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June 30, 2006

Job Lead: software developer in San Jose, California

San Jose, California – Lift, Inc., is recruiting for a software developer to work with an IMS on-demand solutions team at one of the world's leading corporations. Must have familiarity with Java and/or C/C++. Knowledge of SOAP and XML preferred. Great campus, terrific people, unlimited career potential.

If interested please send your resume to liftinc@aol.com
and mention San Jose in the subject line.

Here's how Lift, Inc., describes itself: "We are more than ready for the global workplace. It's where we work every day. We are an award-winning non-profit job placement corporation that has been working with information technology and information management professionals who have significant disabilities since 1975."

For further information or to make a referral or complete an application, please contact liftinc@aol.com

Posted by Nancy at 02:27 PM | Comments (0)

World eBook Fair, eBook Celebration

July 4th to August 4, 2006 marks a month long celebration of the 35th anniversary of the first step taken towards today's eBooks, when the United States Declaration of Independence was the first file placed online for downloading in what was destined to be an electronic library of the Internet. Today's eBook library has a total of over 100 languages represented.

The World eBook Fair welcomes you to absolutely free access to a variety of eBook unparalleled by any other source. 1/3 million eBooks await you, all free of charge for the month from July 4 - August 4, 2006, and then 1/2 million eBooks in 2007, 3/4 million in 2008, and ONE million in 2009.

Ten times as many eBooks are available from private eBook sources, without the media circus that comes with 100 billion dollar media mavens such as Google. The World eBook Fair has created a library of wide ranging sample of these eBooks, totaling 1/3 million. Here are eBooks from nearly every classic author on the varieties of subjects previously only available through the largest library collections in the world. Now these books are yours for the taking, free of charge, to keep for the rest of your lives.

This event is brought to you by the oldest and largest free eBook source on the Internet, Project Gutenberg, with the assistance of the World eBook Library, the providers of the largest collection, and a number of other eBook efforts around the world. The World eBook Library normally charges $8.95 per year for online access, and allows unlimited permanent downloading. During The World eBook Fair all these books are available free of charge through a gateway at http://www.gutenberg.org

Posted by Nancy at 01:36 PM | Comments (0)

Job Accommodation Network Conference 2006

Empowering Employers to Build an Inclusive Workforce

Date: September 18th and 19th

Location: Hilton Boston Logan Airport

Acquire knowledge and skills to accommodate employees with disabilities, comply with the ADA, and develop innovative employment practices.

Keynote Speakers

Schedule

Exhibitors

Registration

Posted by Nancy at 12:55 PM | Comments (0)

The Future of Disability Statistics: What We Know and Need to Know

Date: Thursday & Friday, October 5 – 6, 2006

Location: Doubletree Hotel/Crystal City
300 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202

This two-day conference will

  1. present statistics on the characteristics and status of working-age people with disabilities as derived from current survey and administrative data, and

  2. explore options for improving future data collection and data distribution.

Note: The 2005 Annual Disability Status Report will be released on Wed. October 4th (the day before the conference) on Capitol Hill.

Program
Registration

Posted by Nancy at 12:18 PM | Comments (0)

Way Fun Student Scholarships

Sponsored by: The Seeing Eye, HumanWare, Sweetman Systems and Sendero Group

Four blind students will be awarded from $500 to $800 toward participation in the 2006 WayFun event. The students will be afforded the opportunity to learn about the value of accessible location information as one of the important wayfinding tools he or she will need to be successful. This is also an opportunity for the student to get to know and learn from accomplished blind professionals who use accessible GPS daily for work and play.

The student must be an independent traveler, from 18 to 24 years of age. It is possible that a parent could accompany a younger student on the trip. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Each student will have a blind mentor from the general Way Fun participants. Each sponsor will be paired with a student.

Way Fun Scholarship candidates should demonstrate high motivation academically and in terms of orientation and mobility. It will help if the student already has some familiarity with a BrailleNote or VoiceNote, as this will escalate learning the GPS. The student should also be prepared for the potential of media interviews. He or she should keep notes about the trip in order to provide a detailed description of the event for the respective sponsor after the trip.

The scholarship is intended to pay for transportation and accommodations. The student is responsible for the cost of meals and incidentals.

Email completed applications to MikeMay@SenderoGroup.com


In addition to the information requested on the general application, please submit two letters of recommendation addressing your capabilities and potential.

