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March 31, 2008
Summer Braille Music Institute for Blind College-bound Musicians
Dates: Sunday, July 13, to Saturday, July 19, 2008
Presented by: The National Resource Center for Blind Musicians
Dates: Sunday, July 13, to Saturday, July 19, 2008
Setting: The Overbrook School for the Blind, on a beautiful campus in Philadelphia, blends its Spanish Renaissance architecture from the 1890s with a design for today's needs. School drivers will meet students at the train or airport and provide transportation for any off-campus activities.
About the Program: The Summer Braille Music Institute instructs blind college-bound musicians in Braille music and the skills needed for full participation in music theory classes at the high school and college level.
Days will be comprised of individual and group classes in braille music, use of the computer to submit written assignments, and tutoring in theory and related skills. Outdoor events on the campus, cookouts, group music activities meant for fun, and outings to concerts and recreation in Philadelphia's cultural centers will make this a full and wholesome week.
For more information: http://www.blindmusicstudent.org/Summer_Institute.htm
Posted by Nancy at 03:28 PM | Comments (0)
National ADA Symposium, May 12-14, 2008, America's Center, St. Louis, MO
The National ADA Symposium is a three day conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act and related disability laws that has earned the reputation as the most comprehensive event available on the ADA.
The DBTAC-ADA Centers are proud to announce that Symposium attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in a U.S. Access Board town meeting. The Access Board holds bi-annual town meetings in cities throughout the United States to receive feedback and recommendations on accessibility issues. This year, the Access Board will hold its town meeting in conjunction with the National ADA Symposium. The focus of the meeting will be airport access.
The 2008 National ADA Symposium also features:
- Extensive break-out session schedule that can be customized to individual needs and interests.
- Presentations from nationally recognized experts including representatives from the U.S. Access Board, U.S. Dept. of Justice, U.S. Dept. of Labor and the EEOC.
- Pre-Conference provides a choice of four sessions, three of which are introductory, the other advanced case law.
- Ample opportunity for networking and problem solving among participants.
- Social activities such as the Evening Reception and table-top discussion areas in the large EXPO Hall provide an atmosphere that encourages interaction.
- EXPO Hall filled with disability-related products and services, an Assistive Technology Fair, and wheelchair golf demonstrations.
Please visit the ADA Symposium website for more information, session schedule and descriptions, and on-line registration.
The National ADA Symposium is sponsored by the Network of DBTAC-ADA Centers.
Posted by Nancy at 02:08 PM | Comments (0)
ATC - Online Classes for April 2008
Assistive Technology Center LLC (ATC) is conducting the following on-line training seminars that will be available to those who are unable to take part in the trainings either as CD’s or downloadable files.
- On-Line Banking;
- Burn Baby Burn! (techniques for burning CD’s and DVD’s); and
- Internet Security
Thursday, April 3, 2007
2 to 4 PM PST
On-Line Banking
This seminar is designed to assist those not familiar with on-line banking to acquire an understanding of how financial institutions set up their web sites. Learn how to navigate these sites securely and with confidence. Determine for yourselves whether on-line bill pay will be for you. Check balances, transfer funds and much more. Through the use of on-line demonstration accounts, you will explore the possibilities. You won’t want to miss this event.
A $50. fee is required for participation.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
2 to 4 PM PST
Burn Baby Burn!
This seminar will impart the techniques for burning CD’s and DVD’s. Review of software functionalities and becoming proficient with the process will be explored. Learning about various formats and developing an understanding of the steps to be taken for transference of videos, music, audeo books is the goal of this seminar.
A $50. fee is required for participation in this training seminar.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
2 to 4 PM PST
Internet Security
With identity theft being a major concern for many Americans, we have developed this training seminar to put some of these fears to rest. What precautions can you take and what indicators will assist individuals from avoiding a catastrophe? Explore this topic with us and you will acquire knowledge that is power that will allow you to be better prepared for ordering on-line, downloading files and more.
A $50. fee is required for participation in this seminar.
