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December 20, 2006
Chalk Annouces Expert Series Content Alliance With Enable Network
Custom eLearning Content will Dispel Employers' Fears about Hiring People with Disabilities and Enhance Employment Opportunities
WASHINGTON, DC - December 20, 2006 - Chalk Inc. today announces that it has formed an alliance with Enable Network Inc. to develop online content that educates employers about the benefits of a disability-inclusive workforce and facilitates successful working environments for people with disabilities. The solution will be designed for sale to commercial and government clients, and is part of Chalk's Expert Series of content.
"We are delighted to be partnering with Chalk on this solution", said Eric Jackier, Founder of Enable Network. "They were recognized by analyst Brandon-Hall this year as being premiere custom eLearning content creators, and we are confident that our combined expertise will result in engaging and effective content to address this very important issue."
Founded in 2002, Enable Network is dedicated to opening new opportunities for disabled job seekers that did not previously exist. Company Founder Eric Jackier, who was born with cerebral palsy, wholeheartedly believes that every disabled individual can and must be given a chance to succeed. In addition to Enable Network, Eric serves as Chairman of the committee that runs Disability Mentoring Day in New York City - a continuing program run by the Mayor's Office.
According to Matthew Sapolin, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, "it's not philanthropy to hire a person with a disability. It's a business model, that if you're doing your work correctly you are going to bring into your organization an individual who is going to make a significant difference in your bottom line, your productivity. And you will make your board of trustees and public very proud."
"This is an important topic and a wonderful initiative", added Stewart Walchli, President & CEO of Chalk. "We're very happy to be partnering with Eric and his team at Enable Network to bring this Expert Series eLearning solution to fruition. Aside from being very knowledgeable and intertwined with the issue of working with a disability, Enable Network is also deeply connected in the New York area. We feel that all corporations, particularly the Fortune 1000, will have interest in this type of content and we look forward to creating a fantastic solution."
About Enable Network Inc.
Enable Network Inc. was founded in 2002. The mission of the company is to provide employers with high quality employees who happen to be disabled but who are capable of performing their job in the same manner as anyone and who are able to function in a corporate or business environment. Eric Jackier founded Enable Network. He was born with cerebral palsy and is a lifetime member of the disabled community. He has previously worked as a sports broadcaster, salesman and not-for-profit executive. Enable Network represents Eric's belief that every disabled individual can and must be given a chance to succeed in today's highly competitive workplace, and that the companies that hire them will open a new and highly lucrative market for selling their products and services. In addition to Enable Network, Eric serves as the Chairman of the committee that runs Disability Mentoring Day in New York City. Eric is also a founding member of the American Cancer Society's northeast region Golf committee and served on the Board of Directors of Easter Seals of New York City from 1996-2005.
About Chalk Media Corp.
Chalk (TSX-V: CKM) is a leading provider of interactive learning solutions and tools that help organizations communicate more effectively with their employees, business partners and consumers. The company's core focus is customized, results-driven eLearning solutions.
By combining in-house expertise in instructional design, content strategy, development, quality assurance, Flash animation and video production, Chalk produces customized rich media content that focuses on the user experience. Chalk uses its proprietary software platform, chalkboard™ LCMS, to measure the effectiveness of their learning solutions and track ROI for their clients.
With a US office in metropolitan Washington, DC, and Canadian offices in Toronto, Ontario, Vancouver, British Columbia and Fredericton, New Brunswick, Chalk works with global blue-chip organizations such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, AstraZeneca, Best Buy, Business Objects, Fujifilm, HSBC, Intrawest, Microsoft, RBC Financial, RIM, Samsung, Scotiabank, Sony, TELUS, Terasen Gas and Verizon. For more information, please visit www.chalk.com.
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed the contents of this release and is not responsible for its accuracy.
For more information, please contact:
Chalk Media Corp.
Brooke Van Hatten
Director of Marketing
Tel: 604.453.8650
bvanhatten@chalk.com
Posted by Nancy at 05:17 PM | Comments (0)
AHEAD's E-Text Solutions Group Perspective on the Issues of Textbook Access
The Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) has been working strategically with the publishing industry and other stakeholder groups over the last several years to promote ready, usable access to text materials for students with print-related disabilities. AHEAD's E-Text Solutions Group has focused on policies, procedures, best practices, and training in the area of digital text access to standard print materials and is focused on identifying a coordinated national accessible materials solutions framework. As part of this effort AHEAD has adopted a Position Statement crafted by it's E-Text Solutions group.