For more information, call 1-888-757-6810

Posted by Nancy at 11:34 AM | Comments (0)

June 29, 2006

Volunteer Management Review Seeking a Volunteer Writer

Volunteer Management Review is seeking a volunteer writer for a quarterly column on useful technology for volunteer resources managers. They are looking for someone who writes well and knows about different type of web sites and tool that someone in nonprofit management might use.. like online meeting tools, webinar tools, etc.

This is a volunteer position for someone wanting to develop a portfolio of work and also contribute to the better management of volunteer resources.

If you would like to be considered for this position please send a writing sample along with a cover letter that details your expertise with technology useful for organizations to:

Nan Hawthorne
Co-Editor
VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT REVIEW (tm)
CharityChannel

Posted by Nancy at 12:55 PM | Comments (0)

Monster and Hire Disability Solutions Introduce Co-branded Careers Site for Job Seekers with Disabilities

Monster Job Tools and Content Now More Easily Accessible to HireDS.com Visitors

MAYNARD, Mass. and NEW YORK, NY – June 12, 2006 – Monster®, the leading global online careers and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), and Hire Disability Solutions, LLC, a national leader in bringing together top companies and job seekers with disabilities, today unveiled a co-branded career resource section on HireDS.com's site. This joint initiative makes Monster job search tools, career content and resume posting capabilities more readily available to individuals with disabilities.

“Our relationship with Monster will allow us to provide the 49 million Americans living with a disability with access to an abundance of excellent employment opportunities,” said Jeffrey Klare, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hire Disability Solutions, LLC. Klare continued, “There is expected to be an estimated worker shortage of 35 million people by 2030, according to the National Business & Disability Council, and individuals with disabilities can help mitigate this shortfall. Together, our companies can play an important role in connecting employers and job seekers with disabilities, a group that has been largely overlooked in the past.”

Powered by Monster, HireDS Career Network helps facilitate Hire Disability Solution’s mission: “to give all that want a chance to succeed, the opportunity to succeed.” Hire Disability Solutions’ newly constructed site, HireDS.com, is designed to benefit the widest possible number of job seekers with disabilities.

“Monster’s relationship with Hire Disability Solutions will increase the profile of our core products and services to a vast pool of job seekers with disabilities,” said Steve Pemberton, Chief Diversity Officer for Monster. “In turn, we are helping employers find quality candidates and foster diverse and inclusive workforces, which can impact a company’s bottom-line by improving employee morale and retention.”

Hire Disability Solutions, LCC
Hire Disability Solutions was founded in response to the increasing demand for services for individuals with disabilities that promote inclusion into the mainstream employment world. Since its inception in 2004, Hire Disability Solutions has established itself as a national leader in protecting and enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through its educational campaigns surrounding employment law, education opportunities and assistive technology, the company facilitates the success of individuals with disabilities and employers alike.

About Monster Worldwide
Founded in 1967, Monster Worldwide, Inc. is the parent company of Monster(R), the leading global online careers and recruitment resource. The company also owns TMP Worldwide, one of the largest Recruitment Advertising agencies in North America. Headquartered in New York with approximately 4,300 employees in 25 countries, Monster Worldwide (NASDAQ: MNST) is a member of the S&P 500 Index and NASDAQ 100. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at www.monsterworldwide.com.

About Monster
Monster® is the leading global online careers and recruitment resource. A division of Monster Worldwide, Monster works for everyone by connecting quality job seekers at all levels with leading employers across all industries. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Maynard, Mass., Monster has 26 local language and content sites in 24 countries worldwide. More information is available at www.monster.com or by calling 1-800-MONSTER. To learn more about Monster’s industry-leading employer products and services, please visit http://recruiter.monster.com.


Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide, Inc.'s strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide's control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in Monster Worldwide's Form 10-K and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated in this release by reference.

Contacts:
Alison Lipman
718-663-6720
alipman@hireDS.com

Andy Rohr
Weber Shandwick (For Monster)
617-520-7030
arohr@webershandwick.com

Posted by Nancy at 12:29 PM | Comments (0)

June 27, 2006

Center for International Rehabilitation (CIR) Launches New Online Community

The Center for International Rehabilitation has launched a new interactive website designed to enable collaboration among individuals and institutions from around the world who are working on issues of importance to people with disabilities. The website, called IDEAnet, is divided into two topically based communities: the Rehabilitation Services Community and the Disability Rights Community.

The Rehabilitation Services Community is dedicated to improving services for people with disabilities through the research, development and distribution of better, more affordable prosthetics, orthotics and wheelchairs and through the delivery of quality education programs for rehabilitation service providers. Community projects include the development and dissemination of appropriate technologies, such as wheelchairs and artificial limbs, and a Train-the-Trainer program designed to improve the reach and quality of prosthetics training.

