Vision Towards Success Season 4 Now Recruiting
Trades Win is a 14-week internship opportunity, geared primarily for blind and visually impaired teens and college age students, and job seekers just starting out on their career journeys.
Announcing the Blindness and Low-Vision Resource Guide
In collaboration with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Region 4 Advisory Council, the Polus Center has developed the Blindness and Low Vision Resource Guide.
Retail & Customer Service Skills Training Launches for Young Adults With Disabilities
Will you be looking for a job soon and want to learn new skills to get you ready? Participate in Classroom style peer-to-peer discussions, gain independence, grow your confidence, and set out on your work journey!
Peru
Past program
In 2012-13, a team from the Polus Center traveled to Peru where they provided prosthetic services and other forms of assistance to people with various disabilities, including landmine victims. The production of a boat to be used for medical transportation by people in remote regions of the Amazon in communities along the Orosa River was commissioned and delivered by the Polus Center.
Nicaragua
Past program
In 1998, a small group of friends from Northampton, Massachusetts volunteered to visit Nicaragua in the aftermath of the civil war and Hurricane Mitch. The purpose of their visit was to help landmine victims who had suffered limb loss to receive artificial limbs so that they could regain their mobility, return to work, and once again live active and meaningful lives within their communities. This visit would mark the beginning of Polus Center International, which continues to help people with disabilities in post-conflict regions to this day.
Iraq
Past program (2021-23)
Wings of Peace Mosul–a replication of the Jordan-based program–brought expressive arts to over 600 children and is now being offered as part of the curriculum in 10 public schools in Mosul, a city that was devastated by violence. While this program grant ended earlier this year, it now operates autonomously, and Polus has plans to bring Wings of Peace to more regions in the Middle East.
Colombia
The Polus Center has worked to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Colombia since 2005. The devastation caused by landmines, improvised explosive devices, and coca eradication activities is immense. Not only do those who are caught in the crossfire of conflict or injured in the line of duty suffer physical injuries and psychological trauma, but a tremendous burden is also placed on their family members who often then have to act as caretakers.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Past program (2017–2021)
Our mission in the DRC was to support the Lake Kivu Coffee Alliance–a collective of coffee farmers who have been injured and disabled by landmines and explosive remnants of war–and other disabled persons in this region.
Tajikistan
Past program
Disability Services Career Pathway Training
The Polus Center Autism Supports Training Program is a multi-faceted opportunity for job seekers in central and western MA interested in beginning an exciting and rewarding career in the field of autism support.