Footprints to Technology is a program which is operating on the lower reserve of the Penticton Indian Band reserve. It is located 3/4 km up Green Mountain Road in Penticton, BC, Canada. Footprints provides technology training and pre-employment programs to persons with disabilities and Elders/Seniors in the Okanagan Valley. Footprints is a partnership between the Penticton Indian Band, the Neil Squire Society and the Office of Learning Technologies and is coordinated by Terry Terbasket and Mindy Rollins. PROJECT OBJECTIVES To provide opportunities in which Aboriginal persons living with disability are able to create change for themselves. To provide assistance to Aboriginal persons living with a disability in recognizing and defining what their person sense of self-esteem and confidence are. To provide support to Aboriginal persons living with a disability in order to facilitate their expression of their own individuality. To provide information to Aboriginal persons living with disability regarding their rights that they are entitled to as a result of their disability. To assist Aboriginal persons living with a disability to identify their strengths and capacities in regards to learning technology. To assist Aboriginal persons living with a disability to identify means of improving their personal well-being (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) To identify support services that are available (local, provincial, national and on the world wide web) for Aboriginal persons living with a disability. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Computers were installed into the homes of participants, as well as a trial six month dial-up internet service for those who were interested in internet availability. The participants of the program were given in-home flexible instruction and supplied with information on how to sell art and other articles on the internet. Forty-two (42) elders, persons with disabilities, organizations and service providers attended the "Quality of Life Conference" at the Ramada Inn on May 27, 2006. June Wylie, the Senior Office Manager of the BC Aboriginal Network Disability Society (BCANDS) and Lillian Allison-Sanders, secretary for BCANDS, attended the conference and provided a presentation which included a video. They also supplied numerous pamphlets and other valuable information which was distributed within the PIB community with the weekly newsletter. Footprints to Technology has launched its own website www.footprintstotechnology.com and has an inventory list available. EMPLOY-ABILITY PROGRAM The Employ-Ability program has a holistic approach to employment and provides a self-paced supportive place to help identify goals. Learn how technology can open doors to fit your needs. Personal wellness -Learn to manage your disability and focus on healthy living -Identify and develop skills for positive living. Career Development -Explore interests, values and career options and opportunities -Improve and update your job searching skills Computer technology -Learn how to use the compuer, internet, email and more! BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM Enhanced employability Discovery of interests, values and other skills Learned resume and coverletter writing Exploring the uses of assistive technology Increased self-confidence Exploring career options Improved job interview skills Focusing on individual abilities ELIGIBILITY To qualify for the Employ-Ability program you must: have a physical disability (can be self-identified) Be legally entitled to work in Canada For further information please contact us at Mindy Rollins OR Terry Terbasket Footprints to Technology Lot 49 Green Mountain Road RR2-Site50-comp25 Penticton, BC, Canada, V2A 6J7 OR contact us at Phone: 1-250-492-5289 Fax: 1-250-492-5239 Mindy Email: mrollins@pib.ca Terry Email: tterbasket@pib.ca Website: www.footprintstotechnology.com