The Disability Rights Community is dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of people with disabilities by increasing awareness of disability as a human rights issue, building the capacity of grassroots disability organizations and promoting the implementation and monitoring of legal protections. Community projects include the development of standards for including people with disabilities in emergency response plans and ConventionYES!, a campaign in support of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The IDEAnet website is designed to serve these two communities and to facilitate communication and collaboration within and between them. Through tools such as discussion forums, chats and document sharing, the IDEAnet website enables community members to share ideas and knowledge, enhance their skills and generate strategies and innovations that will help to improve the situation of persons with disabilities around the globe. In addition, the flexible structure of the site allows members to collaborate on ongoing projects and, if they wish, start their own.

Posted by Nancy at 06:47 PM | Comments (0)

June 23, 2006

Life in a Cube: Problems Experienced by Employees with Cognitive Impairments

The latest issue of the JAN Consultants' Corner is now available.

Volume 03, Issue 06
Life in a Cube: Problems Experienced by Employees with Cognitive Impairments

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor.

Posted by Nancy at 04:22 PM | Comments (0)

2006 poster for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The 2006 poster for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is now available to the public. This poster can be used to focus attention on employment opportunities for workers with disabilities. It can also be distributed at programs celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July and NDEAM in October.

Bursting with color (purple, orange and yellow) the 2006 NDEAM poster carries the theme, Americans with Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce. A young man with a developmental disability is posed with a global backdrop. He is wearing a tie and a white shirt. Using a headset, he is responding to a telephone call. The words “October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month” appear at the bottom of the poster.

http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/posters.htm

Posted by Nancy at 11:02 AM | Comments (0)

June 21, 2006

Michigan First State to Require Online Learning

Michigan has become the first state in the U.S. to require students to successfully complete an online course or learning experience under new legislation signed into law on April 20, 2006, by Governor Jennifer Granholm. This action was part of a comprehensive legislative package to revamp Michigan's high school graduation requirements beginning with incoming eighth graders in the fall of 2006.

The legislation requires students to take an online course or learning experience, or have the online learning experience incorporated into each of the required 16 credits of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. The Michigan Merit Curriculum represents the core elements of the new high school graduation requirements and includes the following credits:

"Our online learning requirement makes Michigan a leader among all the states in using the power of the Internet to create learning opportunities in the classroom, the home and the workplace. In a world that demands life long learning, we are giving our students and our state a competitive advantage when it comes to landing the good-paying jobs of the 21st Century economy," Governor Granholm said.

The legislation requires the Michigan Department of Education to develop guidelines for the online course or learning experience by August 1, 2006. In addition, the State Board of Education will approve the basic level of technology and Internet access required for pupils to complete the online course or learning experience.

"Michigan's K-12 system has stepped into the 21st Century by fully recognizing the value of teaching and learning in a virtual environment. The importance of requiring all students to take an online course today can be compared to the efforts to teach young people how to use print resources in a public library 50 years ago," said Michael Flanagan, State Superintendent of Public Instruction and member of the Michigan Virtual University (MVU) Board of Directors.

"This initiative holds great promise for expanding the use of online education for students and educators in Michigan. We are committed to working in partnership with Michigan schools to support this innovative education policy reform strategy," said Jamey Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of the Michigan Virtual University (MVU), the private nonprofit corporation that operates the Michigan Virtual High School (MVHS). The MVHS is one of the largest virtual schools in the U.S. and earned accreditation in 2005. Since its inception in 2000, the MVHS has recorded over 23,000 course enrollments and served more than 125,000 students with an online ACT, SAT, PSAT or State Assessment (MEAP) review tools.

Public Act 230 of 2000 authorized implementation of the MVHS. The MVHS does not grant course credit or award diplomas independently, but works in partnership with local and intermediate school districts that award credit or diplomas. The MVHS operates as the core division of the MVU, a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation created by the State in 1998 to expand the use of learning technologies. Michigan Virtual University is governed by a Board of Directors representing business, education leaders and state government. For more information visit www.mivu.org and http://www.mivhs.org.

Michigan Virtual University
3101 Technology Blvd. Suite G,
Lansing, MI 48910

Contact: Erin Strang
(517) 324-5373

Posted by Nancy at 03:06 PM | Comments (0)

Teaching and Learning the Sendero GPS

De Witt & Associates and the Sendero Group Proudly Introduce: Teaching and Learning the Sendero GPS, A Training Guide: Updated to include the exciting new features in Version 3.5

The Sendero GPS is an extraordinary technology that allows people who are blind or visually impaired to harness the power of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Its electronic street maps, route creation and route following capabilities give the user access to timely and accurate orientation and location information all over the world.

