Disabled students graduate Thursday

Dozens of disabled people graduated to the tears and applause of a packed auditorium Thursday night at University City's Center for Information Resources(CIS) The program "assists persons with disabilities in achieving their full potential through the use of enabling technology," according to John Connolly, Chairman of CIS. In the program, students learn basic math and English skills, and then choose one of four majors offered by CIS. Each major is designed to keep graduates on the cutting-edge of business computer technology. "Better than 93% of our graduates receive immediate job placement," Connolly added. After completing their core curriculum in math and English, students can choose computer science, computer repair, information management, word processing or accounting as a major. Despite the program's excellent placement record, job opportunities are not the only goal of CIS. "The CIS program builds character," Rick Howard, a new graduate said at the ceremony. "You don't think of yourself as a disabled person -- you see yourself as a competitor." Howard, a bilateral amputee with 2 artificial legs, already has been able to translate his studies into full-time work. He has found a job using computers at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. Assistant Deputy Mayor Oliver Jordan, a featured speaker at the graduation ceremony, said he views the CIS as an important asset for the City in effectively integrating disabled people into the workforce. "The CIS has an excellent success rate," Jordan said. "I've made countless referrals here." The private sector has also stepped forward in assisting CIS, through mock interviews and guest lecturers as well as through direct donations. "For all the mystique about big companies, we're still just a group of people interested in helping the community," said Sun Company Executive Pat Renzulli. Renzulli, who serves on the CIS board of directors, added that several area corporations have donated time and resources to CIS, including Bell of Pennsylvania, ARA Services and the Philadelphia Electric Company. Stephen Harris, a new graduate, said CIS gave him his first introduction into the business world. After grauduation he plans to work full-time for a banking company in Center City, using spreadsheet applications. "When I first came here I didn't know a thing about business," Harris noted. "Now, it's easy to find companies needing my skills."