To register, please call
888-723-5011 Ext. 3
Those wishing to participate must register by contacting us and providing either a credit card or sending in a check prior to the seminar. Participants will be contacted via e-mail with information on classroom location and password for the training.
Posted by Nancy at 01:07 PM | Comments (0)
Mountbatter Workshop for Educators at The Carroll Center Technology Center
Mountbatten Learning Systems in the Classroom
Date: April 4, 2008
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Carroll Center Technology Center, 770 Centre St., Newton, MA 02459
Cost: FREE
Presented by: Humanware & The Carroll Center.
Registration Required.
This workshop will facilitate your understanding of how to introduce the MBLS into your classroom. You will learn how to edit and format documents, create files, emboss files, forward and back translate Braille, use the Mimic to translate Braille into print. Also, we will use the advance commands to access additional applications, such as a new feature for preschool students. The MBLS keyboard may be used to produce musical notes to teach the Braille Music Code.
To register go to http://www.carroll.org/technology/tech-news or call Dina Rosenbaum at 800-852-3131.
--
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 12:27 PM | Comments (0)
New Course Offered by Hadley: Business Communications
Hadley's new course, "Business Communications," teaches students how to develop effective speaking, listening and nonverbal techniques useful in a business setting. Open to students in the Adult Continuing Education and High School programs, this six-lesson course is available in large print, braille, cassette and online.
The first lesson is an introduction to principles of effective communication. Lesson 2 identifies basic communication skills. Lesson 3 delves into group dynamics and workplace diversity, while Lesson 4 explores working in team situations. Lesson 5 introduces managing conflict in workplace situations. The final lesson will help students apply advanced communication skills.
"Gaining effective communication skills requires practice," says instructor Amy Salmon. "This course does not simply tell you how to communicate effectively, you are also encouraged to practice the skills covered in the course through role-play with family and friends. In addition, students evaluate real-life business situations and improve the quality of the communication."
For enrollment information, visit www.hadley.edu, or call Student Services at 800-526-9909.
### Founded in 1920, The Hadley School for the Blind is the single largest, worldwide distance educator of persons who are visually impaired. Hadley offers over 100 tuition-free courses to eligible students. The school"s 10,000 annual enrollments are from all corners of the United States and more than 100 countries. Courses are available to students who are visually impaired, family members, and professionals. Visit us on the Web at www.hadley.edu.
Posted by Nancy at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)
March 27, 2008
Web 2.0 Accessibility (using the W3C ARIA Specifications)
This online course is designed for web developers to learn how to use the emerging W3C Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) recommendations to create accessible Web 2.0 applications. Participants will learn about the accessibility issues faced by people with disabilities in using the web, and how web resources can be designed to improve accessibility using the ARIA web standards.
Topics will include learning about the W3C "Roles for ARIA" and "States and Properties Module for ARIA" specifications for making Web 2.0 widgets compatible with assistive technologies through ARIA support in the Mozilla Firefox browser and assistive technologies like WindowEyes and JAWS screen readers. Participants will also build and test accessible Web 2.0 widgets using a best practices model, and learn about compatibility issues related to supporting ARIA widgets with Microsoft Internet Explorer and to creating valid HTML documents.
Instructor: Jon Gunderson, Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) and CITES
Fee: $495 (special price of $295 for state and higher education employees)
Deadline to Register: Friday, Apr. 11, 2008
Dates: Apr. 15 & 17, 22 & 24, 29 & May 1, May 6 & 8, 2008 (all TuTh)
Times: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time)
Registration Code: ITA-024-C
Location: Online using Elluminate
Registration is easy! You can most easily register online or by telephone:
- Online: simply complete the Registration Form; or
- Telephone: call us at 217-333-6285 for rapid registration
(leave a message if the registrar is unavailable -- be sure to include all required information.)
Posted by Nancy at 05:26 PM | Comments (0)
March 26, 2008
Photography Workshop at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2008Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
In this day-long photography workshop individuals, of all ages who are blind or partially sighted, will learn about photography techniques, visit the special exhibition Lee Friedlander: A Ramble in Olmsted Parks, and create their own photographs.