Teaching and Learning the Sendero GPS will help assistive technology trainers and mobility instructors who need to train their students, parents who want to teach their children and individuals who want to teach themselves.

Using plain English, this training guide covers:

Announcing the name of the current street and closest intersection, nearby points of interest and nearest address Creating and following vehicle and pedestrian routes and announcing that the destination is on the right or left side of the street Searching for points of interest among 50 categories such as restaurants, food stores, bus and train stations and ATMs Exploring the local neighborhood or any neighborhood in countries where maps are available from the comfort of an easy chair

Teaching and Learning the Sendero GPS Personal Version is available in Print, Braille and DAISY formats for $129.00

Site Licenses are available for $299.00 and include digital and DAISY versions for trainers who will be using the Training Guide to train multiple students.

To download a free sample:
Visit http://www.4dewitt.com/gps.htm
Follow the link to download a sample
In MS Word or PDF Format

Any questions? Contact

DE WITT & ASSOCIATES
ACCESSIBILITY TRAINING & SUPPORT
TOLL FREE (877) 447-6500, Extension 223
sales@4dewitt.com

www.4dewitt.com

Posted by Nancy at 01:12 PM | Comments (0)

June 20, 2006

Executive Director of National Council on Independent Living to be featured on "Disability Matters with Joyce Bender"

PITTSBURGH, PA - John Lancaster, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), will make his third appearance with Joyce Bender on "Disability Matters" on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, from 2 PM to 3 PM eastern time. Discussed on the show will be the impact that budget cuts in Washington, DC will have on programs and services effecting people with disabilities.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, NCIL is a membership organization that advances the independent living philosophy and advocates for the human rights of, and services for, people with disabilities to further their full integration and participation in society.

Mr. Lancaster has an outstanding background in disability issues, working nationally and internationally as an advocate on behalf of people with disabilities. He is a strong leader; an attorney and long time disability advocate who has played a significant role in developing disability law and policy. Most recently, he was Vice President with the Vietnam Enterprise Group providing technical assistance on issues and programs related to business, law, and people with disabilities in Vietnam. Prior to that, he was Director of the Office of Disability Technical Assistance for a non-governmental organization, Vietnam Assistance for the Handicapped.

Other positions Mr. Lancaster has held in his extensive career are Executive Director, President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities; Executive Director of the National Ocean Access Project; Director, Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities (Maryland); Project Director, American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities; and Advocacy Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America.

The host of Disability Matters, Joyce A. Bender, is President and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc. and its "sister company" Bender Consulting Services of Canada, Inc. Bender Consulting provides competitive employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities in the areas of information technology, engineering, finance/accounting, human resources and general business. In 1985, Joyce had a life-threatening accident due to epilepsy, which caused an intracranial hemorrhage that required subsequent brain surgery. Against all odds, Joyce recovered from this accident that left her with a 60 percent hearing loss in one ear and a realization that she had epilepsy. As a result of her personal experience, she developed a passion for helping people with disabilities and founded both companies. Ms. Bender is the recipient of the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration, as well as the 1999 President's Award from President Clinton.

For more information on Joyce A. Bender and her companies, Bender Consulting Services, Inc. and Bender Consulting Services of Canada, Inc., visit, http://www.benderconsult.com or http://www.benderofcanada.com. To learn more about Voice America, visit, http://www.voiceamerica.com . Past radio broadcasts are archived on http://www.benderconsult.com.

To learn more about the NCIL, visit, http://www.ncil.org.

###

Upcoming guests include:

July 4, 2006

Rebroadcast of the original Dick & Ginny Thornburgh show from March 16, 2004

July 11, 2006

Andy Imparato, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities

Lee Hassinger
Associate Research Assistant
Bender Family of Companies
3 Penn Center West Suite 223
Pittsburgh, PA 15276
Office Phone: 787-8567
Direct Line: 412-446-4450
Fax: 412-787-7178
lhass@benderconsult.com
www.benderconsult.com

Be sure to tune into "Disability Matters with Joyce Bender" every Tuesday from 2 PM to 3 PM Eastern Time at www.voiceamerica.com.

Posted by Nancy at 07:13 PM | Comments (0)

Cambridge Accepts National Organization on Disability's $25,000 Accessible America Award

WASHINGTON, DC - On June 12, 2006, Cambridge, Massachusetts was honored with the top prize in the National Organization on Disability's (N.O.D.) Accessible America Competition.

