Project START Director's Message

Photo of Dorothy YoungIt’s been an exciting and rewarding year for Project START.  We’ve helped thousands of Mississippians with disabilities gain the assistive technology they need to turn possibilities into realities.  From the minute we enter the office, our work begins by helping change the lives of consumers.  We locate assistive technology, identify community resources for help, offer technical assistance and training, and provide a “try before you buy” opportunity for consumers. 

Recently, a consumer stopped by my office after visiting his doctor for a follow up on corneal surgery.  In the past, we helped him adjust to his visual disability and recommended assistive technology to assist with independence.  May times I accompanied him during eye exams to help explain his diagnosis and doctor’s recommendations.  On this occasion, he handed me a stack of papers with a perplexed look on his face and asked what he needed to do.  I read the papers, made a few phone calls, relayed the information to the consumer, and helped him complete the paperwork.  At Project START, it’s not all about Assistive Technology, it’s about helping Mississippians with disabilities live independently in communities of their choice.  He could have asked anyone for help, but he trusted us to give him the quality help he received in the past.

I would like to thank the Executive Director and staff of our parent agency, the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.  The agency has an array of dedicated employees who share the workload with Project START. From technology delivery and pick up to training, keeping up with the finances, computer support, and marketing, it takes all of us working together to carry out the mission of Project START and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Dorothy Young, Director
Project START