The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon ICT Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities fully equipped with more than 50 devices specially designed for persons with disabilities and other software also collaborates with Curtin University of Technology in Australia, Cisco Systems Sri Lanka 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 680 companies.
The ICT Training Centre receiving the CISCO Academy status in 2014 is one of the latest feathers 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. Ms. Manique Gunaratne now joins the international team of trainers to conduct CISCO courses. In 2015, EFC commenced conducting Cisco Computer Network Associate Courses (CCNA). “Specialists reveal that persons with CISCO qualifications are often ranked in the top three highest paid slots. CISCO’s own research indicates that certified professionals often earn as much as 10% more than peers without CISCO credentials working in similar routing and networking jobs.”
The demand for IT workers with CISCO certifications often outstrips the supply. The three main objectives of introducing this globally recognized qualification to persons with disabilities. “The prime objective of it is to improve the computer knowledge and networking skills of them. Moreover, it aims to improve the employability of the trainees and create a group of trainers for future training needs.” The training team consists of Ms. Manique Gunaratne and Mr. Anuradha Jayakody, Senior Lecturer from SLIIT, Malabe. Three vision impaired persons, 3 hearing impaired persons and 2 persons with physical disabilities qualified in Cisco CCNA in November 2017.
Picture description for vision impaired persons:
1 Kumudu
2 Manique and Ahamed
3 Manique, Gamika, Samith and Chamila
4 Manique and Irunika
5 Manique and Kalinda
Manique Gunaratne
Executive Committee Member – Disability Organisations’ Joint Front