The comprehensive paper provides an interpretation of relevant U.S. laws and an analysis of current issues related to the conversion of printed materials for individuals with disabilities that impact there ability to use traditionally printed materials. While acknowledging the publishing community's concerns and rights, AHEAD takes the position that reproduction of course texts into digital formats is a fair use of copyrighted materials in this context. To read this paper in its entirety visit http://www.ahead.org/etext/etext_positionstatement.htm . The Webpage contains a downloadable Microsoft Word copy of the paper; AHEAD invites you to forward this information to others who may have interest in this important work.
Posted by Nancy at 12:22 PM | Comments (0)
Associates for World Action in Rehabilitation and Education (AWARE)
New informational comprehensive self-help website for those with vision loss; their family and friends: www.visionaware.org
AWARE's new website provides a broad range of self-help resources that include:
- Information and links on eye disorders and diseases, such as cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy---the leading causes of blindness and vision loss in older Americans.
- An overview of the professionals who are specially educated to provide 'vision rehabilitation services' to adults with vision loss.
- How to locate vision rehabilitation services in your area.
- How to cope with the emotional impact of vision loss.
- How to maximize the use of your remaining vision.
- A wide array of adaptations so you can continue everyday activities, such as personal self-care, writing, reading, meal preparation, household tasks, and shopping.
- How to feel safe moving around your home or traveling outside.
- The importance of lighting and environmental adaptations.
- How to continue enjoying sports, home mechanics, crafts, and other leisure or recreational activities.
- Consumer organizations; support and self-help groups; organizations that serve older adults in general; and other disability groups.
- Government and private organizations that provide services to people who are 'blind' or have 'low vision.'
- Where to find useful adaptive equipment.
- How to respond to questions children ask about vision loss.
- What's happening to people of different ages who are blind or have low vision and living in other parts of the world.
Associates for World Action in Rehabilitation and Education (AWARE) was founded in 1990. Their prime mission is to broadly promote self-help vision rehabilitation hints and adaptive techniques, and disseminate information on services and independent living resources to individuals with vision loss, their family members, and those who work with them.
For more information about AWARE, contact: Anne.Yeadon@visionaware.org
Posted by Nancy at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)
Freedom Scientific Workshops at The Carroll Center Technology Center in Newton, MA
JAWS 8.0 Workshop: January 12, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Scott Hegle, Product Specialist for Freedom Scientific Blind/ Low Vision Group will detail the latest advances in the newly released JAWS 8.0 screen reading software. Participants will learn more about JAWS interfacing with desktop applications, navigating the Internet, communicating with offsite computers, improved Braille support, DAISY training material, Real Speak Synthesizer support and much much more!!! FREE, registration not required.
PACMATE WORKSHOP presented by Freedom Scientific: January 12, 1 to 4 pm
The PAC Mate In-Service is an introduction and hands-on workshop featuring Freedom Scientifics’ Pac Mate line of note takers/ personal data assistants – The PAC Mate QX and BX series. This learning session is directed toward Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Para-professionals, as well as, Assistive Technology professionals interested in learning the fundamentals of using, training and supporting Pac Mate.
What is PAC Mate?
Available in Qwerty or Perkins style Braille keyboard designs, Pac Mate is a Pocket PC solution that makes all the benefits of a mainstream PDA(Personal Data Assistant) accessible to blind and low vision users: Pocket Word, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and more - plus world-famous JAWS screen reading software built-in. Add a braille display, GPS software, DAISY players, and many other applications that work with a mainstream Pocket PC.
The goal of this workshop is to provide participants with a detailed overview of PAC Mate, and how it can be utilized as a tool for education, work and independent living.
Participants will leave the PAC Mate In-Service having gained a greater understanding of how to setup and use a PAC Mate to…
- Access Pocket PC applications, including Pocket Word and Pocket Excel;
- Manage contacts, email and calendar information with Pocket OutLook;
- Create, Print, Translate and Emboss files;
- Backup data files;
- Synchronize data between PAC Mate and computer utilizing Microsoft Active;
- Connect a monitor to Pac Mate;
- Surf the Internet using Pocket Internet Explorer; and
- Listen to Audio or DAISY Books, Stream MP3 from the Internet …. plus much more.