The program is free, but reservations are required and places are limited. Please call (212) 879-5500, ext. 3561 or e-mail access@metmuseum.org to make a reservation or for more information.
Access programs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art are made possible by MetLife Foundation. Access programs are also made possible by the generous support of the Filomen M. D’Agostino Foundation.
Additional support has been provided by the Renate, Hans & Maria Hofmann Trust; The Ceil & Michael E. Pulitzer Foundation, Inc.; and the Allene Reuss Memorial Trust.
Lee Friedlander (American, born 1934), Central Park, New York City, 1992, Gelatin silver print, Lent by the artist and Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10028.
Posted by Nancy at 06:49 PM | Comments (0)
March 23, 2008
Fourth Annual Tony Coelho Lecture with Guest Lecturer Senator Richard J. Durbin
Fourth Annual Tony Coelho Lecture in Disability Employment Law & Policy with Guest Lecturer Senator Richard J. Durbin
Date: Monday, April 14, 2008,
Time: 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.,
Location: Stiefel Reading Room, New York Law School,
Presented by: New York Law School's Justice Action Center
Senator Dick Durbin is the Assistant Majority Leader of the United States Senate and the senior U.S. Senator from Illinois. Senator Durbin has a distinguished record of working to break down the barriers that exclude people with disabilities.
For information about this event in a text-only format, please visit www.nyls.edu/coelho. For further information, please call (212) 431-2314.
Posted by Nancy at 02:25 PM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2008
Database of more than 1,700 job candidates with disabilities to be made available to employers
WASHINGTON — On March 19, the U.S. Department of Labor will make available to employers nationwide a free database of 1,769 new job candidates with disabilities seeking work in a wide variety of fields. Federal employers can tap into this ongoing recruitment resource online, and private sector, other government and nonprofit employers can request unlimited searches by calling a toll-free telephone number.
"Finding and retaining qualified workers is vital to all employers," said Karen M. Czarnecki, acting assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "The Workforce Recruitment Program serves as a pipeline for organizations to hire workers in summer jobs, train and evaluate them, and then transition them into permanent positions when they graduate from college."
The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities, co-sponsored by the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Department of Defense, compiled the database by sending recruiters to nearly 200 college campuses across the country to interview eligible undergraduate and post-graduate students. Many of the students are seeking summer job opportunities, while others have graduated and are looking for permanent employment.
In using the database, an employer sets the criteria for each candidate search by specifying location, college/university, degree program, position type and length of appointment. Job seekers represent many high-demand fields of study, including accounting, administration, business, communications, computers, criminal justice, education, engineering, human resources/equal employment opportunity, health care, law, the social sciences and the sciences.
Hiring officials at federal agencies can access the Workforce Recruitment Program database and conduct independent searches on the Internet by obtaining a password at https://wrp.gov. Employers in the private sector, state and local government agencies, and nonprofit organizations should contact the Labor Department's Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network at 866-327-6669 to access the database.
The Workforce Recruitment Program has assisted employers in identifying job candidates with disabilities who meet their recruitment needs since 1995.
ODEP is leading a 21st century federal response to the historic underemployment of people with disabilities. In collaboration with other government agencies, public and private employers, and additional stakeholders, ODEP facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace. ODEP's work primarily falls into three categories: employers and the workplace; workforce systems; and employment-related supports, which include education and training, health care, reliable transportation, affordable housing and assistive technology. For more information about the agency, visit www.dol.gov/odep.
Posted by Nancy at 07:48 PM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2008
DOE National Technical Advisory Council Nominations
National Technical Advisory Council; Notice of Establishment and
Call for NominationsAGENCY: Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of Establishment of the National Technical Advisory
Council.SUMMARY: The Secretary announces her intention to establish the National Technical Advisory Council. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463 as amended; 5 U.S.C. Appendix 2) (FACA) will govern the Committee.
Purpose: In order to help ensure that the Department is making sound technical decisions related to the approval of State-designed standards, assessments, and accountability systems under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the National Technical Advisory Council (NTAC) shall advise the Secretary of Education and the Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education (Assistant Secretary) on the design and implementation of standards, assessments, and accountability systems consistent with Federal statutes and regulations.
