The THINK consortium was created in order to supply disabled teleworkers, for free, during the first 6 months(*), with all the necessary infrastructure to perform the chosen field of work, so that they only have to worry about the job in hand. PORTUGAL TELECOM supplies the telecommunication infrastructure, HP the hardware (computer, scanner, printer, modem, zip drive), MICROSOFT supplies the software, TELEPAC provides the Internet service, EDSON/FCB contributes with publicity and marketing, DIÁRIO DE NOTÍCIAS is responsible for communication with regards to the project, PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS deals with recruitment and selection of teleworkers, and RUMOS does all online training of the teleworkers involved. TELEMANutenção is responsible for initial and follow-up training for the service, supplying the organisational system and coordination of teleworkers and obtaining the clients that are needed to generate a stable and pleasant flow of work for the teleworker. This material support is an initial seed, valid for the first six months from the date of the first services provided, after which the teleworker should have acquired the necessary skills to start working as an independent worker.
All teleworkers will be encouraged to carry on collaborating with TELEMANutenção after the time limit of the project. There are three levels of work for each service area: teleworker, Team Manager and Project Manager. This hierarchy offers career perspectives which are attractive to all those participating in the project.

TELEMANutenção Project Managers and Team Managers work “side-by-side” with the teleworkers involved in the project, trying to ensure the best development of THINK teleworkers, either in the shape of meetings, online training, or personal supervision of operations and management procedures. This support becomes fundamental when gaining skills and autonomy, which is the objective for the teleworkers involved. 

Using the PORCIDE pilot experience, TELEMAN developed teleworking practices in general, and specific to disabled people, in human and technological terms. The organisational model and coordination of the teleworker is a key factor for the success of work from home. In the case of disabled people, the difficulties are even greater. Most of the professional training of teleworkers is carried out online, trying to avoid, as much as possible, physical displacement of people with mobility problems. The use of videoconferencing is encouraged for meetings. New online communication and collaboration methods are developed, amongst teleworkers, trying to reduce the sense of isolation, using as basic tools the telephone, e-mail, MSN Messenger and Voice Chat. There is a system of incentives for producing work of quality, essential both in material and psychological terms, and a system for the professional development of the teleworker.

(*) - Finished this period the candidates already have financial capacity to cover all its incubencies of structure and to generate profits.