7/1/2002 12:00:00 AM
Job developers from Chicagoland vocational agencies gathered at DeVry University for an AbilityLinks.org demo and workshop.
On Wednesday, June 26, thirty service providers gathered at DeVry University for a demonstration of AbilityLinks’ Web site, as well as hands-on practice entering a resume, searching for a job and entering service provider information. The group enjoyed refreshments, networking with fellow job developers and a lively presentation by Ken Skord and Cheryl Perez.
“Our purpose today is to answer your questions, orient you to the site and observe how you use the site so we can make further improvements,” Ken Skord, AbilityLinks project manager said in his opening remarks.
Cheryl Perez guided the group through the Web site, allowing everyone to register and enter a resume. She and Ken demonstrated how to enter a job and set up a search to find jobs and candidates.
Following the demonstrations and hands-on session, Madeline Bikus from Donka, Inc. spoke of her successful working relationship with AbilityLinks. “So much employer education and ground work is done through AbilityLinks. It makes my job easier because the road has been paved for me,” Madeline said, referring to the relationships that AbilityLinks is building in the business community for all service providers.
According to Madeline, putting a resume on the AbilityLinks Web site can boost a client’s self-esteem. “I’ve seen my clients take responsibility for their resumes; they’re very proud to have it posted on the Web.”
Madeline went on to talk about placing a client as an appointment setter at GE Capital Assurance. The employer, Jill McGuire, told Madeline she was interested in hiring a person with a disability because of the support structure available through AbilityLinks and Donka.
Akhtar Wala from Supported Employment Associates spoke about the value of networking with fellow job developers, especially Madeline Bikus. The two women have exchanged job leads in an effort to get more placements. Cheryl Perez enthusiastically endorsed this type of teamwork explaining, “The AbilityLinks Web site is a tool for sharing information and focusing on our common purposes.”
Job developers enjoyed networking. Kristen Tribe from Parents Alliance Employment Project takes a business card from Rosanne Balance from Project with Industry as Madeline Bikus from Donka looks on.