The NTAC shall consist of no more than 15 members. The members shall be experts in assessment and accountability and shall consist of academicians, researchers, and national, state, and local policymakers. At least one-third of the members must have experience working in or with State educational agencies or local educational agencies. Members will be appointed by the Secretary to terms of no more than three (3) years, and initial terms shall be staggered.
The Secretary seeks nominations from the public for members to serve on the NTAC. A submission for a nomination for membership on the NTAC must include the nominee's contact information and information regarding the nominee's qualifications, such as a resume, current or recent positions, or research undertaken related to educational assessment and accountability. To submit a nomination, send an e-mail to oese@ed.gov with the subject "NTAC" or respond in writing to Patrick Rooney, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202. The period for nominations will close three weeks from the date of this notice.
The Assistant Secretary shall appoint a Designated Federal Officer for the Council. The DFO, in consultation with the NTAC Chair, will set the agenda for the NTAC and schedule meetings on an as-needed basis but at least twice a year. Meetings will be open to the public except as may be determined otherwise by the Secretary. At the request of the Chair, the DFO may create sub-councils consisting of at least three (3) members of the NTAC to provide guidance on an ad-hoc basis to the Assistant Secretary. The sub-councils' recommendations will be reviewed by the full Council before being submitted to the Assistant Secretary. In lieu of an annual report, following each meeting of the full NTAC or a sub-council of the NTAC, a summary of the proceedings will be prepared by the Department and then reviewed by the Council, and, upon approval of the Council, submitted to the Assistant Secretary. The reports will be made available to the public. The report shall, at a minimum, contain the topics discussed, a summary of the discussion, and recommendations for the Department, including research to be undertaken.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Rooney, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202, Telephone: (202) 401-0113. Dated: March 13, 2008. Margaret Spellings, Secretary of Education. [FR Doc. E8-5485 Filed 3-18-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
Posted by Nancy at 02:16 PM | Comments (0)
National Council on Disability Says Let People with Psychiatric Disabilities Become Part of the American Dream
WASHINGTON -- The National Council on Disability (NCD) today released a paper entitled Inclusive Livable Communities for People with Psychiatric Disabilities,calling on Congress and the Administration to fully include and integrate people with psychiatric disabilities into America's livable communities. Let people with psychiatric disabilities become part of the American dream.
According to NCD Chairperson John R. Vaughn, "For the promise of full integration into the community to become a reality, people with disabilities need safe and affordable housing; access to transportation; access to the political process; and the right to enjoy whatever services, programs, and activities are offered to all members of the community by both public and private entities. Although previous NCD reports addressed people across the full array of disabilities, a main focus of accessibility was on environmental elements that primarily apply more to the 'obvious' disabilities than to 'hidden' disabilities like many psychiatric disabilities and mental illnesses. Information about the six identified elements of livable communities, other elements, barriers, and promising practices for people with psychiatric disabilities needs to be broadened to achieve all-inclusive communities."
This paper focuses specifically on expanding the livable communities framework and elements to people with psychiatric disabilities and supports full inclusion that leaves out no one. Grounded in the six identified elements, a livable community
- Provides affordable, appropriate, accessible housing
- Ensures accessible, affordable, reliable, safe transportation
- Adjusts the physical environment for inclusiveness and accessibility
- Provides work, volunteer, and education opportunities
- Ensures access to key health and support services
- Encourages participation in civic, cultural, social, and recreational activities
When the focus shifts specifically to people with psychiatric disabilities, it becomes plain that without expansion this framework is insufficient to ensure the full integration of all people who have disabilities. The main barrier that people with psychiatric disabilities face is that a community that eliminates all the physical environment barriers still may not be fully accessible to people with psychiatric disabilities because of ingrained attitudes toward mental illness. Before people with psychiatric disabilities can even begin to take full advantage of the elements of the livable communities framework, they must be able to surmount an attitudinal barrier.
