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July 31, 2007

AT&T Launching New Services to Support Customers With Special Needs

(Jul 22, 2007) AT&T Inc. has announced plans to launch new wireless software products this year to increase usability for customers who are blind or visually impaired. AT&T will partner with Code Factory to offer two new products: Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier, both for Windows Mobile and Symbian Series 60 operating system devices.

AT&T consults with leaders from the disability community to develop product and service offerings designed to meet the needs of customers with vision loss. "By working closely with organizations that are committed to serving seniors or people with disabilities, AT&T is able to better understand the unique needs of its customers." said Carlton Hill, vice president of Product Management for AT&T's wireless unit. "These new software options will help make it easier for all individuals to enjoy a digital lifestyle wherever they go."

"Code Factory's mission is to make it possible for visually impaired consumers to use the most advanced mobile technology," said Eduard Sánchez, CEO of Code Factory. "AT&T has a long track record of enabling communications for all of its customers, and we are very pleased to partner with them to make even more mobile devices accessible to the visually impaired."

Mobile Speak is a powerful, full-fledged screen reader with an easy-to-learn command structure, intuitive speech feedback in several languages and Braille support that can be used with or without speech. Unlike other screen readers for mobile phones, Mobile Speak automatically detects information that the blind user should know, just as a sighted user would easily find highlighted items or key areas of the screen at a glance. Supported applications and functions include:

Speed dial, call lists and contacts Text messaging Calendar, tasks, notes and calculator Internet browser Word, Excel and PowerPoint Voice Recorder, Media Player, voice speed dial and voice command Phone/device settings, profiles, alarms and ringtones Mobile Magnifier is a flexible, full-screen magnification application that supports low- and high-resolution screens and can be used with or without speech feedback. Magnification software is compatible with a wide range of mobile devices. Unique features include:

Magnification levels from 1.25x to 16x Font-smoothing for easier readability Three different layouts: a full-screen, split and distributed view Different color schemes, including inverted color Automatic panning and cursor-tracking Automatic zoom function that detects areas of interest on the screen

"We have found that individuals who have vision loss want to be able to choose from a range of wireless handsets," said Paul Schroeder, vice president of Programs and Policy, American Foundation for the Blind. "Just like people who can see, customers with disabilities want options. We applaud AT&T for its leadership in investing the effort to understand and address the needs of individuals with vision loss."

Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier for Windows Mobile and Symbian Series 60 operating system devices will be available from AT&T in the fall of 2007.

Source: AT&T

Posted by Nancy at 11:22 AM | Comments (0)

Hire Disability Solutions Introduces ADA Training Network

Brooklyn, NY - July 31, 2007 - Now more than ever, people with disabilities are increasingly integrated into mainstream America. With the passage of the ADA and other disability rights laws people with disabilities are working, shopping, eating and visiting in their communities just as people without disabilities do. One barrier that continues to be significant is attitude. Consider the fact that disabilities can, and probably will, effect everyone, whether directly or indirectly.

Hire Disability Solutions Now Offers the Following Training Courses, in Conjunction with Cornell University ILR School. The objective of the following courses is to:

There are Nine (9) Training Programs to Choose from. You can combine any or all of the programs to specifically meet your organizational needs and interests:

These Training Programs are Ideal for Human Resource and Diversity Professionals and Executives that Wish to Increase Diversity Awareness and Include the Relatively Untapped Community of Talented Individuals with Disabilities as they Strive for True Inclusion.

To Register or Receive More Information Contact
Billy Valentine at 718-499-6757
URL: www.HireDS.com


Hire Disability Solutions LLC, is a national leader in recruiting the best and brightest people for visionary companies. We help enhance your corporate image, build your brand and boost your bottom line through our expertise with diversity and total inclusion across cultures, class and disabilities. A full service consulting firm, Hire Disability Solutions also provides staff training, sourcing workplace technology, advice on federal compliance issues and provides superior recruitment efforts via our Hire Disability Solutions Career Network powered by Monster®.

