Comrad's, I've been in touch with Executive Director, Coleen Vuono M.S. of Project for Freedom, and think this resourse could benefit all who choose to use it in employment training and placement. She will be sending me packets of info that I hopefully can provide to you at our Feb. 5th meeting. Contact info: Coleen Vuono M.S., (412)246-4434, Fax: (412)246-4435 or e-mail at
cvuono@projectforfreedom.org or go directly to
www.projectforfreedom.org
The Mission of Pittsburgh Disability Employment Project for Freedom is to provide technology skills and assist in gaining competitive employment opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities.
The Goals of Project for Freedom include, Deliver a highly effective training solution focused on meeting the business and technology needs of the regional business community. To tailor curriculum to align with the human resourse needs of the business community. To apply a customized educational curriculum model to effectively address the professional development requirements and provide accomadations for the program participants. To establish a network of employers, government agencies and other non-profit organizations. To provide direction to the regional community, regarding interviewing and hiring talented people with disabilities.
The program offers the following:
Help Desk-Customer Support Services, this includes the internationally renowned HDI (Help Desk Institute). The Customer Support Center Analyst provides the first level of assistance for someone in a business that is having a problem with software application or hardware malfunction. The Support Center Analyst will be able to troubleshoot and resolve problems in a timely and systematic manner. Upon completion of this program, students (at no cost) are provided with the opportunity to become Certified Help Desk Professionals by HDI, the industry leader in Help Desk Certification.
This program enables their students to gain competitive employment and lead rich and productive lives. They have been training people since 1998. They have established partnerships for internships with leading businesses in the Pittsburgh area including Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bayer Corporation, PNC Bank, Gannon University, Giant Eagle, UPMC and Bender Consulting Services.
The Project for Freedom consistently strives to place students in competetive jobs and invites many employers to interview their graduates. Project for Freedom enjoys an extremely effective placement rate. Funding for the program is provided by private industry and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BVS), and the Veterans Administration and is contingent upon meeting the eligibility requirements of the course.