All U.S. cities and towns were eligible to enter the Competition. In an afternoon ceremony at City Hall, Cambridge Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves was on hand to accept the Accessible America top prize from N.O.D. President Michael Deland and Vice President Nancy Starnes.

Cambridge surpassed dozens of competing towns, cities, and counties nationwide whose mayors or chief elected officials submitted applications describing their community-wide efforts to be welcoming and accessible to persons with disabilities. Cambridge is being heralded as a model for its focus on disability issues and its successful design of programs, services and facilities that are accessible for all citizens and visitors. According to the U.S. Census, more than 14 percent of the city's residents have physical, mental, sensory or psychiatric disabilities.

N.O.D.'s Community Partnership Program, through a generous grant from UPS, administers the $25,000 cash prize in the Accessible America Competition. The money, presented to the mayor, encourages further progress and will be used to fund local disability-related efforts.

Cambridge's thoughtful and welcoming attitude impressed the Accessible America Competition judges, five leading national disability advocates and experts. Through its Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the city encourages participation in social life, shopping and dining with a Façade Improvement Program, which offers matching grants to help sales or service establishments remove access barriers. In addition, over two dozen city parks and playgrounds have been made accessible.

The Office of Tourism and Chamber of Commerce publishes and disseminates guides that include access information. The city's public transportation system is fully accessible, and Cambridge provides seven wheelchair accessible taxis, as well as a Taxi Discount Coupon Program to expand transportation options for persons with disabilities. Citizens with disabilities serve on the local Emergency Planning Committee and work closely with Cambridge emergency management staff and public health planners to ensure that emergency preparedness planning activities effectively meet the access, communication, and program needs of residents with disabilities.

Cambridge's faith communities play a particularly important role in addressing the city's demographically diverse population. More than 31 per cent of the City's residents speak a language other than English at home and more than 25 per cent are foreign born. Cambridge created an outreach program to some ninety Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other religious congregations in the City to help them make their facilities, programs and services accessible to all worshipers with disabilities.

"Cambridge finished at the top of a group of outstanding applicants," said N.O.D. President Michael R. Deland. "I hope other communities will be inspired by Cambridge's example, as well as all of the distinguished winners of this award. Communities should strive to become more livable for everyone, including those of us with disabilities. It is exciting that so many cities and towns nationwide are committed to our goal of full participation for America's 54 million people with disabilities in all aspects of life."

Accessible America Competition applicants are asked to demonstrate an exceptional commitment to offering their citizens with disabilities full and equal opportunities to participate in community life, including access to jobs, education, religious worship, voting, transportation, housing, emergency preparedness planning and services, and the entire range of social, recreational, cultural, and sports activities. A call for entries in the 2006 Accessible America Competition will be issued in celebration of the 16th anniversary of the signing of Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 2006.

The National Organization on Disability, founded in 1982, promotes the full and equal participation and contribution of America's 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. For more information, including how communities can join the Community Partnership Program or enter this year's Competition, visit http://www.nod.org.

The Accessible America Award is made possible by a generous grant from UPS. For more information, contact UPS' Corporate Relations Department. Malcolm Berkley, 404-828-6159, or Paula Fulford, 404-828-4242.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information, contact:

Nancy Starnes
National Organization on Disability
202/293-5960
starnesn@nod.org


Posted by Nancy at 03:22 PM | Comments (0)

First National Conference on Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities

Aspire, Achieve, Empower: First National Conference on Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities will take place Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - Friday, September 15, 2006 at Hilton Boston Logan Airport, One Hotel Drive, Boston, MA.

Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) is hosting this event that will focus on sharing best practices in the field of mentoring youth with disabilities with specific attention on funding issues, sustainability, program development and effective practices.

Early Bird Registration of $325 is available until June 30, 2006. After June 30th, attendee registration will be $375.

Schedule & Presenters

Registration

Posted by Nancy at 02:34 PM | Comments (0)

June 16, 2006

DisabilityNation Web Site and Podcast Now Available

For Immediate Release

Phoenix Arizona-Persons with disabilities, family members, friends and the general public now have another resource for information, news and feature rich content about disability and the people effected by it. With the official launch of www.DisabilityNation.net and the DisabilityNation Podcast, the nation and others around the world now have an unique opportunity to learn more about life and disability.

Larry Wanger, creator and producer of DisabilityNation says, “The goal of the site and Podcast is to promote people with disabilities living life to the fullest and to dispel many of the stereotypes and beliefs that are widely held by people today.”