Posted by Nancy at 10:03 AM | Comments (0)

July 24, 2007

Art Beyond Sight: Multimodal Approaches to Learning, Creativity and Communication: NYC

Date: September 28-30, 2007

Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

Following the sold-out 2005 conference on multimodal approaches to learning, Art Education for the Blind (AEB) and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are organizing a second international conference to further address the challenges faced by educators, artists, museum professionals, architects and designers to create multimodal learning opportunities and environments that better serve all audiences. This conference will address multiple modalities in the following disciplines: cognitive psychology and neuroscience; universal/human-centered design, products and environments in the 21st century; art history, contemporary art and new media; and education for people with sensory and other disabilities. The conference brings together educators, museum curators, psychologists, neuroscientists, architects, designers, anthropologists, scientists, and others concerned with multimodal learning, disability, art and education.

Teachers College, Columbia University provides a continuing education credit for this conference.

Posted by Nancy at 09:26 PM | Comments (0)

Distance Learning Program: Medical Transcription Training Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Heather Stanga (hstanga)@houstonlighthouse.org)
The Lighthouse of Houston
phone: 713/284-8438
fax: 713/284-8451

The Lighthouse of Houston is now offering their popular medical transcription training program as a distance learning program. With a 35 year track record in teaching medical transcription and a placement rate of 100% for students completing the 18-month program, this Lighthouse of Houston course provides a path to a professional career where individuals with visual impairment can excel.

With the aging of the baby boomers, healthcare careers are expected to be in high demand. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts that "job opportunities will be good. Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to grow faster than average…through 2014."(1)

The National Center for Health Statistics data on blindness and employment are daunting, with 70% estimated as unemployed. (2) This program alleviates one of the largest barriers to employment and training…LOCATION. The student does not have to relocate or arrange daily transportation to attend daily training sessions. Following the 18 month training program, students would be ready to enter the workforce in either an on-the-job training position or in an entry level medical transcription position.

This distance learning program uses phone conferencing, web conferencing, and email to receive lectures and assignments from instructors. This dependence on only proven technologies allows the student to focus on course content rather than "learning" the distance software. All technologies used are compatible with both screen readers and text enlargers, with extensive testing completed for JAWS and ZoomText.

How to be a part of the program? Call us NOW! Classes are forming and will begin as soon as our target enrollment is reached. The estimated start date is October 15. Contact Shelagh Moran at 713-284-8490 or smoran@houstonlighthouse.org for additional information on the program.


1.) Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Medical Transcriptionists, on the Internet at(visited February 23, 2006).
2.) National Center for Health Statistics, 1998 National Health Interview Survey - Disability Supplement, 1994 and 1995.

Posted by Nancy at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)

July 23, 2007

AFB public policy internships 2007-2008

The American Foundation for the Blind Public Policy Center announces the availability of public policy internship opportunities for 2007-2008.


Posted by Nancy at 06:49 PM | Comments (0)

July 20, 2007

Senior Vision Teleconference: August 2, 2007

The Assistive Technology Center LLC in cooperation with professionals working with seniors undergoing vision loss presents a teleconference dedicated to discussion and enlightenment concerning visual impairments such as Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracs, as well as normal changes in the aging eye.

Participants will be provided with a toll free phone number to call along with a PIN number that will allow access to the teleconference itself.

Date: Thursday, August 2, 2007

Time: 10:00 to noon Pacific time


Dr. Robert Gold from Evergreen, Colorado will offer insight into coping with various eye conditions as well as provide information about vitamin supplements and medical trends to assist those with vision loss.

Robert Leblond, President of the Assistive Technology Center will present information about useful technological solutions that can assist those undergoing vision loss to continue living independently.

Ms. Marilee Walker, a Rehabilitation Vision Specialist from Sacramento, California will discuss the importance of using your remaining vision utilizing various adaptive technology tools. She will provide heightened awareness and strategies for developing eccentric vision that can only benefit your overall use of vision.

Time will be made available for Q&A.

If you would like to participate, please call for details and to reserve your space. Senior residential facilities may register groups to take part.

Phone ATC at 916-381-5011 Option #3 or Toll Free: 888-723-5011 Option #3

ATC continues to revolutionize innovative means of connecting with perspective clients and empowering individuals.

Posted by Nancy at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)

July 19, 2007

"Talent for a Winning Team" Poster Now Available

2007 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) poster
Patches of color (blues, greens, browns and purple) serve as the backdrop to the 2007 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) poster. The theme, Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team, is depicted by a runner’s legs, one of them prosthetic, sprinting to success while crossing the patchwork. The words “October 2007 is National Disability Employment Awareness Month” appear in the upper right corner of the poster. The lower right corner includes the words “U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy” and the agency’s web site address.

