MacDonald Training Center News

MTC provides office space for Special Olympics Florida staff

Special Olympics Florida – West Coast at MTC, Cypress Location

Since 2015 MTC has provided office space for some Special Olympics Florida staff members, making it easier for their staffers to connect with their clients. Special Olympics Florida has brought Healthy Athletes screenings and programs to MTC clients, conducting some screenings at MTC offices. Healthy Athletes screenings touch on eight disciplines: Fit Feet, FUNfitness, Healthy Hearing, Health Promotion, Opening Eyes, Special Smiles, MedFest, and Strong Minds.

MacDonald Training Center Selected as a Tampa Bay Business Journal

2021 One Tampa Bay Honoree

MacDonald Training Center was one of 33 Tampa Bay area nonprofit organizations and corporations named as an honoree for this year’s One Tampa Bay awards. Nearly 180 nominations were submitted.

“We are truly honored to receive the One Tampa Bay award,” says President and CEO, Karenne Levy. “At MTC we believe in shattering barriers by providing equal access and opportunity for people with all disabilities. We are proud to move Tampa Bay forward as an equitable community, working together to elevate, educate and empower a generation of students with disabilities to enter the workforce. Communities that are inclusive, equitable, flexible, and open to the talents of all people promote success and a better life for everyone.”

 

MTC Project Search Adult Model Program

The MTC Project SEARCH Adult Model is a 9-month training program that creates pathways to employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program is in partnership with Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, Project SEARCH, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, RESPECT of Florida, and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on experiential learning are combined for adults with significant disabilities to gain meaningful and transferrable skills and experience, resulting in increased independence, confidence, and self-esteem as they progress toward their goal of competitive employment.

ALL training takes place at Zoo Tampa so that interns can develop the skills, experience, and confidence through workplace immersion. Supportive services to include work-based, individualized coaching, home supports, and connection to Vocational Rehabilitation are available to interns to ensure they achieve their employment goals.

For additional information and/or to RSVP, please contact:
Taryn Kidd: [email protected]
or call 813-870-1300, ext 287

To apply for the program, download the application from here, complete and e-mail to [email protected]

OR mail to the address below:

MacDonald Training Center
Attn: Taryn Kidd, Sr. Director of Employment Services
MTC Works
5420 West Cypress Street
Tampa, FL 33607

MTC STUDENT BECOMES THE FIRST TO EARN CERTIFICATON

Congratulations to Ashley for earning the Word 2016 Expert Certification through the MTC Excellence in Computer Education and Learning (EXCEL) vocational program. She is our first client to earn this distinguished credential.

Ashley, a native from India, is deaf. With the assistance of two sign language interpreters, Ashley was able to overcome language and hearing barriers to earn her certification.

“As I pondered her (Ashley’s) success last night my heart was filled with joy,” said MacDonald Training Center President/CEO Karenne Levy. “Ashley is a young lady who, despite societal barriers, exceeded all expectations. This was possible because of her tenacity but also because MTC provided the opportunity for her to excel.”

If you are an employer looking for a capable employee to work in an administrative setting, please consider Ashley. She will be an asset to your team! MTC will assist in all job related trainings and be available throughout employment. A diverse workforce is a productive workforce! When everyone works, everyone benefits.

Congratulations on a job well done, Ashley!

Karenne Levy Receives the Dr. George L. Spelios Leadership Award

Tampa, Fla. – The Able Trust launched Disability Employment Awareness (DEAM) activities in Orlando and announced the recipients of its 2018 Ability Awards. Karenne Levy, President and CEO of the MacDonald Training Center inTampa, was named the 2018 Dr. George L. Spelios Leadership Award recipient.

(Left to Right) Dr. Susanne Homant, President and CEO, The Able Trust; Arlene Shackelford, Board Member, The Able Trust;
Karenne Levy, President & CEO, MacDonald Training Center; and Karen B. Moore, Chairperson of the Board, The Able Trust,

The Ability Awards honor select individuals and organizations from throughout the state for their contributions to the mission of The Able Trust. The Able Trust and its partners have helped put thousands of people with disabilities to work throughout Florida, and this annual celebration allows The Able Trust to thank some of the very important colleagues who work with The Able Trust in achieving this critical mission.

Dr. George Spelios was a founding director and past Chair of The Able Trust who touched the lives of many through his passion and commitment to serve people with disabilities. As a tribute to his years of dedication and service, the Dr. George L. Spelios Leadership Award recognizes the outstanding leadership and advocacy efforts of an executive director or president of a Florida nonprofit disability organization.

Karenne Levy began the position of President & CEO at the MacDonald Training Center in August 2016 and promptly began to expand the services and programs offered. Her leadership has brought new educational opportunities for individuals on the Autism Spectrum, including programs like EXCEL, Excellence in Computer Education and Learning, a new high-tech pathway to employment with industry-recognized certificates of ability, as well as a new summer program for youth aged 14-21 that provides for continued skill development over the school summer break. She also established the HEAR Program to assist individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing with employment assistance. This program has distinguished itself in offering tri-lingual interpretation in American Sign Language, English and Spanish. Employment outcomes have doubled, leading to an increased number of individuals that have gained new independence. Her leadership has brought about outstanding partnerships with major employers in the greater Hillsborough County area, including Moffit Cancer Center, Tampa General Hospital, and Bay Care.

“The Able Trust is honored to work with Karenne and her organizations,” said Dr. Susanne Homant, president and CEO of The Able Trust. “Karenne and her staff work very hard to make sure that a job, and for many a career, are viable options for Floridians with disabilities. We are proud to call them partners in our mission.”

About The Able Trust
The Able Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1990 by the Florida Legislature and is funded through a combination of public and private dollars. Its mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. The Able Trust supports numerous diverse projects, including the High School High Tech program, youth leadership training, work experience training and technical assistance, transportation assistance, career development training, employment and career path direction, and assistance to businesses as they seek the employment of people with disabilities. Since its beginnings, The Able Trust has worked with community organizations in every county in Florida to put thousands of people with disabilities to work. To learn more about The Able Trust, please visit AbleTrust.org and follow @AbleTrust.