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September 27, 2006

New York City Job Fair

Dozens of Employers from all Industries.
Hundreds of Positions Available.
Admission is Free.

Date:
Thursday, October 5, 2006
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Location:
Radisson Martinique On Broadway Hotel
49 West 32nd Street
New York, NY 10001

This event is organized by HiresNow.com

Posted by Marten at 06:16 PM | Comments (0)

Disabilities Network of New York City (DNNYC) Community Forum & Panel Discussion: Encouraging Employment and Economic Development

Date: Wednesday, October 4, 3-5 PM
Location: VISIONS at Selis Manor, 135 W. 23rd Street, Auditorium (between 6th & 7th Avenues)
R.S.V.P: 212-251-4092

A panel discussion with:


We will discuss strategies for boosting jobseekers’ marketable skills and combating employer misconceptions and discrimination. We will also look at the role small business ownership can play in the disability community’s economic development.

Attendees will leave with resources for disabled jobseekers as well as an understanding of unemployment's systemic causes and approaches the community can take to achieve change.

ASL Interpreters will be provided. Please let us know if you will require assistive listening equipment and/or materials in alternative formats.

Disabilities Network of New York City

Posted by Nancy at 01:34 PM | Comments (0)

Opportunity for Success Ride, October 1, 2006

Hire Disability Solutions is proud to announce the ‘Opportunity for Success Ride.’ On October 1, 2006, the first day of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Jeff Klare, CEO of Hire Disability Solutions will be embarking on a 300 mile bike ride from New York City to Washington D.C. to promote the employment of Individuals with disabilities.

The more people who come out for these events, the greater positive impact that we can have on the lives of people with disabilities. Please attend.


This event was initiated by Hire Disability Solutions to get corporate America to take notice that individuals with disabilities are a talented group that companies cannot and should not ignore. Monster, a Hire Disability Solutions strategic partner, will have representatives join Jeff as he rides to help promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in recruitment practices.

"Those with disabilities are overlooked by potential employers too often, and the business community must do more to promote inclusive hiring practices and extend the opportunity for financial independence and professional success to all. It makes sense that this important and ambitious ride will begin in Brooklyn ­ the starting point for so many bright ideas ­ and I commend Jeff Klare and Hire Disability Solutions for being ready, willing, and able to achieve their extraordinary vision," Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President.


For more information, go to:
http://www.hireDS.com

Posted by Nancy at 12:47 PM | Comments (0)

GfK Mystery Shopping Partners With Butler New Media To Offer Ability Mystery Shopping Panel Nationally

Provides First and Largest Assessment of Shopping Experience for People with Disabilities

NEW YORK – September 19, 2006 – GfK Mystery Shopping and Butler New Media today announced a joint venture that will provide GfK clients access to Butler's ABILITY Mystery Shopping Panel. The effort combines the expertise of GfK Mystery Shopping with Butler's knowledge of the disabled community to create America's first national panel for individuals with disabilities.

Utilizing Butler's ABILITY panelists, GfK Mystery Shopping sends a variety of disabled "undercover shoppers" into stores nationwide to assess customer service and sales personnel performance. Participant information on service animal usage, disability type as well as various demographic data such as age, race, sex and marital status is available. Store evaluations are based on salesmanship, service, and presentation towards these individuals.

By offering access to the ABILITY Mystery Shopping Panel, the new GfK service provides companies the opportunity to determine how their employees communicate with shoppers with disabilities when these individuals are sent to specific store locations posing as customers.

"The combination of the unique ABILITY panel along with our wide-ranging expertise in the mystery shopping and retail space will provide corporations with an inside look at the specific needs of Americans with disabilities," says Don Simons, Managing Director, GfK Mystery Shopping. "With an estimated $220 billion in collective spending power, this community represents a critical segment for corporate America. Companies that consistently and thoughtfully deliver a customer experience that is mindful of the needs of all consumers will have a decided competitive advantage."

"Although most businesses try to treat individuals with disabilities with respect and dignity, many, unfortunately, get it wrong," adds Cornelius Butler, co-founder of Butler New Media LLC and a recognized leader in the community. "Our partnership with GfK Mystery Shopping will provide companies with the invaluable insight needed to not only improve customer service, but also help them target a new, loyal and dedicated customer base. Addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities should no longer be viewed as an obligation but a smart business decision as this group represents more than 50 million Americans. This collaboration also creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities nationwide to be part of the movement to improve customer service overall."

More information can be found on the official website located at www.abilitypanel.com or www.gfkamerica.com.

About Butler New Media
Butler New Media is a full service disability consulting firm with locations in both Conyers and Bainbridge, Georgia U.S.A. The firm specializes in helping corporations and government agencies communicate with the disability community. Butler New Media has grown to include local, national, and international clients. Some of these clients include: Microsoft, Humana, U.S. Department of Labor, The Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. Additional information about the company and the ABILITY Panels is located online at: http://www.abilitypanel.com.