Availability: The print copy of this poster is available in either a 20” x 30” and/or a 10” x 15” size. Please send your request to NDEAM@dol.gov

The 2007 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) poster, depicting this year’s theme, Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team, is now available. In addition to its representation of the national NDEAM theme, this poster is popular throughout the year in connection with events that foster employment opportunities for workers with disabilities.

Each year, U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao selects the official theme. The Office of Disability Employment Policy leads the national recognition. Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, established October as the official month to recognize the contributions that individuals with disabilities have made to the workforce and the workplace.

Posted by Nancy at 04:33 PM | Comments (0)

July 17, 2007

Seminars@Hadley: Focus on Employment: a Panel Discussion -- Saturday, 7/28/07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2007

CONTACT
The Hadley School for the Blind
Phone: 800-323-4238
E-mail: info@hadley.edu

Seminars@Hadley focuses on all aspects of employment. Why can't blindness or visual impairment (BVI) be considered an asset to employment? How does a prospective BVI employee approach the topic of visual impairment in a job interview? What is "reasonable accommodation?" How does an applicant best discuss his or her needs in an interview?

If you are want answers to questions like these, join us for a lively and informative seminar, "Focus on Employment: a Panel Discussion," Saturday July 28, 11 a.m. CDT (4 p.m. GMT)

Speakers: Chuck Young, president of Hadley, has 30 years experience assisting the so-called "disabled" find employment, including individuals who are homeless, alcohol and drug dependent and those with cognitive disabilities.

Gil Johnson, American Foundation for the Blind's Western Regional Director, has studied the BVI issue and employment from the position of counselor, administrator and trainer.

Mike Bullis, of the Blind Industries & Services of Maryland, has been a student of this topic his entire life. He gained experience from being a BVI consumer himself and went on to manage an employment agency.

Registration is required by going to http://www.hadley.edu/seminar/ and following the "Registration" link. You will receive instructions on how to log in to the seminar. Please note registration will only be taken online, and not by phone. Please read the technology requirements listed below prior to the seminar.

Technology requirements:

The Hadley School for the Blind uses Talking Communities tcConference software for its popular Seminars@Hadley, interactive seminars on a variety of topics. If you wish to participate in Seminars@Hadley, you must install the appropriate plug-in prior to the first login. To install the plug-in, follow the "Download and install the new plug-in" link on the Seminar Login page.

This version is for Windows only and it is not compatible with Macintosh at this time.

System requirements: Windows98, ME, 2K, XP or 2003 (XP recommended) system, Pentium 3 500 MHz or better CPU, 512 MB RAM, Internet Explorer 6, 7 or FireFox, JavaScript and cookies enabled in the browser, 56K or faster Internet connection (broadband recommended), full duplex audio device, speakers, and microphone (optional).

Posted by Nancy at 05:04 PM | Comments (0)

Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation is Now Open for Applications

National Braille Press is pleased to announce the Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation is now open for applications. The Gibney Family Foundation initiated the Touch of Genius prize as a tie-in to NBP's recently published biography of Louis Braille to stimulate new thinking in the area of tactile literacy.

The Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation will be granted to an individual or group of individuals who advances the cause of tactile literacy for blind and deafblind people worldwide. Louis Braille was an innovator—and this $20,000 award seeks to identify a similar pacesetter and inspire future innovators.

More details and an application are at: http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/braille/louisbrailleprize.html

Posted by Nancy at 09:16 AM | Comments (0)

July 12, 2007

Paving the Way to Work: A Guide to Career-Focused Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities

Career-focused Mentoring for Youth: The What, Why, and How

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has developed a fact sheet on career-focused mentoring for older youth and young adults with disabilities.

This fact sheet explains the importance of career-focused mentoring and features a table of mentoring activities that assist youth in achieving skills to transition successfully into adulthood. The fact sheet is based on a guide that ODEP produced with the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, Paving the Way to Work: A Guide to Career-Focused Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities.


Download The Complete Guide

Posted by Nancy at 04:13 PM | Comments (0)

Momentum’09

Momentum’09 is an event in planning to deliver a major international Symposium in the world-wide calendar of Disability Arts festivals. Due to take place in Auckland, New Zealand during the Summer of 2009, the event will deliver a 4-day Symposium involving the world’s leaders in the field.
Momentum’09 logo
As well as providing time and space for intense debate on a range of issues and topics, Momentum’09 will concentrate on dialogue, audience development and capacity building via a learning fair marketplace offering professional development planning and highlighting career opportunities to artists. Momentum’09 will promote creativity in the widest form in all aspects of functional diversity and will have a strong youth development focus.