The content of the site and Podcast are designed to be cross-disability related and meant to be both educational and encouraging to anyone with a disability. Content is geared toward multiple audiences including persons with disabilities, their family members, friends and the general public. The show will feature new episodes approximately every two weeks and will be available via popular channels including the iTunes Music Store and Podcasts. Interested persons can directly download the Podcast from www.DisabilityNation.net or get the show feed from http://feeds.feedburner.com/disabilitynation.net

About DisabilityNation

DisabilityNation is a Podcast by and for persons with disabilities. Too often we hear about the legal, physical or attitudinal barriers facing persons with disabilities in our society today. Unfortunately, not enough attention is focused on those with disabilities living life. The goal of DisabilityNation is to be different than normal and to give you, the listener, the opportunity to learn and grow from the experience of hearing the program.

DisabilityNation will highlight people working, participating in the sport or recreation of their choice, married couples, singles, children and adults, politicians and couch potatoes who happen to be people with disabilities. You will hear conversations about life, not necessarily about the disability.

About Larry Wanger

DisabilityNation is produced in the Valley of the Sun, otherwise known as Phoenix Arizona. The show is produced by Larry Wanger. Larry moved to Phoenix in October 2004 after living for over 33 years in Michigan. As a person with a life-long disability, Larry is very familiar with some of the stereotypes and beliefs that some have about persons with disabilities. He believes that having a disability is simply part of his life and something that isn't the end of the world.

Larry has devoted his career and professional life to helping others with disabilities to increase their independence. He began his career with Disability Advocates of Kent County, the center for independent living in Grand Rapids Michigan. He worked in the areas of employment, business development, and community organizing, individual
and systems advocacy, grant writing, reporting and management with the organization. Larry worked with DAKC for six years. In October of 2004 Larry moved to Phoenix and began working with The Arizona Bridge to Independent Living. He is currently the Operations Manager of ABIL's employment services unit.

About Podcasting

A podcast is an audio file in MP3 format that can be subscribed to and is automatically delivered to your computer. With podcasts you can choose to listen on your computer or on an audio player such as the iPod. Often podcasters offer different options in that you can either stream the file or listen to it from the web site directly or you can download the show.

Don't be fooled by the "pod" in podcast, you don't need an iPod to listen to podcasts. Any MP3 player that you normally use will play podcasts. Additionally, you can listen on your computer by using software such as WinAmp, Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, and iTunes.

If you want to listen to or subscribe to podcasts, the first thing to get is a media aggregator. This is a small piece of software that downloads any Podcast feeds that you subscribe to. There are many programs available for subscribing to podcasts.

After downloading the software just add the XML file address for the podcast you want to listen to then click the appropriate button to download the current show. When you want to download new shows, click the button in your chosen aggregator and the software checks to see if any new shows have been added and if so, the shows are automatically downloaded to your computer. Often, the software knows to check for downloads and you never need to manually tell it to do anything.

Contact: Larry Wanger
DisabilityNation
206-338-6225
www.DisabilityNation.net

Posted by Nancy at 09:15 AM | Comments (0)

NCD Position Paper on Access to Airline Self-Service Kiosk Systems

The National Council on Disability has released a position paper examining the accessibility of self-service kiosk systems at airports.

The kiosks are designed to enable a passenger to check in for a flight through the use of an automated electronic kiosk. The problem is that although it would be quite simple to make these kiosks accessible for passengers with disabilities, the airlines have so far declined to do so.

As the article points out, the airline industry has been resistant to the concept of accessibility, even though the airport terminals are covered under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"Although no airline-kiosk vendor serving the U.S. market has included accessibility among its product features, vendors confirm that they foresee no significant technical obstacles to development and deployment--using existing access technology--of fully accessible kiosk systems. A leading authority on accessibility technology estimates that the costs of access hardware and software modifications for a fully accessible system would not exceed one to two percent of the overall cost. However, the airline industry has yet to acknowledge the need for such a product."

To read the paper in its entirety, use the following link:
http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2006/kiosk.htm

Posted by Nancy at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)

June 14, 2006

Grants for Self-Employment Pilots for People with Disabilities

U.S. Labor Department Announces up to $5 Million in Grants for Self-Employment Pilots for People with Disabilities Goal is to Support What Works Well, Leads to Success

WASHINGTON * The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is making available up to $5 million to fund pilot projects aimed at increasing self-employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

"People with disabilities have much to offer in the 21st century and are able to contribute more than ever thanks in part to more innovative educational opportunities and technology," said Dr. Roy Grizzard, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "This funding will allow us, in partnership with others, to develop and test strategies and models for successfully increasing self-employment opportunities for people with disabilities."

