PRIDE Staff , PRIDE Coordinator; Director, Outreach Center Programs

Deaf Rochester, New York

PRIDE Staff , PRIDE Coordinator; Director, Outreach Center Programs

DESCRIPTION:

PRIDE is a supported-employment program that builds connections between area businesses and members of the local workforce in Rochester, NY, who are deaf and hard of hearing. We support individuals who are ready to strive for independent, productive participation in full-time, competitive employment.

Mission:

PRIDE is committed to the highest quality of work-place support for both the individual and the employer through direct relationships, individual development and education aimed at independent and productive employment.

Contact PRIDE at 585-336-5831 (voice or TTY) or via e-mail at PRIDE@rsdeaf.org

PRIDE Coordinator Matthew Kelly earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University, and his Master’s degree in Deaf and Secondary Education from Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID). He worked for seven years as a teacher at the inclusive Jowonio School in Syracuse, NY, and the New Mexico School for the Deaf. Matt is a past employee of Recreational Equipment Inc. – REI – a national retail co-op selling camping and outdoor equipment. While at REI he held progressively higher management positions over a four year period, overseeing the daily customer service, business and human resource needs of different stores.