The attitudinal barrier is exemplified by outdated policies, programs, and beliefs about people with psychiatric disabilities as needing to receive all services within segregated settings in which mental health providers deliver housing, work, education, health care, and support services entirely within the mental health system. Abolishing this attitudinal barrier is necessary to ensure that people with psychiatric disabilities have access to the wider community and all that it may offer.
In this paper, by examining a variety of programs that show promise or have proved successful in achieving community integration for people with psychiatric disabilities, NCD recognizes the need for major changes in public policies to support further efforts for full integration and participation. Five core recommendations summarizing some needed federal-level changes follow.
Core Recommendation One: Congress should ensure that Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) appropriations continue to support anti-stigma campaigns and expand efforts to provide a funding base for self-help programs operated and run by mental health consumers and survivors, analogous to the funding provided under the Rehabilitation Act for operation of independent living centers. Consideration should be given to implementation through HHS/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reauthorization or other federal mechanisms. Consumers/survivors should be included in the evaluation of ongoing anti-stigma campaigns and the design, development, and expansion of self-help program funding.
Core Recommendation Two: Implement changes in federal and state funding and policy to encourage housing models that are integrated, in accordance with individual choice, and delinked from mandatory health services, while providing ongoing flexible supports. Several federal agencies should examine policies and practices through a partnership effort. The work can begin with congressional action to ensure removal of contradictory or incompatible federal paperwork burdens and policy barriers. Congress should provide the funding needed for initial joint planning and reporting by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HHS, and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Core Recommendation Three: Congress and HUD, HHS, and SSA should work to change federal and state funding and policy to eliminate the "benefits trap," which discourages people with psychiatric and other disabilities from working, and to ensure that work opportunities are available for the full range of jobs, with ongoing flexible supports.
Core Recommendation Four: HHS should be authorized to change Medicaid policy and regulations as implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The agency should examine and consider the merits of existing models; for example, the Michigan state model reframes the definition of "medical necessity" to include "community integration," and shifts funding to services based on "person-centered planning." Such changes would allow a broader variety of recovery-oriented services to be eligible for Medicaid funding than is available currently.
Core Recommendation Five: Congress should ask the Government Accountability Office to assess and identify indicators of practices that seem to be working in HHS efforts to address cultural and linguistic issues through initiatives like the National Center on Cultural Competence (NCCC). In addition, Congress should allocate funds to expand the NCCC cultural and linguistic competence training model to ensure that as national demographics change, services to people from diverse racial and ethnic groups are provided in ways that meet their self-defined needs.
"By ensuring the expansion of the livable communities framework and recommendations to fully include and integrate people with psychiatric disabilities, American society can provide all citizens the opportunity to become part of the American dream," Vaughn concluded. NCD is an independent federal agency and is composed of 15 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. NCD provides advice to the President, Congress, and executive branch agencies to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that (A) guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and (B) empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.
For more information, please contact Mark S. Quigley, NCD's Director of External Affairs, at 202-272-2004.
# # #
Mark S. Quigley Director of External Affairs National Council on Disability 1331 F Street, NW Suite 850 Washington, DC 20004 202-272-2008 202-272-2022 fax www.ncd.gov
Posted by Nancy at 02:11 PM | Comments (0)
March 18, 2008
Lifeguards Needed for CBVI Summer Program @ Marcella
State of New Jersey - Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired Staffing Opportunities:
- We are looking for individuals who are creative, energetic, hard working and are willing to devote 8 weeks of their summer to making a positive impact on our campers;
- Must have current lifeguarding certifications including CPR for the professional rescuer;
- Must be 19 years of age by June 22, 2008, have completed a year of college, or have at least 3 years lifeguarding experience;
- A wonderful opportunity for anyone seeking a teaching degree or anyone who would like to work with children in the future;
- Our salary is competitive compared to many residential summer camps and we will provide training to enable you to work with our campers. Our lifeguards participate in all parts of camp life and supervise swimming, boating, and all water activities.
About The Program:
- This program has been in operation since 1948 and is located in Rockaway, NJ on 200 acres of camping grounds.
- Our Campers are between 5 - 16 years of age. Also campers with multiple disabilities rang in ages 5 - 21.
