Allen Speiser Memorial Fund grant purchases assistive technology
Only 24% of individuals with disabilities living in Syracuse are employed, according to the 2006 American Community Survey. A grant from the Allen Speiser Memorial Fund to ARISE Child and Family Service, Inc. is helping increase that percentage.
The $1,944 in funding is being used to purchase assistive technology equipment and software. ARISE’s Information Technology Manager, Ron Champion, says “A simple assistive device can make the difference between someone being able to do a job they are otherwise well qualified to perform.” Champion, who has a disability himself, has worked in the tech field for 16 years and is known as a storehouse of information about the assistive technology available in today’s market.
Champion’s research pinpointed the tech purchases that would make the most effective use of the grant funds and he went to work getting the best pricing possible. As a result, the Allen Speiser Memorial Fund’s generosity purchased a 22” flat screen monitor, an adaptive keyboard and mouse, and assistive software that includes screen reading, voice recognition, screen magnification, word prediction, and on-screen keyboards.
The new technology is available to enhance the job readiness of more than 150 individuals with disabilities who take advantage of ARISE’s employment services each year. In addition to getting help with job seeking and placement services, the new purchases will give people hands-on experience using technology that enhances their employment skills; skills that are easily transferred to the work place and can increase their ability to obtain competitive employment.
ARISE tech staff are also available to help local employers learn more about the assistive technology currently available, and can provide guidance to ensure employers purchase the correct, and most cost effective, assistive technology possible.
To learn more, contact ARISE at (315) 472-3171.