Employment
Workplace Inclusivity Becomes a Reality for Persons with Disabilities articipants of Microsoft’s Enabler Program are proving that with strong support and equal access to employment, persons with disabilities (PWDs) can contribute meaningfully to the economy and society.
Microsoft Philippines chief partner officer. “This is imperative to us as an organization, especially in the world we live in today. Access to digital skills and employment opportunities must be given to every community and individual as we look to rebuild our economies.”
The Microsoft Enabler Program was launched in September 2020 to pioneer disability-inclusive workplaces across Asia-Pacific by removing the barriers for a more diverse workforce. A first of its kind globally, the program provides cloud & AI training for PWDs, accessibility education for employer partners, and inclusive hiring from non-profit organizations (NPOs) supporting persons with disabilities.
In addition to training and resources, the program provides Tech Consult sessions that persons with disabilities can join to be connected to Microsoft volunteer technical subject matter experts to enhance their knowledge and skills.
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“There are 650 million persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region alone, making accessibility and providing inclusive opportunities absolutely critical,” said Fides Ricasa,
May 2021
Key to the Microsoft Enabler Program’s efforts in the Philippines is Microsoft’s partnership with local non-profit social enterprise, Virtualahan. They are a for-impact organization that provides training to commercial partners on how to become inclusive employers and pools potential candidates for vacancies within the organization.
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“We envision for the Microsoft Enabler Program to change the employment landscape for Persons with Disabilities in the digital economy in the AsiaPacific by serving as a sandbox for companies that are working hard to embrace disability inclusion in their respective organizations,” said Ryan Gersava, founder and president of Virtualahan. In the Philippines, the Microsoft Enabler Program has successfully provided full-time employment opportunities for three individuals: Ritchell Anne de Loyola, Zeus Exequiel Seth Oliveros, and Jefferson Cortez. Ten years ago, Ritchell Anne de Loyola was diagnosed with a chronic illness that resulted in a physical disability that forced her to step away from her career. “I could not walk, and I needed to use a wheelchair for several years.”
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