TransCen Enters into International Partnership
On April 13, 2006, TransCen formally entered into an international partnership agreement with two affiliated Brazilian organizations, AVAPE and IES. AVAPE is a national leader in Brazil in rehabilitation and community inclusion for people with disabilities. IES promotes the development of quality non-governmental agencies to meet the social service needs of Brazilian citizens.
This momentous occasion took place at the Bank of America's president dining hall, in downtown Washington, DC, overlooking the striking panorama of the National Mall and the White House.
The main purpose of this partnership is to establish and maintain an exchange of experience, knowledge, professional expertise, and trends in rehabilitation and management, with the specific intent to improve the quality of life and inclusion of persons with disabilities. The partnership will also seek to promote alternatives of professional qualifications as well as to establish new approaches and partnerships with public and private international organizations that have similar missions.
To seal the partnership, a Term of Cooperation was signed by Marcos Antonio Gonçalves (AVAPE founder and President), Sylvia Helena Moraes Cury (AVAPE CEO), Carlos Roberto Boschetti (IES Board Chair), Richard Luecking (TransCen President) and Judy Shanley (TransCen Board Vice Chair)
In his remarks, Mr. Gonçalves was enthusiastic about the possibilities that lay ahead to build on the knowledge and expertise of both organizations. For his part, Dr. Luecking expressed his anticipation of a prosperous exchange and an on-going opportunity to mutually disseminate information, literature, research findings, and proven models that enable people with disabilities to be employed and contributing citizens in their respective countries.