The aim is to create a highly participative programme, bringing together disabled artists and arts workers, representatives from funding bodies and mainstream arts organisations and venues. There is a strong commitment to attracting a representative and culturally diverse delegation, specifically addressing indigenous or culturally diverse disabled artists and arts enthusiasts; the inclusion of Deaf arts and Survivors of the mental health system. The organisers of Momentum will strive for a ‘global village’ feel to the event, where all delegates, performers and participants come together to celebrate the achievements of disabled people in the arts to date and build upon the ‘momentum’ for a thriving and vibrant future.

Posted by Nancy at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)

July 11, 2007

Advanced System Access Training Seminar

On Thursday, July 26, 2007, the Assistive Technology Center will hold an Advanced System Access Training Seminar from 10 AM to 3 PM, Pacific time.

Topics to be covered will include:

  1. System Access and advanced Word features;
  2. System Access and Excel;
  3. System Access and Power Point;
  4. C-SAW (Community Supported Accessible Websites);
  5. Using the new System Access To Go reader tool; and
  6. Configuring System Access for your special needs

This session will be limited to individuals who have taken the basic System Access class either at our facility, online, or via our phone conference center or who have a good working knowledge of System Access.

This training seminar will take place at the Assistive Technology Center at 5330 Power Inn Rd. Suite F, Sacramento, CA 95820.

The cost for this seminar is $95.

Attendance will be strictly limited, so please
reserve your space early.

Posted by Nancy at 08:12 PM | Comments (0)

Help the Helpers & Train the Trainers

In the age of information technology overload, we all have to call on tech support occasionally or maybe even frequently. This is also true for users of adaptive technology or for those who provide support for users of specialized computer technology. EASI has an online course, Train the Trainer, to support these overloaded support people. The description of the August course is below, and for those who join us in August, we are providing a tech support CD to help you training your institution's tech support people. The CD is loaded with tips, demos, videos, training PowerPoint shows and more. There are some 210 MB of data on the CD which is offered as an August special for those registering for the August course.

The link below will provide a preview of what is on the CD: http://easi.cc/download/techsupport.htm

The Train the Trainer course is designed to run for 4 weeks and is designed to let you gain hands-on experience using demos of much of the adaptive technology you will need to understand in order to provide training.

Course registration is $350 with a $70 discount for students and participants from overseas. You can read the syllabus and register online at: http://easi.cc/workshops/train.htm

Week 1:

LESSON 1: Introduction to training users with disabilities on adaptive computer technology

This lesson will begin with participants providing a personal introduction as learning will happen better when we are acquainted. It will also introduce the adaptive technologies that participants will learn about as well as providing some background on the characteristics of the disability groups for which they will most likely be providing training. We will assure participants that we believe they do not need to be experts on all these technologies or on all people with disabilities. Our goal is to provide basic, initial technology skills and to provide helps that can readily be used to enable the trainer to refresh their skills on any system they may not have used for some time.

LESSON 2 OVERVIEW OF PERSONAL COMPUTER HARDWARE PLATFORMS

Modern computer operating systems all provide the user the ability to customize some of the appearance and functions of that computer to meet their personal tastes or needs. Sometimes, these accessibility features are somewhat primitive, and sometimes they are more sophisticated. Frequently, they are adequate to support someone with a limited disability, but may not be adequate for someone whose disability is more severe. They also are good tools to introduce a user to accessibility technologies before anyone makes an expensive purchase. The operating system accessibility features are an ideal choice for someone with a temporary disability such as a problem caused by an injury. Participants will become acquainted with the operating systems' accessibility features with hands-on use.

Week 2:

LESSON 3: TECHNOLOGY FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED CONSUMERS

These users have problem accessing the computer output displayed on the computer monitor and need technologies giving them an alternative access to that information. The course will limit its training to 1-2 of the major screen reader and screen magnification systems. Other packages function similarly and have similar command systems so the basic knowledge will carry over. Tips on working with visually impaired users will be provided. Participants will spend time actually using both a screen reader and a screen magnification package. Several have demo versions for download.

