Since its inception in 2000, the Network on Disability of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) has taken strides, notably in the fields of ICT training, language and skills training and economic empowerment. The ICT Training Centre of the EFC which was launched in 2009 with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) is the nucleus of the Network on Disability. Embracing the vision of ‘productive employment through social harmony’, its objective is to develop the employability skills of persons with diverse disabilities in the country making special considerations for women and girls with disabilities as well.
Under the adept guidance of Ms. Manique Gunaratne, Manager – Specialised Training & Disability Resource Centre, it has benefited more than 200 persons with diverse disabilities to date including school leavers, job seekers, undergraduates and those employed from all corners of the island.
The Training Centre fully equipped with devices and software specially designed for persons with disabilities, also collaborates with Curtin University of Technology in Australia and SLIIT (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology) Malabe. The programs are also recognized by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) and within the EFC membership which consists of 650 plus companies.
The ICT Training Centre receiving the CISCO Academy status in 2014 is the latest feather in its cap. “This is a milestone of the ICT Training Centre as it is the only training centre in the country which trains people with diverse disabilities in CISCO courses. CISCO is a globally recognized IT qualification.
Recently up-graded EFC ICT Training & Disability Resource Centre with accessibility and modern technology assist persons with disabilities to receive the latest technology available and to be gainfully employed equally capable as persons with non-disabilities.
The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon ICT Training and Disability Resource Centre started a course of study in Computer Concepts for a group of 15 persons with diverse disabilities in May 2017. Up to date EFC has trained 93 persons with disabilities in Computer Concepts.
Picture descriptions for vision impaired persons:
1 Manique conducting training.
2 Group photograph.
Manique Gunaratne
Tel. – 0094112867966
