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ARPCT News Page 1
Viewpoint Volume 1, Issue 4
Winter—Spring 2002
Goodwill Industries of Central
Indiana Comments
Editor Comments:
by Houston Leek, Student
What does the new year hold
for ARPCT member programs? EDITOR
oodwill—what There are adaptive ac-
G
Christy Russell
does the name cessories being imple - For some programs, business
bring to mind? mented by a very helpful CONTRIBUTORS
as usual. But for many, the Theordora Laing, FL
Possibly used maintenance crew. doors are being shut. It seems Steven Lawrence, CO
furniture or maybe she l- Houston Leek, IN
like the programs being hit the Joseph Quinn, CA
tered workshops. If so, The case managers and hardest are programs connected
you’re in for a big surprise! placement specialist work
VIEWPOINT
to community colleges. SLCC Skills Center
Goodwill’s best kept secret PROJECTS WITH INDUSTRY
is “education”. hand in hand in providing 1575 So. State Street, W173
resume writing, mock inter- In the past two years, ARPCT Salt Lake City, UT 84115
views, employment oppor- member programs who have (801) 957-3311
Goodwill Industries of Fax. (801) 957-3399
tunities and people skills. been considered “the model pro- Email: christy.russell@slcc.edu
Central Indiana offers
The program is truly inclu- grams” such as the Community
classes in Computer Viewpoint is published quarterly.
College Project in Denver, San
Graphics Training and Ba- sive for individuals, prepar-
This publication is designed to pro-
Antonio College in Texas, and vide accurate information on infor-
sic Career Education. Both ing for employment. The mation technology issues that effect
Valencia Community College in
are excellent courses, but program is multi-lingual
the disability community and mem-
Orlando, Florida have been af- bership programs.
for the purpose of this story, and offers English as a fected. The project at El Centro
the writer, Houston, a stu- second language.
Viewpoint tries to validate all infor-
Community College has been mation supplied by contributors,
dent of this program, fo- however, cannot be held responsible
forced to shut their doors. for inaccuracies or misrepresenta-
cused on the Computer
Classes are held from tions in copy by outside sources.
Graphic Training program
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., My own program, here at the To become a member of ARPCT,
he currently is enrolled in.
Monday thru Friday. There Salt Lake Community College is please contact Bob Leneway,
ARPCT Treasurer at
also feeling the heat. Although
This graphic program was is plenty of one -on-one in-
(616) 387-2053 or
SLCC Projects With Industry is
created from a Print Shop struction, which makes this
Email: bob.leneway@wmich.edu
meeting its goals, we are in the
about eight years ago. The program more effective pool of many projects who will be
class size average is eight than many other training Join us in
programs. competing for the new PWI grant
students. The instructor, funds this Spring– if there are Washington, D.C.
Kent Beam has a raving any available!
placement rate of 95% for Upon completion, gradu- 4/30/02-5/3/02
his graduates. ates are Quark certified, The uncertainty of federal fund-
and Adobe Photoshop and ing may have a dramatic effect for the ARPCT
This six month graphic Adobe Illustrator proficient. on many of our member pro- Annual
course leads to a career in Graduates are ready and grams.
publishing. Students can confident with the neces- Conference
work at their own pace. sary skills to compete in ( continued on page 7)
Disabilities are not a barrier the work place.
in this program. (Conference infor-
(continued on page 7) mation on page 2)
Page 2 ARPCT News Viewpoint
It’s coming—mark your calendar!
ARPCT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 30—May 3, 2002
Jurys Washington Hotel
1500 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202-483-6000 or www.jurys.com/usa/washington_hotel.htm
The Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Computer Technology
(ARPCT) and The International Association of Business, Industry, and Reha-
bilitation (I-NABIR) will be co-sponsoring this year’s annual conference.
Members from ARPCT & I-NABIR are working hand-in-hand to create the
most dynamic disability conference of the year! You don’t want to miss it.
Hotel accommodations are $139.00 per night. The registration fee is
$395.00 for members, $325.00 for others attending from same organization,
and $495.00 for non-members. Conference information will be available very
soon at www.arpct.org or www.charlie@harles.com. To register, contact An-
drea Harles at 202.546.2847.
NEW ARPCT OFFICER NOMINEES
The new ARPCT Officers will be elected at the annual conference in Washington, D.C. Can-
didates, when elected, will serve a two year term. The official nominations are as follows:
1. President—Steve Lawrence
2. Vice President—Joe Quinn
3. Secretary– Kathy Hurley
Additional nominations will be accepted from members during the conference.
