The Disabled Online Users Association (DOUA) launched a new website and online training center January 1. The DOUA is a registered charity (501 (c)(3) that empowers people with disabilities with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to become successful online merchants. DOUA utilizes eBay as a teaching platform with the goal of helping students become financially independent.

During the past year, the DOUA has accepted 347 student applications, shipped 166 Helping Hands "first five items" packages, and hundreds of "DOUA at Ebay Live" goodie bags. It loaned six digital cameras 23 times and two loaner postage-scales 5 times.

The DOUA also negotiates discounts and free services for DOUA members and procures accounts with wholesale companies to ensure students have access to inventory.

The DOUA launched the Training Center last August (http://www.doua.org/tc). DOUA founder Marjie Smith said students have rolled in at a much faster rate than mentors, and the Training Center was opened as a way to offer support and resources to students immediately until mentors could be assigned. The Training Center is also a portal for continuing education for all members.

Smith said, "We are optimistic that the DOUA will continue to grow during the next year. Our door is always open to any prospective student with a disability. Our greatest challenge is finding volunteer mentors as our student numbers continue to grow." Smith is an eBay Powerseller and is wheelchair bound herself.

Those interested in becoming mentors or donating money or products can contact the DOUA for more information.

"We believe in providing a hand up, not a hand out," Smith said.

http://www.doua.org