A collaboration between disability service provider Opportunity Partners and Dunwoody College of Technology will pave the way for new learning opportunities and expanded career options for people with developmental and other disabilities.

Dunwoody curriculum designers and Opportunity Partners staff have joined forces in developing Certified Learning Platforms for people with disabilities, which is expected to bring an advanced level of training and job opportunities to a frequently under-employed labor group.

The first track being developed is Professional Cleaning, which will allow more than 75 current Opportunity Partners clients, as well as new students, to advance their skills in this area. The Professional Cleaning platform is expected to launch in late 2009.

The training will be designed to meet employer specifications, customized to current industry standards and future needs. “Every person with a disability deserves to experience the highest quality of training,” said Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners President & CEO. “That is why we have partnered with the best in Dunwoody.”

Opportunity Partners will be the first disability provider in the area to partner with Dunwoody to offer this type of training. People completing the training will earn a joint certification from both organizations, paving the way for greater employment opportunities in high interest careers. In addition, staff at Opportunity Partners who will be conducting the training will also be certified by Dunwoody.

“Dunwoody Custom Training is excited and ready to get to work on this project,” said Mike Anderson, Director of Custom Training at Dunwoody. “It’s always great when we can work with a fellow not-for-profit, and even better when it’s one like Opportunity Partners, which shares our mission of helping Twin Cities residents get the training they need to get a good job.”

About Opportunity Partners

Opportunity Partners is a Twin Cities nonprofit organization that provides employment, residential and other services to 1,500 people with developmental disabilities, brain injury, autism and other special needs. Opportunity Partners is redefining “disability” through advanced learning, deep community support, and meaningful work – proving that everyone, when given the opportunity, adds value to our world.

About Dunwoody College of Technology

Founded in 1914, Dunwoody is a private, not-for-profit, endowed institution of higher education. It is the oldest institution of its kind in the Upper Midwest, with an international reputation for outstanding educational programs. It is also the only nonprofit technical college in the Upper Midwest and one of only three nationwide. Dunwoody offers associate and bachelor's degrees as well as a variety of certificate and diploma programs.