Sometimes organizations that do good work don't get the credit they deserve for their efforts. The National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service, a hospitality-employment training center and school, is one such organization.

What Does the Statler Center Do?

The National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service is located in Buffalo, New York. Ricardo Mendez, the New York City Recruiter for the Statler Center, cited the major features the center offers. "We specialize in math and communication skills, training with state-of-art computers and software, industry-specific training in the student's field of interest, hands-on work experience, job placement assistance, and follow-up advisement after a student has secured employment in the field."

Renee DiFlavio, the director of the Statler Center said, "The Center works with people with disabilities to help them develop the right skills for successful careers in this rapidly growing industry." She added, "Graduates of our program are computer-literate and job ready, equipped with a keen knowledge of industry standards." Many Statler Center graduates get jobs in industries including hotel operations, travel and tourism, sales, marketing and communications.

How to Enroll

The Admissions staff reviews applications daily. Statler has a three-term system. This means students can enroll to start classes in January, May or August. Classes are conducted from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. There is no cost for the program.

In order to be admitted students must meet the following criteria: 1-Have a diagnosed physical disability or visual impairment. 2-Have a high school diploma or high school equivalency exam; 3-Ability to type approximately 20 words per minute. All applicants must submit a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, a transcript from their high school and a copy of their diploma or high school equivalency certificate.

The faculty and staff at the Center are very friendly and accommodating. The Center is well known and revered by human resources professionals in the hospitality industry. Kevin Bakewell, Director of Personnel at Adam's Mark Hotel stated, "It's inspiring to see someone who really tries even though they have many obstacles to overcome." He added, "There are people who really want to work, who truly want to be here, and you just don't see that too often."

According to Robert M. Bennett, Chairman of The Statler Foundation, "This program was set up to recognize and utilize each person's unique abilities."

Classroom Material

The curriculum is challenging, requiring instruction each day. In the first week, students explore the countless job options in the field of hospitality service. Guest speakers from hotels from Adam's Mark and the Hyatt, travel agencies including the AAA of Western New York, and private consulting firms introduce students to the world of opportunity and advancement. Core classes include lessons in math, business communications and mainstream computer software applications such as Microsoft Office. In continuing weeks students learn the industry specific software like Sabre, Apollo, and Fidelio. Guest speakers and staff placement instruct students in skills such as resume writing, attire, interviewing, public speaking and conflict resolution.

Thirteen short weeks after the program begins, students graduate diploma in hand. In addition to the diploma, graduates gain knowledge and experience to help them secure employment in the competitive hospitality industry.

The technology at the Center opens up a whole new world to many Statler students - the world of computers. The Center features state-of-the-art computer equipment that enables people with various disabilities to excel. Students with visual impairments use software that reads aloud text that appears onscreen. Other programs enable users to scan a document and then have it read aloud by a computer. Braille printers and refreshable Braille displays are on are on hand for Braille readers, while magnified computer screens and zoom text enlarge type for those who have low vision.

There also is a speech recognition software that allows people with mobility impairments to use dictation to input information. Sean Doyle, technical specialist at the center stated, "I love watching students who start with no computer knowledge and then use the computer skills that they have learned to expand their abilities in the world of work and their everyday lives."

Jennifer Moretto, a Statler Center graduate who now works with Bakewell as personal assistant, stated, "I've learned a lot of things that come in handy, like the computer programs, customer service, and oral communications." She continued, "My legs don't function so I use a wheelchair. My disability hasn't affected by job at all. I do whatever needs to be done." Jennifer believes the Statler Center program is exciting because it gives people with disabilities a chance to show that they are an important asset to the community.

Rafat Mohammad, a Statler Center graduate who found out about the program through a newspaper advertisement, said, "I wanted to attend college, but I was worried about how I'd get into classes in a wheelchair." Rafat added, "It's not just a school, it's almost like a family, everybody is treated with respect, the staff is excellent, and the atmosphere is friendly."

DiFlavio touted the school's diverse student body, "We don't discriminate at the Statler Center. We have students from many ethnic/cultural groups who have lots of different life experiences and backgrounds."

Call (716) 882-5690 or visit http://www.statlercenter.org for information.

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