dr. Boxer approached Executive Director Jeff Bravin with an invitation for ASD students to participate in a one-day computer camp hosted by Cigna and one of their technology vendors. The day-long workshop incorporated computer programming, building and coding. Deaf and hard of hearing Cigna employees also participated in the workshop, encouraging the students and reinforcing the reality that hearing loss is not a limitation. ASD has been invited once again to participate in Cigna’s computer camp during the winter of 2020.
“Cigna cares deeply about making a difference in the community, and a big part of that is through our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Dr. Boxer, following his visit to the school. “ASD is a special place, and we’re pleased to make this donation as a way to help open more young minds to technology while embracing each other’s different abilities.”
ASD places great emphasis on encouraging our students to pursue their dreams. The school’s STEM Initiative promotes discovery, and prepares students for futures in which they are ALL ways able.
ASD places great emphasis on encouraging our students to pursue their dreams. The school’s STEM Initiative promotes discovery, and prepares students for futures in which they are ALL ways able.
Cigna is a global health service company, based in Bloomfield, CT, with 165 million customer and patient relationships and 74,000 employees worldwide. ASD’s collaboration with Cigna supports our mission to provide students with practical skills to succeed in a competitive world.
Founded in 1817 as the nation’s first special education school, the American School for the Deaf is a comprehensive learning community that welcomes all deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children with unique communication needs. We develop the whole child – intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. ASD is a leader in providing innovative programs and services for deaf and hard of hearing students, empowering them to become educated and self-directed lifelong learners.
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