Dina Rosenbaum
Dir. of Marketing, ext. 238
Carroll Center for the Blind
770 Centre St. Newton, MA 02458
U.S.A. Tel +617 969 6200
Fax +617 969 6204
Email: dina.Rosenbaum@carroll.org
Website: www.carroll.org
Posted by Nancy at 12:07 AM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2006
The 2007 Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference
The 2007 Center on Disabilities at California State University, Northridge's Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference is scheduled to take place March 19-24 at the Los Angeles Hilton, Marriott and Renaissance Hotels.
Some new programs are:
- The Aging Track – General Sessions focusing on aging-related or aging-acquired disabilities will be held this year. Experts in this field will share their knowledge and the latest trends and research in this area which is certain to become a standard in our program content for the future.
- Young Researchers Consortium – Students in advanced degree programs have been invited to present their research, findings, and general studies in relation to Assistive Technology. These dedicated young students will be the leaders and speakers in the years to come, so now is your chance to peek into the future.
- On-line Registration – This year, for the first time, they will be providing on-line registration for everyone coming to the conference! Their goal is to offer you quicker, more convenient and improved customer service with this program.
So save the dates for the Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference: March 19-24, 2007.
Visit:
www.csun.edu/cod/conf
Posted by Nancy at 11:12 PM | Comments (0)
Spring 2007 Internships Available at 50 Years Is Enough
50 Years Is Enough is seeking reliable, smart, politically aware, progressive interns to assist the Network staff in the day to day functioning of the Network. The position includes administrative, organizing, and research work.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in organizing events and activities for the Network;
- Research and write short 2-4 page policy briefs;
- Develop organizing materials and short information pieces for activists;
- Attend meetings and assist with follow-up; and
- Administrative tasks -filing, copying, returning calls, mailings, completing information requests.
- Knowledge of economic development issues;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Above average computer literacy;
- A willingness to work hard and learn in a progressive environment;
- Relevant experience working on international economic issues, environment or human rights issues.
- At least a three (3) month commitment (Start any date);
- 25+ hours a week; and
- Unpaid and/or Work Study Students.
writing sample to:
- 50 Years Is Enough Network,
3628 12th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017
e-mail: info@50years.org
web: www.50years.org
50 Years Is Enough: U.S. Network for Global Economic Justice is comprised of over 200 U.S. grassroots, women's, solidarity, faith-based, policy, social- and economic- justice, youth, labor and development organizations dedicated to the profound transformation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The 50 Years Is Enough Network works in solidarity with over 180 international partner organizations in more than 60 countries. Through education and action, the Network is committed to transforming the international financial institutions' policies and practices, and to making the development process democratic and accountable. We have been working together since our inception in 1994, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the World Bank and IMF. We focus on action-oriented economic literacy training, public mobilization, and policy advocacy.
Posted by Nancy at 10:05 PM | Comments (0)
December 13, 2006
Freedom Scientific Provides Teachers with New Flexible Braille Study Aid
(St. Petersburg, Florida, December 6, 2006) - Thanks to a free Web download from Freedom Scientific, vision teachers can now use everyday word processing software to create custom interactive braille study lessons. The tutorial is called FSBraille Coach and comprises 51 pre-developed lessons that include basic tests for beginners and more rigorous exercises for more advanced braille readers.
FSBraille Coach is a free software download created for use with Freedom Scientific's PAC Mate accessible Pocket PC.
With FSBraille Coach, students use their PAC Mate's 20- or 40-cell braille display to run through a series of lessons and reading exercises, getting immediate spoken help with any braille symbol they encounter by simply pressing a button above the symbol. Their PAC Mate will first say the symbol and then speak the word and spell it out. The lessons are designed as a teaching support for uncontracted and contracted braille.
"What I find exciting about FSBraille Coach is that it makes learning enjoyable so that students really get the most from their braille study," said Jonathan Mosen, Vice President of Freedom Scientific. "PAC Mate's Braille Study Mode lets you turn any reading material of your choice into an interactive braille study exercise."
The 51 FSBraille Coach lessons start with the basics - the alphabet and numbers - and progress to the more complex contracted word forms. Many teachers who previewed FSBraille Coach and PAC Mate's Braille Study Mode said they were excited about being able to create their own lessons and reading exercises using a standard word processing application, such as Microsoft Word®.
To use FSBraille Coach, you must be running PAC Mate version 4.1 or later, as numerous enhancements have been made to Braille Study Mode.