Volume 1, Issue 4 ARPCT News Page 3
Colorado Revamps Program
New-Open Entry e-Learning Format
by Steven Lawrence, ARPCT President
Computer Training for People with Disabilities (CTPD) at the Community College of Denver
joined ARPCT (then ARPDP) in 1977 as a traditional “IBM” model to train people with disabilities to
become IBM COBOL programmers. Over the years, the curriculum evolved to include newer lan-
guages (Visual BASIC, C/C++, JAVA), database technology and Networking (NT, CISCO) career
paths. However, the courses have always been instructor lead, and the enrollment always began
once each year during the summer. Even with up to 24 new students starting each year, only ap-
proximately 12-14 would complete the program and graduate. With a dedicated classroom and an
up to date computer lab, costs often exceeded tuition income for the program.
Recently the Community College of Denver opened a branch campus offering fast-track job-
training Certificate and Associate of Applied Science programs in a business office park location.
Instruction is provided in an individualized and self-directed format that allows students to enroll in
basic business skills courses at any time throughout the year and complete those courses at any
time when requirements are met.
In the summer of 2001 it was decided to redesign CTPD to take advantage of e-Learning
tools and to recruit more students by allowing quarterly enrollment in the C/C++ Programming or
Network Specialist curricula. CTPD Director, Rie Kenkel and the Business Advisory Council, work-
ing with Dean Linda Lujan, and Dr. Christine Johnson, President of CCD, designed a “hybrid”
model incorporating the advantages of both e -Learning and Instructor lead classes.
Students referred by the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation go through the same
screening and qualification process as before. Any new CTDP student can start a pre-CTPD set of
general business courses on any Monday during the year. The new CTPD student also partici-
pates in a required “Job Development” workshop that integrates the students into the CTPD cohort.
CTPD technology will be offered on a quarterly cycle. A curriculum has been designed to integrate
self-directed e-Learning (probably SmartForce.com through the ARPCT scholarships program) with
full time instructor supervision and ad-hoc whiteboard sessions for emphasis and review. All stu-
dents will also participate in quarterly classroom-based team computer systems development pro-
jects supervised by the CTPD full-time instructor. Since the full course (51 credits) is completed in
13 months, each student will have held roles on four different project teams and will have devel-
oped a portfolio of work samples. Traditional CTPD supports– BAC, mentorship, individualized job
placement, enrichment lectures, client site visits, job shadows and evaluations–continue as a
“wrapper” around the core e-Learning format for the CTPD cohort.
By sharing lab facilities, providing more opportunities for students to enter the program on
an easier schedule, and by using today’s web-based e-Learning delivery technology CTPD hopes
to successfully train and place more students with disabilities in appropriate career jobs.
ARPCT News Page 4 Viewpoint
MEED Program: A Success Story
by Theordora Laing
The Projects With Industry (PWI) grant funds the MEED Pro-
gram located in Miami, Florida, which provides short-term training with
emphasis in computer software applications and customer service, job
placement and career advancement support for individuals with disabili-
ties.
Two of the popular programs available are: Customer Office As-
sistance (vocational credit) and PC Support Specialist, a college– credit
certificate. Students may complement their training by earning the
MCSE, A+, MOUS and other computer certifications.
Genell Wesley, completed all academic courses for the Cus-
tomer Service Office Assistance Program in December 2001 and began
a full-time paid position with Hands On Miami as an AmeriCorps Prom-
ise Fellow in January 2002. Hands On Miami, Inc., is a local non-profit
that builds communities by engaging people in volunteer services.
Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, Genell has
Jorge De La Rosas, former achieved her goal—working for the community. She is very enthusias-
MEED Student tic about her new career path.
Jorge De La Rosa’s only request of the MEED Program last De-
cember was to help with job placement, as he was already an M-DCC
student majoring in Computer Information Systems. His request was
granted after receiving counseling from the MEED Career Services
manager. Jorge recently began working as a part-time Computer Lab
Technician with the Center for Independent Living of South Florida.
Jorge is very excited that his investment in education is beginning to
pay off.
Membership Dues Reminder
Please send your membership dues to:
Dr. Robert Leneway
Western Michigan University
3210 Sangren Hall
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5198
E-mail: bob.leneway@wmich.edu
Full Membership $325.00
Association Member $50.00
Volume 1, Issue 4 ARPCT News Page 5
Student Profiles: Graduate Volunteers as Teacher for Low Income Youth
by Steven Lawrence, ARPCT President
Classes Taught in Spanish, but Hearing Impairment is No Obstacle to Teaching
Roger Ponds is a 1999 graduate of Computer Training for People with Disabilities
(CTPD) at Community College of Denver. Roger did his internship as an Assistant
Computer Administrator at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce during the sum-
mer of 1999, where he met Reggie Coleman, director of Vision Quest 2020, a non-profit
organization whose mission is computer training for low-income inner city youth and
adults.