About GfK Mystery Shopping
A division of GfK Custom Research, North America, GfK Mystery Shopping offers more than 15 years of North American mystery shopping experience and specializes in helping clients increase revenues, grow brand equity, build positive customer experiences and drive operational improvement.

About GfK Custom Research, North America
Headquartered in New York, GfK Custom Research, North America is part of the GfK Group. With home offices in Nuremberg, Germany, the GfK Group is among the top-five market research organizations in the world. Its activities cover five business divisions: Custom Research, Retail and Technology, Consumer Tracking, Media and Healthcare. In addition to 13 subsidiaries in Germany, the GfK Group has more than 130 subsidiaries and affiliates in over 70 countries.

Posted by Nancy at 11:59 AM | Comments (0)

Eavesdropping: A Memoir of Blindness and Listening

Stephen Kuusisto's new book is now available.

Read Reviews

Read Excerpts

Read Steve's Blog

Posted by Nancy at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)

NY Leadership forum for Youth with disabilities in Albany, October31st

Disability Voices: Youth Speak Out; Youth Leadership Public Hearing

New York State Independent Living Council
Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Time: 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Desmond Hotel & Convention Center, Albany, NY

A FREE EVENT exclusively for Youth and Young Adults ages 14 to 30 years old.

Special Guest Speaker: Peter Crowley, Adventurer & Disability Advocate.

Be part of an exciting evening that will explore meaningful youth leadership programs within the disability community.

Young people are welcomed to contribute their comments, ideas, and suggestions for youth leadership, advocacy and empowerment programs that should be part of the NY state plan for independent living.

Peter Crowley is an avid high adventurer and advocate for the visually impaired. He has kayaked across the English Channel and lead a group of blind hikers from Albany to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. In his earlier years, Peter captained his high school wrestling team and won numerous trophies in black belt competitions against sighted opponents. These impressive accomplishments become extraordinary when you learn that Peter has been blind from birth.

Peter is currently the Assistant Commissioner with the NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. His presentations have inspired young people across the state with a focus on the incredible potential life holds for those who set goals and aspire to accomplish them, despite their disabilities. "I want the kids to know that if you focus on what you can't do, you won't do anything. Focus on what you can do, and the sky's the limit." said Mr. Crowley.

Disability Voices: Youth Speak Out
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 4:30 PM

This is a youth driven event >> No Adults Please

Seating Limited Dinner provided
Please RSVP by October 17th

Name (line for response follows)

Address (line for response follows)

City, State, Zip Code (line for response follows)

Age (line for response follows)

E-Mail Address (line for response follows)

Phone (line for response follows)

Accommodations:

We are dedicated to provide reasonable accommodations that will assist your full participation. Please contact us with your request by October 10th.

For more information call:
Susan Cohen, Project Coordinator

Register by phone, fax, mail or e-mail

NYSILC

111 Washington Avenue

Albany, NY 12210


Phone:518-427-1060 (Voice/TDD)

Fax: 518-427-1139

E-mail: suec@nysilc.org

New York State Independent Living Council

Directions: Take I-87 North to Exit 4 Albany Airport exit. At the end of the ramp, go left on Wolf Road. At next traffic light, go left on Albany-Shaker Road.

Proceed straight through the traffic light, and prepare to make a left-hand turn. The Desmond is the first building on your left.


Desmond Hotel & Conference Center
660 Albany Shaker Road
Albany, NY
518-869-8100


“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Posted by Nancy at 08:50 AM | Comments (0)

September 12, 2006

Governor Kaine Announces Creation of Office of Telework Promotion And Broadband Assistance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Office to focus on increased adoption of broadband and telework"

ROANOKE — Governor Timothy M. Kaine today signed an Executive Order creating an Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance within the Office of the Secretary of Technology. The Office will encourage and promote telework activities for public and private employers, and work to advance innovative models that expedite the deployment of “last-mile” broadband technologies throughout the Commonwealth. The Governor signed the Executive Order at the 2006 Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium held in Roanoke.

"Telework is a family-friendly, business-friendly public policy that helps us recruit and retain a high-quality workforce in a competitive job market," Governor Kaine said. "It also protects environmental quality and promotes energy conservation by reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. Telework also allows a better balance between work and family. For all of these reasons, it is important for state government to support public and private sector efforts to promote widespread adoption of telework."

With portable computers, personal digital technology, and high speed telecommunications links, many employees today can work almost anywhere at least some of the time. The Virginia General Assembly has set a goal of shifting a significant number of jobs into alternative work schedules by 2010, which will involve expanded use of telework. State agencies are being surveyed to gather baseline data on the amount of telework currently conducted.

The Office will also actively promote the adoption and deployment of affordable broadband services throughout the Commonwealth. “Equal and affordable access to broadband telecommunication services is critical,” added Bristol State Senator William Wampler. “It is the only way that workers throughout the Commonwealth can participate in enhanced economic development opportunities such as teleworking.”

Fairfax County Delegate James M. Scott echoed the comments made by both Governor Kaine and Senator Wampler, adding “Telework cuts air pollution, reduces vehicle miles and makes employees happy. State government should lead the way.”

