By: Matthew Bullis
While attending the 29th annual CSUN technology conference in San Diego, one of the stand-out presentations for me was that given by Laura Gillson from Project Starfish.
While attending the 29th annual CSUN technology conference in San Diego, one of the stand-out presentations for me was that given by Laura Gillson from Project Starfish.
The presentation’s title: A Creative Approach To Help Bridge The Employment Gap, was not a vague concept, as other similar ideas have been in the past. Rather, these entrepreneurs are blind and visually impaired themselves, and wish to provide meaningful and screen reader-accessible employment for those who are willing to put forth the hard work. The organization works to provide the applicant with the skills needed to conduct themselves in professional settings. While Project Starfish doesn’t exactly supply jobs, they do connect their applicants with companies who are aware of the abilities and talents inherent in the disability community. The contract work is done in the employee’s home using their technology and related skills, and may or may not exceed the earnings limit for Social Security program benefits. Should the applicant wish to enroll with Project Starfish, they will be taken through a process of preparedness, including resume writing, interviewing skills, etc., with the goal of employing them with one of the many contractors who need the skill type provided. Most of the contracted businesses are small start-up companies, and since the majority of this work is done in home, the work can come from, and be performed, anywhere in the world. Project Starfish has been setting up satellite offices in several countries, with more expansion to follow. With an organization with these goals in mind, and with employees who wish to work hard and put forth the effort, I hope this will provide many blind individuals with hours of meaningful work in future.
www.PStarfish.org
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