Roger Ponds, former CTPD Student
He has taught computer training for Vision Quest 2020 in both English and Spanish
tailored for different ethnic groups, teaching how to use Windows and how to build Web
pages using HTML. Roger, who is hearing-impaired since childhood, is fluent in Span-
ish and speaks some Portuguese, as a result of spending some 2-1/2 years in South
America
ARPCT Welcomes New Members
In the past three months, the following Listserv invitation to their 3,000 members
program members have been added to promoting ARPCT benefits.
ARPCT: Leneway, along with the other ARPCT
BDL Employment & Rehabilitation Ser- officers are thrilled with this recruitment “I’m sad to report
vices in Bangor, Maine; IAT Community effort. According to Bob, it looks like a that long time
College of Alleghency County, Pitts- very good year for ARPCT! ARPCT program, El
burgh, PA; Hirepotential, Denver, CO; EditU, Bob’s pet project, has a new face Centro Community
North Central Technical College, Wau- lift. Bob says that EditU is beginning to College has dropped
sau, WI; San Francisco Vocational Ser-
vices, San Francisco, California; Wash-
look like he promised. It has implemented its training program
a counter of unique IP address visits to the
ington Vocational Services, Mountlake site (bottom of the homepage). “In just
for people with
Terrace; Washington and Westside Cen- three weeks, EditU has received nearly disabilities as well
ter for Independent Living, LA, California; 1,000 visitors. As a result, our EditU help as its membership
UCP-Suffork County New York will also
be joining ARPCT as soon as the mail
desk has been very busy!” in ARPCT” - Bob
brings their membership application and Good job, Bob! Thank you for your efforts Leneway.
dues. in recruiting new ARCPT members and
your perseverance in the development of
Many new members to the organization EditU.
are the direct result of the efforts of Bob
Leneway. He met with Paul Andrews,
Director of Employment and Community
Service programs with the Commission
for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facili-
ties (CARF) as a result, Paul sent out a
ARPCT News Page 6 Viewpoint
Document your Success
by Joseph Quinn, Director of Training, Computer Technologies Program, Berkeley, CA
Many of our ARPCT member programs realize the importance of keeping track of placement
statistics. But in the face of increasing competition for training dollars, quantifying the success of
our programs has become more crucial than ever. Coming up with effective ways to graphically il-
lustrate the return on investment may be an effective tool in persuading funders to continue support-
ing your program.
Here is one suggestion that the Computer Technologies Programs in Berkeley has found
useful. Some years ago during a period of funding cutbacks, one of our BAC members suggested
making a presentation to our state and federal funding source. Instead of simply compiling place-
ment percentages, we were advised by this BAC member to take a more “long ball” approach.
He tracked graduate average starting salaries, determined the per student cost of training;
and calculated the return on investment (taxes paid by the graduate and savings to the government
in SSI benefits not paid). On average, it was determined that the cost of training was recouped in
three years, and that taxes paid after three years constituted a remarkable return on investment for
the government over the course of a 10, 20 or 30 year career in computers.
The presentation, which included several BAC members, who as employers of our graduates,
could speak to the success of the training, as well as to the clear long-term economic benefits of our
programs, was remarkably effective.
We invite other ARPCT member programs to share ways they document their successes.
Please send your comments, letters, articles or e-mails, and we’ll include them in future newsletters.
Graduate Volunteers as Teachers continued from page 5
including a 2+ year assignment with the Peace Corps in Paraguay where he worked as an advisor in the Small Business
Program.
Roger, who has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Metropolitan State College, once worked in the field of Account-
ing/Finance. Recently he took the remaining classes in Web Development to get his certificate, and then completed his
Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems. Since then, he has taken a couple of French classes while looking
for a job in the computer field, with a goal of Web Development. Roger would like to get a job where he can learn how to
build Web sites, and even do some teaching, as he did with Vision Quest 2020.
“Student Profiles” is a new feature of VIEWPOINT. Each issue will feature a graduate from an ARPCT member program.
If you would like to submit a story about one of your recent graduates, please e-mail the VIEWPOINT editor and include
pictures with releas es.
