The hospitality industry is experiencing one of its
most dramatic growth periods in history. Currently employing ten million
individuals, the industry is expected to expand to more than 12.4 million
jobs by the year 2005. This optimistic forecast, along with an extraordinary
potential for advancement within the field, leaves employment possibilities
in this multi-trillion dollar industry wide open.
The Elizabeth Pierce Olmsted, M.D. Center for the
Visually Impaired, formerly known as the Blind Association of Western New
York, recognized the dynamic nature of the hospitality business, as well
as the unnecessarily high unemployment rate for blind or partially sighted
people, and created the National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality
Service. One of the first projects of its kind, the Statler Center provides
blind, visually impaired or physically disabled individuals with the right
tools for successful careers in this rapidly growing industry.
The Statler Centerâs curriculum was developed in partnership
with Johnson and Wales University, one of the premier learning institutions
in the field of hospitality service. The curriculum is specially adapted
to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, and all staff members are
professionally trained in working with the visually impaired.
Students of the Statler Center receive expert, specialized
instruction in a wide variety of hospitality service areas, such as hotel
front desk procedures, reservation services, night auditor operations and
hospitality marketing, among others. Computer training is offered using
state-of-the-art equipment and industry specific software. A concentrated,
three-week externship is built in to the Statler Centerâs program, giving
students direct insight into the hospitality industry through work experience
in a hotel, tourism bureau, travel agency, etc. Follow-up advisement is
provided after a graduate has secured employment in the field to help ensure
his or her long-term success.
The Statler Center offers three 13-week program sessions
a year, beginning in January, May and September. Classes run from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fridays are workshop days, when students
receive personal guidance in a variety of job-readiness topics such as
resume writing, public speaking and dressing for success. There is no cost
to participate in the program. High school or equivalency graduates who
are visually impaired or physically handicapped may be eligible for enrollment.
For the 2000-2001 school year, applicants must reside
in the State of New York. For the 2001-2002 school year, applications
will be accepted from across the United States. In order to learn more
about this innovative program, call (716) 882-5690, or write to Rene DiFlavio,
Director, National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service, 1160
Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14209