June 10, 2010

Lift has been a pioneer and leader on several fronts. Founded in 1975, the nonprofit corporation was one of the first organizations in the world to train computer programmers in their homes. It was also one of the first to employ mainframe programmer-analysts who telecommuted. More important, it may have been the very first organization determined to accommodate any individual with a significant disability who had the aptitude and ambition to embark on a career in computer programming.

As I wrote on the occasion of Lift’s 25th anniversary, in 2000, many of the barriers to employment of professionals who have disabilities have been leveled by technological advances. Ten years later, as we prepare to celebrate our 35th anniversary, significant challenges remain.

Donna Walters Kozberg
Lift President & Chief Executive Officer