Job-training fair for disabled vets set for tomorrow

Plenty of able-bodied people are intimidated by the mere idea of trying to find a job in this recession-ravaged economy.

Imagine, then, the anxiety that must plague countless disabled U.S. veterans trying to find work, even as they cope with the effects of injuries that have forever altered their lives.

Officials at the Liberty Resources Academy say that they understand the plight of veterans all too well - and they want to help.

Liberty is hosting a free job-training fair for disabled vets beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow at its Center City headquarters, 714 Market Street.

Liberty, the educational and job-training component of Philadelphia's Center for Independent Living for People with Disabilities, will give vets overviews of programs that can help them find their way to new careers, said Marie Palladino, the organization's program director.

Tomorrow's fair, called the "Taste of Technology Day," is the first that Liberty has held for vets.

Some vets simply need help transitioning from the military back to the civilian world. Others face the more daunting task of learning to function in a work environment with a new disability.

Those veterans will be able to experiment with computer software that can "put them on a level playing field," said Lynne Maleef, a Liberty career-services associate.

"We have screen readers for the blind, and hands-free software for those that don't have use of their hands," said Maleef, who is visually impaired.

More than half the employees at Liberty's headquarters are handicapped, which makes it "the ideal place" for disabled vets to visit for help, Maleef said.

Vets who attend tomorrow's fair will also be able to sign up for weekly classes that can help them develop career goals.

"We can determine their strengths and weaknesses, build on their skills and prepare them for interviewing and networking," Maleef said. "We can get them confident to go on a job interview and get back out there again."

Those interested in attending the fair may register by contacting Louise Clark at 215-634-2000, Ext. 203.