Avaya Donation

For the past nine months, Renee DiFlavio, Director of Statler Center, and Michael Jackson, Operations Manager of Olmsted Center, have been working with the Avaya Corporation in an effort to secure an in-kind product donation that would result in a brand new, state-of-the art telephone system for the agency. Olmsted Center will have the opportunity to partner with Avaya in opening a 20-seat call center training program with the end goal of creating new jobs in a call center setting outside the agency, for individuals with physical disabilities and/or visual impairments.

 

We are thrilled to announce that through the generosity of the Avaya Corporation, a new telephone system for the entire organization has been donated. This state-of-the-art voice-over-IP (VOIP) system includes new handsets and additional functionality for all users as well as wireless headsets, color LCD telephones for visually impaired associates, direct dial phone and fax lines as well as modular messaging.

 

Modular messaging includes a web client for browser-based access to messages from any web-enabled PC and add-ins for access via Microsoft Outlook. This will allow employees to fully manage their messages by using a single familiar interface. A couple of important highlights of mobility features include:

-          Access and management of messages, including having e-mails read to an employee via text to speech.

-          Make calls and conference calls by simply speaking the names of the people they want to call.

 

There is also a free download via Avaya’s web site that allows any user to use a speech reader to control the entire phone system ensuring full access to blind employees. During installation, the Avaya techs as well as Olmsted IT staff will be working specifically with any blind users to ensure this feature integrates properly with existing adaptive software.

 

The hightlight of this donation is the twenty-seat call center training program. This program will provide students with the ability to receive customer service skills in the growing call center industry. Students will receive training in this call center training program and is the first step in partnering with Avaya to open a 20-seat call center at Olmsted Center employing individuals with physical disabilities and/or visual impairments.

 

To learn more about Avaya, please visit their web site: www.avaya.com.