- Daily Camp Activities include: Arts and Crafts, Swimming, Boating, Music, Life skills, Nature, Sports and evening activities. We also have many special events and theme days.
- Camp runs June 22nd to August 9th, 2008 with a week of paid training before camp begins (June 16-20)
Want more information?Contact:
Sarah Wolff, Director of the CBVI Summer Program @ Marcella,
973-693-5027, or Sarah.Wolff@dhs.state.nj.usPosted by Nancy at 07:43 PM | Comments (0)
Employment Opportunities CBVI Summer Program @ Marcella in Rockaway, NJ
State of New Jersey - Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Staffing Opportunities
Employment dates: June 16th to August 9th, 2008.
- They are looking for individuals who are creative, energetic, hard working and are willing to devote 8 weeks of their summer to making a positive impact on our campers;
- Must be 19 years of age by June 22, 2008 and/or have completed a year of college;
- A wonderful opportunity for anyone seeking a teaching degree or anyone who would like to work with children in the future. No experience necessary. Staff lives at Camp with days off between sessions; and
- Salary is competitive compared to many residential summer camps and we will provide training to enable you to work with our campers.
About the program:
- This is a private residential camp program in operation since 1948 and is located in Rockaway, NJ;
- General Camper population is between 5 - 16 years of age. Campers with multiple disabilities from ages 5 - 21.
- Daily Camp Activities include: Arts and Crafts, Swimming, Boating, Music, Life skills, Nature, Sports and Evening activities. We also have many special events and theme days
- They start with a week of paid training before campers arrive.
Want more information?
Contact:
Sarah Wolff,
Director of the CBVI Summer Program @ Marcella,
by e-mail or phone at 973-693-5027.F.A.Q.'s
How does time off work?
- Our staff lives on camp property. You will have on camp off duty time and off camp off duty time. On "turn over" weekends staff is required to leave camp on a Friday at 6:00 p.m. returning by Sunday morning 11:00 a.m. During our training week, we do have breaks, however there is no time off camp.
What jobs are available?
- Counseling staff lives with and are responsible for the campers assigned to their cabin. Activity staff will participate with campers as they visit the activity areas each day and facilitate most activities and events. Support staff are positions in kitchen, laundry, and cleaning.
What is average day like at camp?
- Camp day begins with a 7:15 a.m. wake-up and ends about 9:30 p.m. Activity days may end earlier for our younger campers. While "on camp" you are responsible for camper safety whether on duty or off duty. The nature of the job is that we are ALL responsible and there for the campers 24/7.
- "Camp-life" is unique. It is a very rewarding job, but also a very demanding one. Your work schedule will depend upon your job, and we feel the level of work required for any position is similar throughout camp, although duties may be different, all the staff works together to achieve the same goal of each camper having a positive learning experience.
Is transportation available?
- We have two buses that transport campers and some staff as chaperones (19 and older) from pick up points to camp and from camp to the pick up points. The staff riding the bus has specific duties and is responsible for the campers at all times until they are under the care of their parent/ guardian. Space on busses for extra staff is not guaranteed. Non-driving staff has the option to take taxis or ride with other staff. The camp does receive taxi service, but the cost is paid by the individual. There are local hotels for turn-over weekends if needed.
Challenging And Maximizing PotentialPosted by Nancy at 01:15 PM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2008
TV SPECIAL: Disabled Veterans In Business & The DBA...
March 17, 2008 (San Diego, California): "Choices: Veterans Returning To Work" is the recent production by San Diego's PACE-TV featuring the work of the Disabled Businesspersons Association (aka the "National Disabled Veterans Business Center") and its founder, Urban Miyares. The half-hour, public access broadcasted television special will first be aired on both Time Warner Cable and Cox cable during the month of April, 2008, and available for broadcast on public access television stations nationwide.
"The show 'Choices: Veterans Returning to Work' is the second show PACE-TV has produced with Urban Miyares and his charitable organization," says James Beck, PACE-TV past president. "As a producer of many community interest shows, I have never met a more inspirational and motivational figure than Urban Miyares. Urban's work in helping disabled veterans start their own business and in providing pride in who they are and what they can accomplish has been phenomenal. I felt I had to get the story of Urban Miyares' life history and all of the amazing accomplishments out to the public. 'Choices: Veterans Returning to Work' does the job."
