SEMCA Celebration of Success

Michael was laid-off from his job of five years due to business downsizing. The loss of employment can be a devastating experience for anyone, but Michael Haney knew that for him, finding a new job would have some extra obstacles to over come. Michael Haney is legally blind. Michael connected with the Michigan Commission of the Blind, who joined efforts with the DCC at our Southgate Service Center to help him. Even though Michael was sight impaired, he was able to access training at our Southgate Service Center through the JAWS software. This is a computer software that is unique to the Southgate Service Center. It enables sight impaired individuals to use a computer. Michael had worked with computers in his previous position and was very eager to find a new job that would allow him to utilize his skills.	(left to right) Senator Christopher Dingell; DCC Job Placement Specialist, Lisa LaFountain; (back) State Representative Raymond Basham; Joann Woodward from the Michigan Commission for the Blind; joined Michael Haney on stage during his award presentation.
The Center for Computer Technology at the Monroe County Employment and Training Department was contacted to pre-test Michael for A+ software certification. It was determined that he already had the knowledge, he simply needed to take the certification test to receive to his credentials.	(left) Joann Woodward from the Michigan Commission for the Blind and (right) Michael Haney.
FIA and Wayne Metro were contacted to assisted Michael with overcoming other barriers in his life. Michael accepted a position with K-Mart Headquarters in Troy as a technical support person for their specialized price scanning system. Michael is very happy to be back to work and once again an independent, self-reliant person.