The Partnership in Opportunities for Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA) is a hemisphere wide initiative established by the Trust for the Americas, the OAS and Microsoft. This program aims to fight poverty, promote social inclusion, and improve competitiveness, by increasing access to technology and jobs for persons with disabilities and other at-risk population. Through a combination of Information and Communication Technologies and Adaptive Technologies, POETA provides persons with disabilities with the necessary skills and the opportunity to apply for and hold a job, earn a living, and become more independent. This opportunity can not only improve the quality of life for disabled people, but also that of their families.

In Costa Rica, more than 5.3% of the population lives with some form of disability, the majority of whom is unemployed and consequently lives in poverty. To address these challenges, the CRUSA Foundation has teamed up with several partners, including the U.S. Department of Labor, to provide training and support to these marginalized communities in the use of the information technology and to create long term, lasting change.

Up to date, there are three community technical training centers operating in the country. Our goal is to establish four additional ones and to impact the lives of 1200 people with disabilities.

Please consider supporting this program by making an express donation and selecting Technology and Job-Readiness Training to Persons with Disabilities from the drop-down menu.