Volume 1, Issue 4 ARPCT News Page 7
Bob Leneway Visits SLCC Project
by Christy Russell, ARPCT Vice President
Bob Leneway from Western Michi- students’ enthusiasm.
gan University visited the Salt Lake PWI has implemented Smart-
Community College PWI Program in Force.com into its training pro-
December, 2001. His one day visit gram. A student must use
was a stop on his way to Arizona, SmartForce.com at least one-
where he was meeting with ARPCT hour a day to keep the usage of
and I-NABIR members. their internet. Students receive
Bob spent several hours with the an incentive if they pass their
students and staff. The students ap- A+ and/or CNA test after taking
peared to enjoyed the e -Learning the courses online.
from SmartForce.com training and SLCC PWI Students and Bob. Bob is the
SLCC Projects With Industry one in far back– the “older one”!
the staff enjoyed the free lunch! has been recognized for its in-
Bob said he was impressed by the novative training ideas.
Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana continued from page 1
Now about the writer, Houston. “I am a C-6, C-7 Quadriplegic who had no computer knowledge prior to
two months ago.” Houston looked into other computer courses prior to choosing the course offered through
Goodwill. Houston says he is fairly new to his disability, and is still making adjustments.
Houston chose Goodwill’s computer graphics program because it provided an excellent training program,
and also because they know how to train people with disabilities.
Houston likes the fact that the instructor let the students work at their own pace. He enjoys the teaching
style, the “work-like environment”, and the other students. A final comment from Houston…”Goodwill has put
together a good quality program that should be praised.”
Editors Comments continued from page 1
These programs are searching for new avenues that would breathe life into them and allow them to con-
tinue their missions. They have helped many people with disabilities enter the work-place with a higher than
average incomes; becoming productive, taxpaying, and happy citizens. We can’t let these programs simply
fade away. I’m hoping when we meet in Washington D.C. at this year’s annual conference, we can strategize
on ways to help those ARPCT membership programs who are feeling a financial crunch in finding new ways
to continue.
There will be a break out session to discuss these issues. Bring your expertise and ideas for funding to the
conference. The conference is a great place to share information that might help all of our programs. Joe
Quinn, from Berkley will be sharing his ideas on how the Berkley project has been self-sufficient and suc-
cessful for so many years. There are other successful programs who will also be sharing information. See
you there.
Viewpoint
ARPCT News Page 8
Non-
ARPCT Applies for 501(c)3 Non-Profit Status
by Steve Lawrence, ARPCT President
ARPCT was founded over 20 years ago and is a membership organization. Its mission is to pro-
mote communication and support among programs which train and place people with disabilities in
areas related to computer technology. In December 2001, the Executive Board of ARPCT voted to
incorporate as a non-profit organization and to apply for 501 (c)3 status with the U.S. Internal Reve-
nue Service.
The non-profit status will allow our organization to more actively pursue grants and donations to
benefit our members on a larger scale. Continuation of our SmartForce.com scholarships, expan-
sion of our Microsoft software distribution, and application for new support from organizations such
as the Hewlett-Packard e-Inclusion Program will all be facilitated by this change.
We will keep all our members informed, and of course we will announce our status on our website
at www.arpct.org and at www.editu.org.
Sprysoft Announces ARPCT Discount
Help support ARPCT when you make your next technology purchase! Sprysoft Corporation of
Austin, Texas, a supplier of software, hardware, and peripherals to qualified teachers, students, and
educational or non-profit organizations, is pleased to announce a special discount exclusively for
members of ARPCT. Free ground shipping on all orders over $100, PLUS Sprysoft will donate 3%
of your order total back to the ARPCT to help provide quality training and placement services for
persons with disabilities. Place your order online and send an e-mail with your order number re-
questing the discount & donation to arpct@sprysoft.com or call 1-800-840-6786 and ask for Ben
Finklea. Sprysoft is extending this offer as a provider of software, hardware, and peripherals to all
ARPCT members and students.
PWI RFP DELAYED OR POSSIBLY WORSE– NOT HAPPENING!
by Christy Russell, ARPCT Vice President
According to Charlie Harles of the International Association of Business Industry and Rehabilitation (I-NABIR) and close
associate of ARPCT, President Bush’s 2003 budget will eliminate Projects With Industry federal funding. Up until re-
cently, the word in D.C., was that the RFP for the next round of PWI grants had been postponed until mid -February due to
finalizing of the 2003 budget. Now the word is out that federal funds for PWI may be eliminated altogether!
I-NABIR is vigorously taking an active role in stopping this from happening. They are calling on I-NABIR members, their
Bossiness Advisory Councils (BAC’s), and other business partners and community leaders to oppose this action by the
administration. I-NABIR takes a strong position that PWI has been a effective federal program.
Federal budget cuts and other legislation issues will be discussed by Charlie Harles at the annual conference in May.