LESSON 4: TECHNOLOGY FOR PERSONS WITH HEARING RELATED DISABILITIES

While these users may not need adaptive technology to be able to use computers, there are many computer applications that do provide special support for these users both in their personal lives and in supporting their access to live presentations. Such applications include real time captioning and transcriptions. Trainers may be called on to interact with this population and need an initial understanding of their needs and support for them. Also, participants may appreciate a lesson without hands-on assignments.

Week 3

LESSON 5: Reading Support Technology For Persons With Learning Disabilities

Learning disability covers a broad spectrum of impairments and strengths. Participants will be introduced to this. This population can benefit from mainline and special software that compensates for impairments and maximizes their strengths. Many benefit from receiving information in dual sensory modes and from content display that is clean and uncluttered. Participants will experience several writing support tools.

LESSON 6: Writing Support Technology For Persons With Learning Disabilities

Many of the reading support tools also assist writing. Mainline writing support tools like spell checkers, grammar checkers and special features like word prediction are among the support tools. Participants will again acquire hands-on experience on such software.

Week 4

Lesson 7 Training Users with Motor Impairments (Voice Recognition, Onscreen Keyboards, track ball, etc.)

Users whose impairments interfere with their effective use of the keyboard require other tools to improve their ability to input information into the computer. Voice recognition has improved greatly in recent years and is a popular alternative input tool. Other solutions include an alternative mouse, onscreen keyboards and a multitude of other special switches. The choice of systems will depend on the specific motor impairment and, to some extent, the personal choices of the user. Many of these tools are inexpensive. There are also demo versions of many packages, and participants will gain experience working with tools for people with motor impairments.

Lesson 8 Providing Institution-wide Awareness of the Needs of Users With Disabilities

The trainer will have a basic understanding of the technology support needs of people with disabilities and of the technologies that assist them. Providing advocacy for these students and awareness training to members of the school, university, or business will help integrate these users into the overall organization. Besides being a trainer, you will be uniquely positioned to be an advocate. As part of that role, you can urge the institution to develop policies not only guiding your department but impacting all faculty and staff. Progress always happens best where there are clear policies and some system of accountability.

Final Test

There will be a final pass/fail, multiple choice tests. It will help us know that our lessons do present the basics clearly and help our participants know they have grasped at least the major basics. The test can be retaken.

Posted by Nancy at 02:56 PM | Comments (0)

Diversity Expo 2007 - 7/18/07

Equal Opportunity Employers will gather to meet and interview professionals at Diversity Expo in New York City July 18th! Great opportunities for Sales, Financial Professionals, Investment Services, Fashion, Retail, Information Technology, Insurance, Office Administrators, Food Services / Hospitality, Law Enforcement and more.

Diversity Expo 2007
Wednesday, July 18th, 10am-4pm
Hilton New York
1335 Sixth Avenue, Rhinelander Room
New York, NY 10019

Event details http://www.DiversityExpo.com
Directions & Map Subway: B, D or E to 7th Ave
Only $5 Admission - College Degree or 2 Years Work experience Required - Professional Attire

Interview with these leading EOE Companies:

Event details on http://www.DiversityExpo.com

Posted by Nancy at 10:42 AM | Comments (0)

Computer Training Classes at Carroll Center for the Blind: Newton, MA

It may be summer, but our Fall schedule is already in full swing!
Here are the upcoming schedule of computer training classes for Fall 2007. Consumers should have basic keyboarding skills and have access to a computer and software when they return home. Assessments for consumers who don't have equipment are also available.

Group classes will be instructed on Windows XP Pro with MSOffice 2003.
VISTA and MSOffice 2007 training is available upon request.

Group classes include MSWord, Outlook, Internet, intro to Excel. Advanced training in Excel and Powerpoint is also available.

On-line training for experienced users is also available at www.carrolltech.org Onsite training at job sites is provided. Training for students after school or during school vacations can be arranged.

Contact Dina Rosenbaum, ext. 238 for more information, or an application.

Dina Rosenbaum
Carroll Center for the Blind
770 Centre St, Newton, MA 02459
800-852-3131
www.carroll.org
www.carrolltech.org

Posted by Nancy at 09:31 AM | Comments (0)

July 10, 2007

Internships at The Disabilities Network of New York City

DNNYC Logo
The Disabilities Network of New York City is offering several new, exciting and unique internship opportunities.

Interns will gain valuable skills that can be transferred to careers in nonprofits and advocacy. Positions may be customized to fit the organization's needs and the intern's skills, experience and interests.


