News
Atlas Graduation Opens Up A Whole New World Of Learning
Date Posted: Tuesday 22 July 2008
A much needed gap in the job market was on its way to being filled recently when 13 people graduated as Adaptive Technology Assessors through disability charity The Cedar Foundation, in partnership with PROTEUS. The ATLAS project, (ATLAS stands for Adaptive Technology leading Assessment Solutions) provided training in the use of adaptive technology; which allows people with disabilities to enter the workplace because they have the adaptive technology such as special computers, screens or desks etc, to enable them to do their job. 
Liz Cunningham, from Cedar, developed the course and explains more:
“We applied for funding through PROTEUS to fund the ATLAS project to train unemployed people to be adaptive technology assessors; anyone from across Northern Ireland could join the course. It taught the students how to assess the technology needs of trainee and the graduation is the culmination of a lot of hard work by all involve. I would like to congratulate all the students, including Samantha Hesketh, who won the outstanding student award, and wish them the very best as they start their new careers as independent adaptive technology assessors.”
Caroline Lismore-Kerr, one of the ATLAS Graduates explains more:
“It has been a great pleasure and honour to be part of the ATLAS project. As a newly qualified Adaptive Technology (AT) assessor I look forward to working with disabled people by assessing their needs and identifying AT solutions. For me, the role is about enhancing individual’s lives. AT helps compensate for the limitations of a disability and allows individuals to do things that you and I take for granted.”
She continues:
“Quite often an adaptive technology solution allows a person to do a task for the first time and the joy and satisfaction they experience can be quite overwhelming. It has been a privilege to be part of the ATLAS project.”
Amanda McAuley, Case Officer with PROTEUS adds:
“On 27 June 2008 PROTEUS was privileged to share in the celebration of achievements of the ATLAS beneficiaries. The ATLAS project, which was funded by the EU Programme for Peace & Reconciliation, was a great success with 13 unemployed individuals gaining qualifications and skills to enable them to become Assistive Technology Assessors. The training will enable the beneficiaries to assist and train disabled people to use specialised computer software in order for them to have access to computers.
PROTEUS would just like to congratulate all of the participants for achieving their qualifications and hope that this project has helped them on their career path. We would also like to thank The Cedar Foundation for their co-operation throughout the project and wish the organisation every success for the future.”
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