Program Teaches Special Ed Students IT Recycling and Data Destruction

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Jul 24th, 2018

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Article as seen in The Chantilly Patch:

When Sergey “Lex” Schmitt, a senior at Chantilly High School, graduates in June he will transition to the area Davis Career Center to pursue vocational and life skills training, but he already has a leg up on his competition due to a special work training program he has been participating in for the past year.

Lex started his first work-based learning experience at Securis, Inc., a local provider of green alternatives for electronic recycling, hard drive shredding and data destruction. For more than ten years, special needs students at Chantilly High School, in Fairfax County, Virginia have gained valuable real-world experience as part- and full-time employees.

Securis, headquartered in Chantilly, holds three different classes, training up to 12-14 students each day, though the county’s Career Preparation Class and Education for Employment for Special Education.

“It was hard at first because I did not know how to use the tools,” says Schmidt. “I learned how to take apart computers and became good at it. I like the people who helped me learn this trade.

His parents said that he gained confidence working at Securis, and they thank the Chantilly High School teachers and the staff at Securis for giving their son the opportunity.

Sue Collins, a Career and Transition Teacher at the public high school, explains how the program works. “Students go to the company’s nearby facility anywhere from four to five times a week, usually accompanied by a teacher. They learn work skills, life skills, and social skills. They get respect, dignity and joy, and self-worth – It builds up their self-confidence.”

Securis has been proactive in designing work environments and tasks that are appropriate for each student, and is dedicated to hiring employees with disabilities, says
company Founder and President Jeremy Farber.

“Students with special needs can sign up for the program and a bus brings them to our facility a few days each week,” says Jeremy. Some of them have come to Securis full-time after they graduate. It’s been a great way to participate in the local community and help kids. We have provided training and work experience for over 100 students with disabilities to date.”

One student worked for the company for five years before moving out of state as a full-time on-site supervisor, teaching students with disabilities how to disassemble electronics and follow our safety guidelines, while serving as a mentor and role model for the students.

The company has recently initiated a partnership with the high school to create more opportunities for students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school, such as paid internship opportunities with the intent of hiring students for part-time summer employment.

Christopher Madeira
Director of Marketing
ITAD Communications & Strategy Expert
Snapshot / Quick Stats
- 15+ years of experience in marketing strategy, brand development, and communications
- Specialized in IT asset disposition (ITAD) messaging for compliance-driven industries
- Former leadership roles at The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and other respected publishers
- Key focus areas: Market Trends, Client Education, ITAD Compliance Messaging, Thought Leadership, SEO-Driven Strategy
Areas of Specialization
- Market Trends & Competitive Analysis – Tracks shifts in ITAD, resale, and sustainability markets to shape strategy and keep Securis ahead of industry developments.
- ITAD Compliance & Security Messaging – Crafts clear narratives that translate regulatory and data security requirements into approachable guidance for IT leaders.
- Client & Stakeholder Education – Builds educational resources and thought leadership content that empower clients to make informed ITAD decisions with confidence.
Professional Narrative (Career Journey)
Christopher Madeira is the Director of Marketing at Securis, where he shapes how the company communicates its mission of Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable IT Asset Disposition to regulated industries, government agencies, and enterprise clients. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, Christopher brings a unique perspective on how to bridge technical ITAD processes with clear, client-centered storytelling.
Before joining Securis, Christopher served in senior marketing roles across publishing and education organizations, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and Congressional Quarterly. These positions gave him deep expertise in shaping brand positioning, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering content that informs and engages decision-makers.
At Securis, Christopher drives marketing strategies that not only build awareness but also educate IT leaders on data security, compliance, and sustainability best practices. His work ensures that Securis remains a trusted voice in the ITAD industry, aligning brand authority with the company’s core differentiators: Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable services.
Quote
“Clear communication makes complex ITAD issues approachable for IT leaders.”
Thought Leadership & Recognition
Christopher is the author of numerous Securis blog articles on compliance, sustainability, and ITAD strategy. He has also developed content campaigns that help IT decision-makers understand the evolving landscape of secure data destruction, ESG reporting, and value recovery.
Personal
A strategist at heart, Christopher is passionate about helping organizations cut through the noise and understand the real risks — and opportunities — in ITAD. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys exploring D.C.’s history, traveling, connecting with his community, and aviation photography.
Trust & Transparency
Christopher ensures that every piece of Securis’ external communication is not only accurate but also aligned with the certifications and compliance standards that define the company’s reputation. His commitment to transparency reinforces Securis’ standing as a trusted partner for IT asset disposition.
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