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerry Connolly praised the Governor’s actions, noting that “Telework is an effective solution for reducing peak traffic demand and air pollution. It provides employees with an alternative to commuting that enhances productivity and protects the environment.”


Contact: Kevin Hall
Phone: (804) 225-4260
Cell Phone:(804) 393-9406
Internet: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/

Posted by Nancy at 07:40 PM | Comments (0)

September 10, 2006

September 11, 2006: Commemoration Activities and Memorials

Ceremonies and remembrances scheduled provided by Families of September 11, Inc.:

Posted by Nancy at 05:24 PM | Comments (0)

September 08, 2006

Legal Precedent Set For Web Accessibility

Federal Judge Sustains Discrimination Claims Against Target; Precedent Establishes That Retailers Must Make Their Websites Accessible to the Blind Under the ADA

BERKELEY, Calif., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/
A federal district court judge ruled yesterday that a retailer may be sued if its website is inaccessible to the blind. The ruling was issued in a case brought by the National Federation of the Blind against Target Corp. (Northern District of California Case No. C 06-01802 MHP). The suit charges that Target's website is inaccessible to the blind, and therefore violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Civil Rights Act, and the California Disabled Persons Act. Target asked the court to dismiss the action by arguing that no law requires Target to make its website accessible. The Court denied Target's motion to dismiss and held that the federal and state civil rights laws do apply to a website such as target.com.

The suit, NFB v. Target, was filed as a class action on behalf of all blind Americans who are being denied access to target.com. The named plaintiffs are the NFB, the NFB of California, and a blind college student, Bruce "BJ" Sexton.

The plaintiffs are represented by Disability Rights Advocates, a Berkeley-based non-profit law firm that specializes in high-impact cases on behalf of people with disabilities; Brown, Goldstein & Levy, a leading civil rights law firm in Baltimore, Maryland; and Schneider & Wallace, a national plaintiff's class action and civil rights law firm based in San Francisco, CA.

The court held: "the `ordinary meaning' of the ADA's prohibition against discrimination in the enjoyment of goods, services, facilities or privileges, is that whatever goods or services the place provides, it cannot discriminate on the basis of disability in providing enjoyment of those goods and services." The court thus rejected Target's argument that only its physical store locations were covered by the civil rights laws, ruling instead that all services provided by Target, including its Web site, must be accessible to persons with disabilities.

"This ruling is a great victory for blind people throughout the country," said NFB President Dr. Marc Maurer. "We are pleased that the court recognized that the blind are entitled to equal access to retail websites."

Dr. Maurer explained that blind persons access websites by using keyboards in conjunction with screen-reading software, which vocalizes visual information on a computer screen. Target's website contains significant access barriers that prevent blind customers from browsing among and purchasing products online, as well as from finding important corporate information such as employment opportunities, investor news, and company policies.

The plaintiffs charge that target.com fails to meet the minimum standard of web accessibility. It lacks compliant alt-text, an invisible code embedded beneath graphic images that allows screen readers to detect and vocalize a description of the image to a blind computer user. It also contains inaccessible image maps and other graphical features, preventing blind users from navigating and making use of all of the functions of the website. And because the website requires the use of a mouse to complete a transaction, blind Target customers are unable to make purchases on target.com independently.

The plaintiffs originally filed the complaint in Alameda superior court on February 7, 2006. The case was removed to federal district court and assigned to Judge Marilyn Hall Patel. Target responded to the suit by filing a motion to dismiss the case, which argued in part that no civil rights laws apply to the Internet.

"We tried to convince Target that it should do the right thing and make its website accessible through negotiations," said Dr. Maurer. "It is unfortunate that Target took the position that it does not have to take the rights of the blind into account. The ruling in this case puts Target and other companies on notice that the blind cannot be treated like second class citizens on the Internet or in any other sphere."

Explaining the ramification of the ruling, Mazen M. Basrawi, Equal Justice Works Fellow at Disability Rights Advocates, noted that: "the court clarified that the law requires that any place of public accommodation is required to ensure that it does not discriminate when it uses the internet as a means to enhance the services it offers at a physical location."

"I hope that I can soon shop online at Target.com just like anyone else," said UC Berkeley student BJ Sexton, who is a named plaintiff in the lawsuit. "I believe that millions of blind people like me can use the Internet just as easily as do the sighted, if websites are accessible."

Posted by Nancy at 08:16 PM | Comments (0)

September 06, 2006

NYC Disability Mentoring Day 2006: Entertainment Seminar

The NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Invites you to "Behind The Business Scenes" In The Entertainment & Media Industry

Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: City Hall, City Council Chambers, NYC, 10007
Note: Please use the Park Row entrance for the accessible entrance to City Hall.

Registration is Required

To register for the workshop, and/or for more information, please contact Mkada Beach,
Phone: (212) 788-2830 or
E-mail: DMD@cityhall.nyc.gov.

Please let Mkada know, in advance, if you require a reasonable accommodation.

For security purposes, you must confirm your attendance and present a valid photo identification to be admitted.

Directions: