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A Virtual Employment Center for People with Disabilities

A Virtual Employment Center for People with Disabilities Created by the Center on Disability Studies University of Hawaii at Manoa Funded by the Kessler Foundation. http://tinyurl.com/EmployAblePresentation2014. Project Vision.

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A Virtual Employment Center for People with Disabilities

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  1. A Virtual Employment Center for People with Disabilities Created by the Center on Disability Studies University of Hawaii at Manoa Funded by the Kessler Foundation http://tinyurl.com/EmployAblePresentation2014

  2. Project Vision EmployAble is guided by the belief that a practical and sustainable employment tool can be created through a combination of technological innovation and collaboration with employers, representatives of the disability community, and people with disabilities.

  3. Project Goal Improve employment knowledge and skills for people with disabilities through: • Employment skills training • Exposure to multiple technologies • Networking • Mentoring • Access to employment resources

  4. Online Strategies and Tools • Create an online community using social networking and communication tools. • Nurture mentor relationships using video chat programs. • Develop an Interview Module using Google content management tools. • Enhance practice and real-life scenarios using Second Life virtual reality platform.

  5. Phases of Pilot Study • Self-paced, web-based Interview Module, • Video Chat group and individual mentoring sessions, • EmployAble Second Life Simulation for material review and recorded practice sessions.

  6. Outcomes In the summer of 2013, 51 adults with disabilities participated in a 3 month pilot study. 30% completed the final survey, with 84% indicating that EmployAble helped prepare them to find or retain a job.

  7. Implications • Online technology, when used in interactive, accessible and creative ways, can improve skill development and preparation for employment for individuals with disabilities. • Mentors are a valuable resource for job seekers with disabilities. • People with with disabilities need access to online employment resources that are interactive, comprehensive, and useful.

  8. Testimonials Participant: “I think this is an awesome program, and thank you for having it. The most frustrating thing I have encountered since becoming disabled is not knowing where to turn/ask/seek - and this program helped me through that and pointed me in lots of good directions that I would have never otherwise considered or thought of. It's so easy to become hopeless and discouraged, and this program provides hope and encouragement.” Participant: “Much of the information on interviewing...exposed me to a lot of new information that will help me with future interviews. Reviewing my mock interview was particularly illuminating...I also found the group mentor very helpful, particularly on the subject of resume-writing and looking for a government job. Much of value in this project. I feel fortunate to have been part of the pilot study.”

  9. Information Email: employ@hawaii.edu Website: www.cds.hawaii.edu/employable Module: http://tinyurl.com/EmployAbleInterviewModule Twitter: employableVEC Skype: employableprojectvec

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