PND (10/24/2000) -- Microsoft Makes Grants to Aid People With Disabilities

Microsoft Corp. has announced its latest round of grants as part of a program designed to improve the employment situation for individuals with disabilities through technology and training. A total of $250,000 in grants is being awarded to nine innovative organizations across the country that are working in the area of employment for this traditionally overlooked segment of the population. The announcement was made in Seattle at the annual meeting of the Business Leadership Network (October 25-27), a gathering of more than 400 business and government leaders from across the nation dedicated to improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

According to a recent National Organization on Disability/Harris study, only 32 percent of the 17 million people with disabilities are currently employed, compared with 81 percent of the general population. More than two-thirds of those not employed say they would prefer to be working.

"There are many reasons that people with disabilities are experiencing a shockingly high unemployment rate in a period of prosperity," said Deborah Kaplan, executive director of the World Institute on Disability. "A concerted effort is required to begin to change centuries of history that have equated disability with the inability to work. Microsoft's commitment to funding projects that address employment issues is timely. The private sector must be a part of the solution."

Over the past three years, Microsoft's Accessible Technology Group, in conjunction with Microsoft's Community Affairs department, has donated approximately $5 million in cash and software to disability organizations and initiatives.

FCnote: Microsoft Corporation Community Affairs WA) made grants totaling $104,659,000 in the fiscal year ending 6/30/99.

FCnote: The Microsoft Charitable Trust (WA) had assets of $1,466,017 and made grants totaling $90,000 in the year ending 6/30/99.

"Microsoft Furthers Commitment to Employment of People With Disabilities Through $250,000 in Grants." Microsoft News Release 10/26/2000.

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