Download FSBraille Coach free from Freedom Scientific's PAC Mate Headquarters.
About Freedom Scientific
Freedom Scientific is the world's leading manufacturer of assistive technology products for those who are blind and vision impaired and products for the special education and learning disability markets.
Freedom Scientific® and PAC Mate™ are either trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States and/or other countries. The names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Media Contact: Brad Davis
Freedom Scientific, Blind/Low Vision Group
11800 31st Court North St.
Petersburg, Florida 33716-1805
800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000
www.FreedomScientific.com
Posted by Nancy at 06:17 PM | Comments (0)
December 08, 2006
Shop Amazon: New Opportunity to Support eSight
Take advantage of a new opportunity to support eSight Careers Network and help you simplify your to-do list for holiday shopping.
During this holiday season, every purchase you make through Amazon.com can help support eSight Careers Network.
Here's how it works:
- Use our links to visit Amazon.com
- For everything you purchase, from books, CDs and DVDs, to toys, electronics, and apparel – basically everything Amazon.com sells – eSight will automatically receive a percentage of the total sale (6 percent on average).
Don't know what to get someone? Amazon.com gift certificates are always the perfect gift, redeemable for millions of items on the Amazon.com Web site. They can be sent via email, an e-card, or on paper through the mail. And eSight will receive a percentage of each gift certificate sale.
You can also visit the eSight's Store at any time (all year long) to make purchases through Amazon.com that also benefit eSight.
Please pass this on to friends and colleagues. The more people shop Amazon.com using our links the more support The Associated Blind will receive.
This service is offered as a convenience to friends of eSight Careers Network through The Associated Blind's participation in the Amazon Associates program. All purchase, delivery, and return questions should be referred to Amazon.com customer service. The Associated Blind does not endorse Amazon.com or any product purchased from Amazon.com.
Posted by Nancy at 05:14 PM | Comments (0)
December 06, 2006
Craigslist Now Hiring a CTC VISTA
Craigslist has helped us all find apartments, roommates, cars, furniture, dates, just about anything you could ask for. Now's your chance to give back as an AmeriCorps VISTA.
They are hiring a CTC VISTA, responsible for the development of online resources and technology infrastructure.
Please visit http://ctcvista.org/recruit?app_id=411 for a complete job description.
Stipend of roughly $11K/yr, paid every two weeks + $1200 end-of-service bonus or $4725 Education Award (Includes Health Insurance).
To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to Liza Schlang liza@craigslistfoundation.org
Posted by Nancy at 01:23 PM | Comments (0)
December 05, 2006
NYC Mentoring Workshop: Career Opportunities in Human Service
The Verrazano Foundation in collaboration with
Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy Center &
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
Invites you to a Mentoring Workshop: Career Opportunities in Human Service.
- Living with mental illness?
- Interested in a career in mental health and human services?
- What kind of training do you need and where can you get it?
Join us and featured speakers….. for an exploration, sharing, and peer support.
When: Friday, January 19, 2007
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy Center
2090 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd, 12th floor, New York, NY 10027
Pre-Registration Required: Register early-capacity is limited!
To register for the workshop, please contact Mkada Beach at (212) 788-2830 or by email to DMD@cityhall.nyc.gov
By subway, take the A, B, C, or D to 125th Street
For all other questions, please contact Ken Byalin at The Verrazano Foundation
Verrazano Careers is supported in part by a grant the Sara Chait Memorial Foundation, Inc. to The Verrazano Foundation.
The Verrazano Foundation
777 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305
Phone: 718-667-2832 Fax: 718-667-2344 E-mail: information@verrazanofoundation.org
www.verrazanofoundation.org
Posted by Nancy at 10:54 PM | Comments (0)
Announcing the Lavelle Fund-sponsored college stipend program for financially needy tri-state area undergraduates who are blind
The Lavelle Fund for the Blind is pleased to announce the launch of a Lavelle Fund-sponsored college stipend program for financially needy tri-state area undergraduates who are legally blind. At present, three New York City area colleges are participating in the program:
- Dominican College,
Fordham University, and
St. John's University.
Please share this information with anyone who might be eligible to apply for a Lavelle Fund-sponsored stipend -- or who might know of eligible students.
The best place to go for answers to questions about how the program works at the three participating colleges is the colleges themselves.
Posted by Nancy at 09:10 PM | Comments (0)