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Free online training service helps disabled Alphas and others learn job skills for working at home on their computers
Many people find out they have Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency after being diagnosed with lung disease, often asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or both. Many of those Alphas become disabled, and a number of them have volunteered to help with a toll-free telephone information service created by the COPD Foundation.
A new not-for-profit service now makes it possible for Alphas and others with disabilities to learn a skill and supplement their incomes by working on their home computers.
Virtual Training Systems President and CEO Linda Walsh
When the COPD Information Line was created in 2007, the COPD Foundation had no idea its philosophy and operating model were going to be emulated.
It was just a group of friends – a group that’s growing – who wanted to volunteer to help others going through what they’ve experienced themselves.
“When you are blessed to have workers who are not only passionate about their cause, but the work it involves, how can you not succeed?” says Bill Clark, director of outreach programs for the COPD Foundation. “Our associates are motivated, educated and empowered, and above all, they have a strong desire to reach out to others.”
Recently, a group in Florida came together to create an organization dedicated to improving the lives of disabled veterans. Seeing the struggle veterans go through as they re-acclimate to society, the group felt the need to help veterans – and others with disabilities.
The goal was to help the disabled find employment and some income in a way that won’t compromise their ability to receive the benefits they need. These benefits are often tied to rules that limit income, and depending upon the disability, may be restricted to employment opportunities in the home.
Virtual Training Systems (VTS) was created to fill this need. VTS is a not-for-profit organization based in Miami, Florida. Linda Walsh, President and CEO of VTS, founded the organization to help the disabled gain marketable skills they could both learn at home and use for working at home.
VTS provides free online training skills to the disabled and economically disadvantaged nationwide. A home computer, Internet access and a willingness to learn are the key essentials to take advantage of the program.
“Imagine having the absolute need and desire to return to the workforce, but you lack specific skills to apply for a job. These individuals want to be productive, but they don’t know how. The online training that VTS provides boosts the confidence of our candidates and prepares them to go back to work with the necessary skills to support themselves and their families,” says Walsh.
The positive impact of VTS on the lives of disabled individuals is described by Edna Lopez, Esq., chairman of the board of VTS: “Our training gives them the confidence to pursue productive jobs with the knowledge that they can add tremendous value to a company’s bottom line. Today’s economic environment is pushing companies to look for significant ways to improve their profitability. Disabled individuals need to know that they can be a key driver of this improvement.”
The COPD Foundation is a founding charity of VTS because the VTS story began with the COPD Information Line (1-866-316-2673).
The initial educational program for VTS was used in training volunteers for the COPD Information Line. This is an e-learning job skills platform offering call center agent training powered by industry leader Knowlagent. Knowlagent provides on-demand call center software for hiring, communications, training, and coaching, used by some of the largest third-party call centers in the world.
The VTS call center agent training provides basic customer service and sales training that will qualify the candidates for a position as a contact center support professional.
Walsh takes no salary, as she feels compelled to donate her time to this worthy cause. “It is our duty to give of ourselves in some philanthropic capacity. There is nothing more rewarding than to know that you have helped someone achieve a goal that they so richly deserve, and I am grateful to be able to help.”
COPD Information Line welcomes volunteers
The COPD Information Line volunteer associates feel rewarded by the service they provide to their community, and more volunteers are always welcome.
If you…
- Are a COPD patient, or a present or former caregiver for someone with COPD,
- Have a high-speed Internet connection and Windows XP, and
- Can volunteer to offer help to others with COPD for a few hours each week,
call the COPD Information Line at 1-866-316-2673 to find out how you can become a volunteer. You can make a difference in the COPD community!