Fundraising

Intern will assist the Director of Development. May include writing grant proposals and letters, communicating with donors, developing budgets, researching potential donors and working with a donor database.

Depending on the organization's current needs, intern may serve as liaison to the Board of Directors or assist in event coordination. May also include writing marketing materials, processing donations and working with the Director of Advocacy on membership outreach.

Skills & Responsibilities:

Fundraising experience is a plus but not required. Intern may have opportunities to take fundraising workshops.


Advocacy

Intern will assist the Director of Advocacy. We are recruiting for this internship on a rolling basis for individuals willing to commit to at least 6 weeks. Internship provides an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual to develop new skills and gain professional development. This position will be 20 hours per week and is unpaid. As internships are designed to be instructional, intern will be involved in the policy and advocacy work of the Disabilities Network of NYC. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing, revolving basis.

Skills & Responsibilities:

Requirements:


Film Series

Intern will assist curator and staff with acquiring film entries as well as in researching, marketing & outreach to filmmakers, students and moviegoers. Help with outreach and maintaining database entries. Assist with obtaining and marketing screenings prior to monthly events. Also support staff with screenings, events, and promotions during the festival and throughout the year.

Skills & Responsibilities: Individual should be interested in disability and in film and film-related events. We are looking for a quick thinker, team player, problem solver and self-starter who are organized, detail-oriented, knowledgeable, friendly and outgoing.


Administration

Intern will assist with the organization's administrative duties. May include data entry/database management, filing, Internet research, note taking, copying, processing donations and submitting payment requests according to the policies of our fiscal sponsor.

Depending on the organization's current needs, the intern may assist in event coordination or serve as liaison to the Board of Directors, assistant to the Executive Director or the main administrative contact for the staff.

Skills & Responsibilities:

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Rebecca Hinde at 212-251-4141 or rebecca@dnnyc.net.

Please forward these descriptions to others who may be interested. Thank you!

Posted by Nancy at 08:14 PM | Comments (0)

July 09, 2007

Good Intentions Gone Awry: What Every Employer Should Know About the Interaction of the ADA and FMLA

Peter Petesch, managing partner for the Washington, D.C. office of the management-side labor law firm Ford & Harrison LLP will present the Web cast on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at 3:00pm Eastern; 2:00pm Central; 1:00pm Mountain; 12:00pm Pacific; 11:00am Alaska; 9:00am Hawaii.

This presentation will provide a broad overview of both the ADA and the FMLA while focusing on where they overlap and where they differ. Learn how to navigate both acts with confidence so as to better understand employees’ rights and employers’ responsibilities.

Peter Petesch, managing partner for the Washington, D.C. office of the management-side labor law firm Ford & Harrison LLP, represents a wide variety of businesses in labor and employment matters. He is admitted to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, federal appellate courts nationwide, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He counsels employers on problem-solving and employment policy matters, litigates employment and labor cases, and negotiates collective bargaining agreements. He teaches employment law to both human resource professionals and attorneys in continuing legal education courses. He was counsel for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on SHRM’s amicus briefs in four landmark Supreme Court ADA cases: Sutton v. United Air Lines, Murphy v. United Parcel Service, US Airways v. Barnett, and Chevron USA, Inc. v. Echazabal. He also appeared on behalf of SHRM as amicus curiae in Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing, Inc., another employment case. He received a 1997 National Business and Labor Award for Leadership on HIV/AIDS from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and served as Co-Chair to the Business Partners Board for the CDC’s Business Responds to AIDS program.

He served on the national SHRM Ethics Panel, and also served on the SHRM Code Integration Team, working on the development and refinement of the Code of Ethical and Professional Standards in Human Resource Management. He now serves on the SHRM Panel on Corporate Social Responsibility.

Mr. Petesch has been a presenter at several SHRM national and regional conferences on a variety of ADA and other employment law issues. He has published numerous articles on ADA and other employment issues in HR Magazine, Mosaics, and HR Legal Report, and often appeared on SHRM’s HR Newsscan. Mr. Petesch has been interviewed and published on employment law issues on PBS, ABC, CNBC, CNN, National Public Radio, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, Business Week, HR Magazine, HR News, BNA Daily Labor Report, Money, Workforce, and the business sections of newspapers nationwide. He is also on the editorial advisory board for Thompson Publications’ ADA Compliance Guide and Leave & Disability Coordination Handbook.

