Abilities Foundation now testing the disabled for Microsoft literacy
THE Abilities Foundation is now testing disabled students who want to be given Microsoft literacy certification.
Managing director of the foundation, Susan Hamilton, made the disclosure, during the institution’s graduation ceremony held last week at the New Life Assembly of God, Kingston.
Hamilton announced that Sutherland Global Services approached the Abilities Foundation to become its testing site for members of the disabled community who expressed interest in working with the entity.
In January, 21 students sat and successfully completed tests at the site.
“This certification does not mean that they have a foot in Sutherland Global. However, it gives them an edge when they go for an interview. They can hand in their certificate and say I am proficient in all Microsoft applications, and what we have found is that employers are looking at that certification,” she said.
In addition to being the testing site, persons with disabilities can also access training in Microsoft literacy at the institution.
Twenty-seven students with varying forms of disability and who completed two years of vocational training graduated from the institution last week.
Development consultant and keynote speaker Racquel Jones, who shared how she lost two fingers on her left hand in a shooting accident as a teenager, encouraged the graduates to rise above their disabilities and strive to be the best they can be.
“You are the only person, who can limit yourself. You are the only person, who can make a decision if you are going to jump over the barriers or whether you are able to rise above certain negativities. There is purpose to your life. You have been sent here to make a difference, you have been sent here to impact lives and to light your world. Get encouragement if you need it, but continue to push,” she told the graduates.
During the ceremony, five companies were presented with Corporate Social Responsibility Awards in recognition of their ongoing support to the Abilities Foundation.
They are Digicel Foundation; World Brands Jamaica Ltd; Monumental Partners Ltd; Carib Star Shipping Line; and Sutherland Global Services.
