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My Story...
At Bender Consulting Services, Inc. our staff members have overcome
"attitudinal barriers" about people with disabilities and gained
success and respect in the workplace. Through initiative, hard work and technical savvy, these consultants have used their abilities to succeed and fulfill the need for talent in the technology industry. Meet just a few of the Bender Consulting Services team
below.
Jim Homme
Since 1996, Jim Homme has worked as a software developer for BCS on
assignment at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and leads BCS' Assistive
Technology practice. As the Project Manager for BCS, Jim has consulted
in the assistive technology area for prestigious companies such as
Compaq and West Group. He is the first blind person who has been
certified in Lotus Notes, is a leading expert in assistive technology,
and is one of the world's foremost experts in configuring the leading
screen reading package, JAWS for Windows.
Prior to obtaining his 12 years of information technology
experience, Jim received a certificate of computer programming in 1988
from the Institute of Advanced Technology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jim's technology experience includes Java, Oracle, Lotus Notes,
PowerBuilder, UNIX, COBOL, and IBM mainframe. Additionally, he was
graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science from Duquesne University,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. An accomplished public speaker, Jim has
received numerous awards from Toastmasters International.
Ricco Brusco
Since 1996, Ricco Brusco has been a software developer and project
manager employed by Bender Consulting Services, Inc. Ricco, who has
cerebral palsy, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Management
Information Systems at Robert Morris College. He is trained in a
variety of software programs, which include PeopleSoft, and
is on assignment at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Ricco is a new
manager and is involved in a number of corporate programs and
community activities through BCS. He is the United Way Chairperson
and served on the Disability Agenda 2002 Committee for Allegheny
County.
Michael Gravitt
Since 1998, Mike Gravitt has been employed by Bender Consulting
Services on assignment with Bayer Corporation in the software
development area; he was recently promoted to a project managerial
position. Mike works in the SAP applications group as a developer.
Mike, who is blind, is a graduate of Longwood College with a Bachelors
Degree in Business Administration. His professional and academic
achievements include participating in the American Management
Association Operation Enterprise, being published in national
magazines, and graduating from Partners in Policy making Program of
the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. Mike is active in a
number of organizations, including, The Pennsylvania Council of the
Blind and Visually Impaired Pittsburgh Area Computer Enthusiasts.
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