A Virtual Employment Center for People with Disabilities

Created by the Center on Disability Studies University of Hawaii at Manoa

Funded by the Kessler Foundationhttp://tinyurl.com/EmployAblePresentation2014

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.

Improve employment knowledge and skills for people with disabilities through:

• Employment skills training

• Exposure to multiple technologies

• Networking

• Mentoring

• Access to employment resources

Project Goal

Online Strategies and Tools1. Create an online community using social

networking and communication tools.2. Nurture mentor relationships using

video chat programs.3. Develop an Interview Module using

Google content management tools.4. Enhance practice and real-life scenarios

using Second Life virtual reality platform.

Phases of Pilot Study1. Self-paced, web-based Interview Module,

2. Video Chat group and individual mentoring sessions,

3. EmployAble Second Life Simulation for material review and recorded practice sessions.

OutcomesIn 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.

Implications1. Online technology, when used in interactive, accessible

and creative ways, can improve skill development and preparation for employment for individuals with disabilities.

2. Mentors are a valuable resource for job seekers with disabilities.

3. People with with disabilities need access to online employment resources that are interactive, comprehensive, and useful.

TestimonialsParticipant:“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.”

InformationEmail: employ@hawaii.eduWebsite: www.cds.hawaii.edu/employableModule: http://tinyurl.com/EmployAbleInterviewModule

Twitter: employableVECSkype: employableprojectvec