Thomas J. Wlodkowski

Vice President of Accessibility

Comcast

In this role, Tom is responsible for driving the design and development of inclusive experiences through product innovation and superior customer support. His goal to empower and delight people of all abilities with inclusive world-class entertainment, communications, and smart home experiences has brought Comcast to the forefront of the accessibility space.

Throughout his career, Tom has been a pioneer in the accessibility field. Blind himself, he has served as a champion for people with disabilities, working to improve usability of mainstream Internet, mobile, broadcast and cable television technology.

Under Tom’s leadership, Comcast launched Voice Guidance on Xfinity X1, the industry’s first talking guide that provides people who are blind or visually impaired with independent access to the X1 set-top box user interface including: TV listings, the ability to manage their DVR, access to Xfinity On Demand , and adjust settings. Since it launched, Voice Guidance has earned Comcast several awards including the 2015 FCC Chairman’s Award for Advancements in Accessibility. 

Most recently, Tom and his team guided design and launch of the Xfinity Large Button Voice Remote , which was recognized as a top finalist in the consumer category of Fast Company’s “World Changing Ideas” awards.

Tom and his team have also opened a dedicated support center for customers with disabilities, including customer support in American Sign Language. Tom led efforts to extend ASL support to Xfinity retail stores by enabling Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) service in select stores which will be expanded over time. 

At Comcast, he also serves as an executive advisor to MyAbilities, an employee interest group for people with disabilities and their allies created as a component of the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Prior to joining Comcast, Tom served as the Director of Accessibility at AOL for 10 years and also held positions at the WGBH Media Access Group, home to the Descriptive Video Service, Caption Center and the National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM).A graduate of Boston College, Tom currently sits on the boards of Trustees for Adaptive Spirit, the Consumer Technology Association Foundation, Disability:IN, VisionLink of Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Chapter for Adapted Sports. He also represents Comcast on the Federal Communication Commission’s Disability Advisory Committee.