I just received a press release about an exciting new educational and employment program at The Hadley School for the Blind:
On September 19, 2011, The Hadley School for the Blind officially opened enrollment for the Forsythe Center for Entrepreneurship. The goal of the new Forsythe Center is to provide individuals who are visually impaired with the knowledge, resources, and networking opportunities that will enable them to advance in their careers and/or successfully launch and grow their own businesses.
The Forsythe Center program includes a number of existing Hadley courses focused on business and entrepreneurship, as well as six new one-lesson modules, including:
- Market Research
- The Financial Plan
- The Marketing Plan
- The Business Plan
- Business Insurance
- Forms of Ownership
Hadley has developed the Forsythe Center program, in part, to address the unacceptable employment rate among people who are visually impaired. Although statistics can vary, the most reliable data sources suggest that the under- or unemployment rate of persons who are blind or visually impaired is 70%-80%.
By providing computer training, along with relevant Social Security, tax, accounting, legal, marketing, management, and communications information, Hadley will prepare students to take a large step towards achieving self-sufficiency. The curriculum content will be made richer through a network of accomplished civic and business leaders who are themselves blind or visually impaired, as well as through access to a comprehensive, online resource center.
Courses are open to anyone who is blind or visually impaired, over age 14, and is serious about starting or growing a business. Coursework is offered free of charge and is primarily online.
For more information about the program, you can visit the Forsythe Center for Entrepreneurship website.