Urban Miyares, a blinded Vietnam veteran and nationally-recognized entrepreneur of 40 years, founded the San Diego-based Disabled Businesspersons Association (DBA) in 1985 as a national pilot-program for disabled veterans interested in starting or already in business. A volunteer-driven public charity, the Disabled Businesspersons Association and Miyares are recognized as one of the nation's leading authorities on the transition (from combat or other traumatic experience) to vocational rehabilitation and eventual competitive entry into the workforce and self-employment, most especially by those with the most severe and catastrophic of physical and psychological challenges. Having served thousands of enterprising veterans and non-veterans with disabilities over the past 23 years, Urban continues to conduct educational programs and motivational presentations nationwide for the enterprising disabled, vocational rehabilitation specialists, healthcare professionals, educators and others in government agencies, organizations, and business.
The television schedule for the first showings of "Choices: Veterans Returning to Work;” about Urban Miyares and the Disabled Businesspersons Association, can be viewed on:
- Tuesday, April 1, 2008, 5:30 PM, Cox Cable, Channel 23 (Central and South County);
- Monday, April 7, 2008, 6:30 PM, Time Warner Cable (Carlsbad), Channel 19; and,
- Sunday, April 13, 2008, 5:30 PM, Time Warner Cable, Channel 19.
To promote the (no cost) airing of "Choices: Veterans Returning to Work" on your local public access television channel, anywhere in the nation, contact James Beck, PACE-TV at James@pacetv.org, call (760) 945-9793, write PACE-TV, PO Box 270634, San Diego, CA 92198, or visit www.pacetv.org. PACE-TV, a non-profit organization, is the longest-running public access production company in the United States. With more than 830 television productions in the past 25 years, PACE-TV shows are aired each week on San Diego's cable access networks -- Time Warner, Cox and Adelphia.
The Disabled Businesspersons Association is a 501(c)(3) public charity assisting veterans, kids and adults with disabilities in their rehabilitation towards workplace entry and successful mainstream outcomes. The DBA supports five programs: National Disabled Veterans Business Center, Self-Employment of People with Disabilities, Youth with Disabilities In Business, Vocational Rehabilitation Educational Programs, and Challenged America. Funding for the charity and all its programs comes from tax-deductible donations, contributions and gifts.
For additional information on the Disabled Businesspersons Association and how you can support disabled veterans in business and the work the DBA does, contact Urban Miyares at Disabled Businesspersons Association, San Diego State University - Interwork Institute, 3590 Camino del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108, phone (619) 594-8805, or email Urban@DisabledBusiness.com
Contact:
James Beck, Productions/Past President
PACE - TV
P.O, Box 270634
San Diego, CA 92198Phone: (760) 945-9793
Email: James@pacetv.org
Web: www.pacetv.org
Posted by Nancy at 07:26 PM | Comments (0)
March 13, 2008
Paterson To Make History Again by Becoming the First Legally Blind Governor
New York, NY (March 11, 2008)—All eyes are on Lt. Governor David Paterson this week, who will become the first legally blind governor in United States history, and the first African-American governor of New York on Monday, March 17, 2008. Paterson, who served on the American Foundation for the Blind's Board of Trustees from 1997-2006, is nationally recognized as a leading advocate for people with disabilities.
"David Paterson has been making history since the beginning of his career, and challenging public perceptions about what it means to have a disability," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB's President and CEO. "Paterson has shown the world that people with vision loss can lead full and independent lives—running marathons, being a great father and husband, and becoming a major political leader."
In 2002, Paterson was elected Minority Leader of the New York State Senate, the first non-white legislative leader in New York's history. In Boston in 2004, he became the first visually impaired person to address a Democratic National Convention. And on November 7, 2006, Paterson made history again by being elected New York's first African-American Lieutenant Governor."
###
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the over forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit us online at www.afb.org.