A national technical assistance and research cooperative agreement award will be funded for up to $1.5 million for a 36 month period of performance. Sub-national research and technical assistance pilot cooperative agreement awards will be funded for a total of up to $3.5 million. Awards may range from $800,000 to $1,200,000.

ODEP'S unique mission is to provide national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related employment policy and practice affecting the employment of people with disabilities. Congress designated these monies to ODEP to further the development of self-employment policy for individuals with disabilities.

Applications must be received by July 3, 2006 and must be mailed or hand-delivered to: U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Mitchell, Reference SGA 06-07, Room N5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.

More information about the solicitation can be found by clicking [Text] or [PDF] and in the Friday, May 19th Federal Register beginning on page 29172.

ODEP News Release: [06/07/2006] Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson or Peter Hong Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x7909 Release Number: 06-0970-NAT

Posted by Nancy at 03:23 PM | Comments (0)

New Courses at P&G Virtual Campus

This summer the P&G Virtual Campus will be featuring the following free courses:

How to Research a Company for a Successful Interview

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2003

Balancing Act: Managing Time and Stress in a Busy World

How to Give a Great Presentation

How to Find Your Perfect Career

If you haven't had a chance to check them out, visit the P&G Virtual Campus today to enroll. It's fast, free, and easy. Remember, P&G Virtual Campus is online 24/7, so it's easy to fit them into your busy schedule.

Enroll today at http://pgvirtualcampus.com/index.jsp

Posted by Nancy at 11:39 AM | Comments (0)

New ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard

Later this summer, Ai Squared will introduce the new ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard (US English version), featuring easy-to-read keycaps and fast "one-touch" access to essential ZoomText 9.0 features. Designed for the ZoomText user, the new ZoomText keyboard will make typing and using ZoomText faster and easier than ever before.

With the ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard, each key and button label is easy to see, even in low light, thanks to its 36 point keycaps and high-contrast black on yellow color scheme.

For more information on the new ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard, go to http://www.aisquared.com/Products/Keyboard.cfm.

Posted by Nancy at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)

Explore the blogosphere with Anna!

"Blog" is short for "web log," or an online journal. Some blogs are mostly lists of links to articles and websites, some are like online diaries, and still others focus on a particular topic - anything from history to Harry Potter, from feminism to fishing. There are more than 36 million blogs online, and a new one is created every second!

Popular author Anna Dresner created her own blog (one that provides updates to her technology books) poked around in the blogging world, commonly called the blogosphere, and wrote down what she learned in this book.. She covers everything you need to know to get started: finding the blogs that interest you, reading them, keeping up with them, and of course creating and writing a blog of your own.

Of course Anna didn't research all 36 million blogs, so this is by no means a complete reference guide! Think of it as a great starting point-a place to gain some footing with a trusted friend before leaping into the blogosphere on your own!

Read more about this book - and see a full chapter listing at http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/BLOG.html

Posted by Nancy at 09:46 AM | Comments (0)

June 13, 2006

Freedom Scientific plans a show of new products

Freedom Scientific plans a tremendous showing of new products, product features, and presentations at the annual NFB and ACB conferences.

In the latest issue of the @Freedom Scientific News, you’ll get first-hand information on all of the activities and also discover how attendees of either conference can register to win their choice of a PAC Mate BX or QX with ScanTalker. You’ll also preview the new features of MAGic 10.0 screen magnification software, learn about new comprehensive MAGic basic training, and get news about the release of JAWS 7.10 screen reading software and WYNN 5.0 literacy software.

Learn how JAWS is used in the creation of a variety of accessible online games produced by BSC Games, and get some tips for how to type in forms on the Internet while using JAWS.

It’s all in the Current Freedom Scientific Newsletter

Posted by Marten at 01:07 PM | Comments (0)

June 06, 2006

Disability “Experts” Needed for Red Cross Disaster Relief Effort

Deadline For Applications - June 15

The American Red Cross is seeking the assistance of chapters of The Arc of the United States and affiliates of United Cerebral Palsy nationwide to secure participation in the Red Cross's Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) activity. The DSHR is the Red Cross system of activities where employees and volunteers are trained and deployed to serve during emergencies and disasters.

Red Cross is seeking people with or without disabilities to advise and assist in working with the population with disabilities during emergencies or disasters. The goal of this effort is to train and deploy individuals for both leadership and direct service duties during disaster relief efforts. Deployments during disaster relief efforts are typically for three-week assignments but can be modified, when necessary, to accommodate individual schedules.