He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for labor and employment lawyers in the 2007 edition, and is AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

To link to this Web cast and download accompanying materials visit:
http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/calendar.html
For instructions on how to access a Web cast visit:
http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/instructions.html
Please visit this site ahead of time to test and ensure your computer is configured and updated to participate in the Web cast.

For technical assistance, please check out our FAQs (frequently asked questions) or contact a Web cast team member at webcast@ilru.org or 713.520.0232 (v/tty).

This Web cast is supported through the DBTAC - Southwest ADA Center, a project of ILRU. Southwest ADA Center is one of ten Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs) funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to provide training, technical assistance and materials dissemination on the ADA and other disability-related laws. NIDRR is part of the U.S. Department of Education.

The opinions and views expressed are those of the presenters and no endorsement by the funding agency should be inferred.

Posted by Nancy at 05:37 PM | Comments (0)

July 05, 2007

Walgreens Celebrates Universal Access for All Employees

On June 14, Walgreens CEO Jeffrey A. Rein welcomed local, state and national leaders to the largest celebration in Walgreens' history for a grand opening of one of their distribution centers. Located in Williamston, SC, the Anderson Distribution Center specifically recruited individuals with disabilities to join its workforce. According to Mr. Rein, "the facility is supported by what we believe to be the most advanced technology in the industry. But the true magic is in its team members and the high performing culture they have created. We believe this stems from the fact that Anderson is the first center of its kind where a significant portion of the workforce - approximately half of all employees hired to date - has a mental or physical disability."

ODEP's Special Assistant Loretta Herrington was a guest at the grand opening and toured the high tech stations where individuals with significant cognitive and physical disabilities worked side by side their co-workers without disabilities.

Walgreens is building a series of distribution centers that will open many jobs to people with disabilities. Learn more about this outreach at http://www.walgreensoutreach.com/

Posted by Nancy at 05:11 PM | Comments (0)

Hire Heroes Program Begins Operation Nationwide

Hire Heroes Logo (ATLANTA- June 2007) - Hire Heroes, a program designed to help veterans with disabilities find careers in the healthcare industry, officially starts operation today.

An initiative of the Health Careers Foundation, a non-profit healthcare education organization, Hire Heroes will provide career placement assistance to veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with any level of disability as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Hire Heroes is partnering with The Sierra Group, a disability management consultancy, to identify wounded veterans who are seeking employment and screen each applicant to determine career interests, job skills and location preferences.

Additionally, Hire Heroes will work with potential employers to identify suitable positions for the veterans and facilitate placements. Companies hiring veterans are eligible for a tax credit of $2,400 per hired hero and are entitled to a tax deduction for donations made to the program. Many states also offer additional tax credits for hiring veterans and people with disabilities, and credits are available for workplace accommodations.

"Approximately 23,000 wounded veterans will need assistance acclimating to civilian life," said Clayton Shepherd, chief executive officer, Health Careers Foundation. "With the support of the healthcare industry, the Hire Heroes program will be positioned to help these young men and women begin the adjustment processes as well as help address the nation's shortage of healthcare workers."

Hire Heroes' goal is to place more than 8,000 heroes in jobs within the healthcare industry in the first three years of operation.

"The Sierra Group is proud to join forces with Hire Heroes as a Candidate Sourcing partner," said Janet Fiore, CEO, The Sierra Group. "We will work with our business partners across America to find the right healthcare career fit for our returning heroes."

To learn more about the Hire Heroes organization, please visit www.hireheroesusa.org, or contact Bayne Tippins, Director, Hire Heroes 1-866-915-HERO.

Health Careers Foundation Health Careers Foundation, a non-profit healthcare organization, was founded in 1990 by a group of healthcare executives to assist those in need as they pursue their education in healthcare. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 4,500 individuals in 41 states and awarded more than $10 million in grants and low-interest loans. HCF focuses on helping to alleviate shortages of trained health care professionals in those areas most deficient, including:

The Sierra Group

The Sierra Group is a disability management consultancy serving corporations, job seekers, agencies, and LTD insurance companies across America with a mission to reverse the rate of unemployment for all people with disabilities, including veterans.

For more information:
Jill Winkler
404.835.4525
jwinkler@3atlanta.com

Posted by Nancy at 01:47 PM | Comments (0)