Breaking Down Educational Barriers for Technology Careers

February 23, 2010

I had a great opportunity recently to facilitate  our Breaking Down Barriers forum between a panel of professionals with disabilities working in the technology field and the Illinois Technology Foundation (ITF) board. I also serve on ITF’s board. The Foundation’s mission is “to develop an ample supply of professional talent with the requisite business and technology [...]

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nAblement vs. Enablement – What’s in a Name?

February 12, 2010

When Rob Figliulo, SPR’s CEO, sat with me outside of a coffee shop over six years ago now, he had a vision. His vision was to establish an opportunity for newly degreed candidates or more seasoned professionals with disabilities to gain a foothold – or regain a foothold – in the technology field. SPR would act [...]

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Accessibility is Just Good E-Business!

February 2, 2010

When approached by an advocacy organization, employee, client or customer, or even a business delivery like nAblement over accessibility challenges to your web site, it’s natural to be defensive, confused or even overwhelmed by the charge. Accessibility concepts, standards and approaches can leave anyone scratching his or her head – and we’re nearly ALL guilty of providing [...]

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Hollywood, Glee and Disability

January 21, 2010

I recently watched an episode, for the 2nd time I confess, of the hit high school coming of age TV show Glee from its last season. For the uninitiated, Glee’s storylines revolve around the trials and tribulations of a small group of very diverse, often quirky, and always troubled teens who comprise the glee club along with a [...]

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Networking – YOU’VE Got to Drive It!

January 15, 2010

It’s become a well-known, and well-worn, fact that your 1st or next career opportunity will be driven by… you! How to take the initiative and create the career in technology, or any field, that you aspire to is under your control.  I would think that would be comforting. The work you’re doing – whether for [...]

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To Disclose or not to Disclose – That is the Question!

January 4, 2010

Admittedly, I’m feeling a bit sheepish tackling the very delicate and complex challenge of whether or not, and when, to disclose a disability to an employer or prospective employer. The reason? I sustained my spinal cord injury while still in college, so my disability is evident and I’ve only known managing my career within the [...]

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nAblement and Mission

December 28, 2009

Thanks for visiting nablement.com! We hope you’ll find the experience stimulating and that you’ll add your own comments and creativity to ours! Our posts will try to effectively explore the challenges and opportunities surrounding the presence of a disability and the professional IT workforce – with special features like video resumes of our candidates, training links, [...]

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“The World Opened”: An Introduction to nAblement

December 15, 2009

Welcome to nAblement.com!

Pat Maher recipient of the 2009 Henry Betts Award at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago from SPR Companies on Vimeo.
People should be judged by what they contribute. People with disabilities don’t expect anything more than that and they don’t deserve anything less. Through our nAblement program, The SPR Companies provide career opportunities [...]

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