A two-day training session has been scheduled in Washington, DC for July 10 and 11 to prepare those selected for deployment during the upcoming hurricane season. The Red Cross will fund all travel and lodging expenses for those attending the training sessions. Details about the training sessions will be provided as applications are received.

After reviewing the selection criteria below, interested applicants must fax a completed application form (click here for a copy of the form) by June 15, 2006 to Mr. Gayle Brock, Director for Diversity, at 202-303-0200 or e-mail him at brockga@usa.redcross.org. Mr. Brock is also available to answer any questions and can be reached at 202-303-8566.

The American Red Cross will consider applicants who meet the following criteria:


Selection Criteria for Community Relations Activity

Diversity Values


Facilitation Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Attitudes and Beliefs
Training/Experience

Posted by Nancy at 07:51 PM | Comments (0)

June 05, 2006

Serotek Corporation Seeks Sales Representatives

Serotek Corporation makers of the FreedomBox line of products and the FreedomBox Online Community, is seeking motivated sales representatives to market Serotek's products to government, educational, and direct consumer markets.

Applicants must be self motivated since they will be working from home.

Applicants must have at least 2 years of experience in adaptive technology sales. While Serotek will provide some leads the applicant will be responsible for creating individual leads. Applicants must have experience with adaptive technology, Skype, and Microsoft Word.

For more information about FreedomBox visit www.freedombox.info. Please contact Serotek Corporation at employment@freedombox.cc with a recent resume.

Posted by Nancy at 04:08 PM | Comments (0)

Latest ADA Fact Sheet Aims to Dispel Myths, Enhance Diversity in Legal Profession

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today issued a new fact sheet addressing the application of the reasonable accommodation obligation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to attorneys with disabilities and their employers. The new publication is available on the agency's web site at http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/accommodations-attorneys.html.

EEOC Chair Cari M. Dominguez unveiled the new fact sheet this morning during the First National Conference on Employment of Lawyers with Disabilities.

The unprecedented conference, cosponsored by the EEOC and the American Bar Association, highlights best practices for hiring lawyers with disabilities and provides practical advice on how to accommodate them.

"Many legal employers recognize the importance of flexibility to remain competitive in hiring the best attorneys. Providing reasonable accommodation is an extension of this successful strategy," said Chair Dominguez. "With employers competing fiercely for talent, those who win use recruitment strategies that reach out to attorneys with disabilities."

One goal of the fact sheet is to dispel the myth that attorneys with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation are less competent or less productive than attorneys without disabilities. Reasonable accommodation refers to any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an applicant or employee with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.

The fact sheet discusses the rights and responsibilities of both legal employers and attorneys with disabilities in addressing reasonable accommodation issues. It uses many real-life examples to provide all kinds of legal employers - including law firms, government agencies, corporations, law schools, and nonprofit organizations - with specific ideas on the wide range of accommodations available for lawyers with various disabilities.

The publication, the latest in a series of recent ADA fact sheets by the EEOC, advances the goals of the President's New Freedom Initiative - a comprehensive strategy for the full integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of American life. The New Freedom Initiative seeks to promote greater access to technology, education, employment opportunities, and community life for people with disabilities. An important part of the New Freedom Initiative strategy for increasing employment opportunities involves providing employers with technical assistance on the ADA.

Information about other EEOC activities under the Initiative also is available on the agency's web site at www.eeoc.gov.

In addition to enforcing Title I of the ADA, which prohibits employment discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector and state and local governments, and the Rehabilitation Act's prohibitions against disability discrimination in the federal government, the EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), national origin, religion, and age, as well as retaliation.


2006-06-02 00:00:00

Posted by Nancy at 03:38 PM | Comments (0)

June 02, 2006

Universal Design & Visitability: From Accessibility to Zoning

Date: July 13 & 14, 2006

Sponsored by: The Ohio State University in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy, the Kirwin Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, the two-day seminar will benefit planners, designers, planning commissioners, elected officials, disability professionals and the general public. The program encompasses a variety of areas (design, public policy, zoning and advocacy) and cuts across different places and scales (residential, institutional, city/regional). Featured speakers (below) will be combined with practical break out sessions focused on policy and design.

Hosted by the City and Regional Planning program at the Knowlton School of Architecture and the university's ADA Coordinator's Office, the Conference will be held in Knowlton Hall, Columbus, Ohio the entire conference will also be available in a simultaneous on-line format. View the conference program and register at: http://knowlton.osu.edu/ped/universaldesign.htm

Plenary Sessions: