Computerworld Press Release

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ITKAN RECOGNIZED BY COMPUTERWORLD
FOR POWERFUL IT NETWORK
ITKAN achieves distinction as 2012 Computerworld Honors Laureate
CHICAGO – April XX, 2012 – nAblement, a unique channel of SPR Companies focused on supporting the
training, mentoring, networking, placement and professional growth of qualified candidates with
disabilities into technology roles, today announced that IDG’s Computerworld Honors Program has
chosen ITKAN, the professional networking and development group affiliated with the Illinois
Technology Foundation and nAblement, as a 2012 Laureate. The annual award program honors
visionary applications of information technology promoting positive social, economic and educational
change.
Information Technology Knowledge Abilities Network (ITKAN) was selected as a Laureate from more
than 500 nominations in 25 countries. ITKAN, which serves as a growing resource and channel in the
community for career development, network growth and mentoring, is positively impacting not only the
career opportunities of members but the general population’s perception of candidates with disabilities
into the technology sector.
“There's no question technology plays a vital role in driving business forward. It ensures an
organization's ability to compete, innovate, communicate and to thrive. What the Computerworld
Honors Laureates so clearly demonstrate is technology's role in moving society forward. Computerworld
acknowledges and applauds the outstanding work being done by individuals and organizations who have
successfully used technology to improve the quality of our lives and that of future generations,” said
John Amato, Vice President/Publisher of Computerworld. "Computerworld is proud to name the 2012
class of Laureates and celebrate their initiatives benefiting society through the innovative use of IT.”
nAblement Managing Partner Pat Maher said, "The members and supporters of ITKAN are very proud to
be recognized as a Computerworld Honors Laureate. We are excited to continue learning, exploring and
impacting how technology and innovative thinking can positively influence the lives and career
opportunities of persons with and without disabilities!”
ITKAN was recognized by Computerworld in the “Collaboration” category for its innovative use of
information technology to promote knowledge-sharing and enable collaboration on these issues.
Through its partnership with the Microsoft Technology Center, ITKAN has cultivated high-profile and
productive relationships with executives and developers at the Center, and encouraged members to
further fuel their passion for the technology field in a progressive and technology-laden facility.
“We are passionate about the work nAblement and ITKAN are doing to help eliminate some of the
challenges our IT professionals with disabilities face in the industry. We have seen great work come out
of ITKAN, and our team is excited to be working alongside them. We congratulate ITKAN on this
achievement as a 2012 Computerworld Honors Laureate,” said Adam Hecktman, Director, Microsoft
Technology Center Chicago.

2. ITKAN selected as 2012 Computerworld Honors Laureate
The Computerworld Honors Program awards will be presented at the Gala Evening and Awards
Ceremony on June 4, 2012 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C.
About nAblement
nAblement is a unique channel of SPR Companies focused on supporting the training, mentoring,
networking, placement and professional growth of qualified candidates with disabilities into technology
roles. Qualified candidates secure professional technology opportunities suited to their skill sets, and
clients secure access to this valuable and underutilized segment of the workforce while extending their
diversity profile. Visit www.nablement.com to learn more.
About The Computerworld Honors Program
Founded by International Data Group (IDG) in 1988, The Computerworld Honors Program is governed by
the not-for-profit Computerworld Information Technology Awards Foundation. Computerworld Honors
is the longest running global program to honor individuals and organizations that use information
technology to promote positive social, economic and educational change. Additional information about
the program and a Global Archive of past Laureate case studies, as well as oral histories of Leadership
Award recipients can be found at the Computerworld Honors website.
About Computerworld
Computerworld is the leading source of technology news and information for IT influencers worldwide,
providing peer perspective, IT leadership and business results. Computerworld's award-winning web site
(www.computerworld.com), bi-weekly publication, focused conference series and custom research
forms the hub of the world's largest (40+ edition) global IT media network. In the past five years alone,
Computerworld has won more than 100 awards, including Magazine of the Year by American Society of
Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) awards in 2010, the 2009 Best Blog from the Neal awards, and 2006
Best Overall Web Publication from ASBPE. Computerworld leads the industry with an online audience of
over 3.5 million unique, monthly visitors (Omniture, September 2011). Computerworld is published by
IDG Enterprise, a subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading media, events and
research company. Company information is available at www.idgenterprise.com.
Contact
Ann Warren
ClearEdge Marketing
awarren@clearedgemarketing.com
770-328-8384
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