Home > Latest News > Event

News

NEC Foundation of America Empowering Workplace Inclusion

January 2006

Albertson, NY, January 2006, NEC Foundation of America continues its leadership role in promoting workplace inclusion for individuals with disabilities through a $40,000 grant to Abilities!.

(L to R) Marie Speranza, Assistant General Manager, Human Resources, NEC USA, Inc., representing NEC Foundation of America, presents Edmund Cortez, President and CEO, Abilities!, with $40,000 grant for a project titled A Functional Approach to Workplace Accommodations. The grant will be utilized toward the development and national dissemination of a web-based multimedia educational program designed to increase awareness about the potential and use of assistive technology in the workplace. This nationally disseminated project will inform employers about ways in which technology can assist qualified individuals with disabilities in employment settings.

NEC Foundation of America’s grant provides for the development and dissemination of a multimedia educational program designed to increase awareness about the potential and use of assistive technology in the workplace. The Kornreich Technology Center in collaboration with the National Business & Disability Council, which are programs of Abilities!, will be responsible for the creation of this training program. Upon completion, the web based training program will provide employers across the nation with information about ways in which technology can assist qualified individuals with disabilities in employment settings. Over the past decade, significant advances in research, development and application of assistive technology tools have demonstrated that assistive technology can make a significant difference in restoring or acquiring functional skills necessary for individuals with disabilities in educational and employment settings.

Despite all advances, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities remains at an astounding 70%. Many of these individuals want to and have the ability to work, have aspirations of a successful career and being a contributing member of society. Despite legislation designed to promote opportunities and decrease discrimination, people with significant disabilities and in some cases with advanced degrees, are experiencing disproportionate difficulties in locating appropriate employment and career advancement.

Susan Fridie, Co-Director, Kornreich Technology Center at Abilities! stated “the collective goal is the development of a national education program designed to increase the awareness among employers about the potential of assistive technology for people with disabilities. Once developed, the educational program will be disseminated via the World Wide Web to reach the largest audience and be available for all. Our desired impact is to foster knowledge, changes in attitudes and subsequent increase in employment for qualified job candidates who require accommodations in the workplace.”

“While technology is available and affordable, the awareness may still be absent in the general population. This knowledge gap will continue to be a barrier unless we can find ways to bridge it” stated Sylvia Clark, Executive Director, NEC Foundation of America.

Edmund Cortez, President and CEO, Abilities! stated “Our vision is to create a world in which people with disabilities will live simply as people. To that end we are proud to collaborate and partner with NEC Foundation of America to enhance opportunities that promote independence and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.”

Mission

Abilities! is a non-profit agency that is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to be active, independent, and self-sufficient participants in our society. Through education, training, research, leadership, and example, Abilities! seeks to provide the highest quality services and to influence national attitudes, policies, and legislation in ways that will lead to the greatest benefits for the people we serve.

Nathaniel H. Kornreich Technology Center (a program of Abilities!)

The Kornreich Technology Center is an assistive technology demonstration, education, evaluation, and training center. Through the use of assistive technology, the Center is dedicated to promoting the full participation and independence of children and adults with disabilities in school, at work, at home and in the community. The Center is a leading facility for consumers, businesses, employees, and professionals who want to become familiar with the full range of assistive technology products that are available and used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities.

National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) (a program of Abilities!)

NBDC is the leading national resource for the successful integration of persons with disabilities into the workforce and consumer marketplace. NBDC is comprised of many leading corporate and federal employers with headquarters located throughout the country. NBDC provides the most comprehensive services and support available to enable employers to hire and retain individuals with disabilities. NBDC is a one-stop resource for information, technical assistance, training, and support.

NEC Foundation of America

For more information about NEC Foundation of America, including application guidelines, please call 631.232.2212, or visit www.necfoundation.org. NEC Foundation of America wasestablished in 1991 and endowed at $10 million by NEC Corporation and itsUnited States subsidiaries. Income generated by the endowment is donated tononprofit organizations in the United States in support of programs withnational reach and impact in the arena of assistive technology for people withdisabilities. Through its grants, NEC Foundation of America underscores itsphilosophy of advancing society through technology and enabling individuals to realize their full potential.