Contact: Adrianna Montague-Gray
AFB Communications
(212) 502-7675
amontaguegray@afb.netPosted by Nancy at 05:29 PM | Comments (0)
March 12, 2008
CSUN Keynote Presentation by James Fruchterman
The LetsGoExpo Team has made the CSUN Opening Remarks and Keynote Address by Jim Fruchterman, one of the leading innovators in the field of assistive technology, available online.
Posted by Nancy at 11:17 AM | Comments (0)
A Corporate Perspective on Collaborative Partnerships
Date: 3/18/2008
Time: 2:00 - 2:45pm ET
Presenter: Beth Butler
Beth Butler is Wachovia's Disability & Accommodations Consultant. As an attorney who happens to have a disability, her passion goes far beyond simply advancing Wachovia's business and diversity strategies! Her work ties directly to Wachovia's corporate commitment to conduct business without barriers.
In this webcast, participants will gain valuable information on why it is important to build partnerships with businesses in the community. In addition, the presenter will share examples and ideas on how rehabilitation professionals can build partnerships and what businesses expect from rehabilitation. Register for the series or for single webcasts.
For More Information about this Series and Pricing options visit CRP-RCEP III and register online.
Posted by Nancy at 10:49 AM | Comments (0)
March 05, 2008
EAC Will Award Grants to Recruit the Next Generation of Poll Workers
Now Accepting Applications for College Poll Worker and Mock Election Programs
WASHINGTON - The United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is now accepting applications for two competitive grant programs aimed at recruiting the next generation of poll workers and promoting student engagement in elections.
The EAC is seeking applications under the Help America Vote College Program (College Program) for programs that will encourage college students to serve as poll workers. The EAC will award a total of $750,000 under the College Program. The Help America Vote Mock Election Program (Mock Election Program) will issue at least $200,000 to support mock election programs for students of secondary education programs. Between both programs, the EAC will award up to 85 grants of at least $10,000 each.
How and When to Apply
Applications are due before 4:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 7, 2008, and must be mailed or hand delivered to the EAC. Grant applications for both programs can be downloaded at
Additional information and instructions are available on the EAC's Web site. Questions regarding the College Program can be directed to Juliana Milhofer or Edgardo Cortés by sending an e-mail to HAVACollegeProgram@eac.gov. For questions about the Mock Election Program, contact Julie Ruder or Edgardo Cortés at MockElections@eac.gov They can also be reached by calling (866) 747-1471 toll-free.
Eligibility Requirements Private and public postsecondary institutions, community colleges, nonpartisan student organizations, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for the College Program grants. State election offices and nonprofit organizations with experience holding mock elections are eligible to apply for the Mock Election Program grants.
Grant Restrictions Funds cannot be used to support any partisan, voter registration or get-out-the-vote (GOTV) activities.
Background The College Program grants are authorized under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The EAC awarded $950,000 to colleges and nonprofits under this program in 2004 and 2006.
In addition to fostering student interest in the elections process, the College Program also aims to relieve poll worker shortages. A 2005 EAC report found that during the last presidential election, 5.8 percent of polling places and 4 percent of precincts did not have the minimum number of required poll workers. The College Program will also leverage the technology skills of a tech-savvy generation as well as build a poll worker recruiting base for future elections.
Grants for the Mock Election Program are authorized under the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 (Public Law 110-161). The Mock Election Program seeks to promote voter participation in U.S. elections, expand community involvement in the elections process, and stimulate students' interest in civics.
EAC is an independent bipartisan commission created by the HAVA. EAC serves as a national clearinghouse and resource of information regarding election administration. It is charged with administering payments to states and developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and accrediting voting system test laboratories and certifying voting equipment. It is also charged with developing and maintaining a national mail voter registration form. The four EAC commissioners are Donetta Davidson, chair; Rosemary Rodriguez, vice chair; Caroline Hunter; and Gracia Hillman.
Posted by Nancy at 02:21 PM | Comments (0)
Federal Employment of The Disabled Policy Forum
WHAT: "Employment In The Federal Sector For People With Disabilities"
DATE: Friday, March 21,2008 TIME: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
WHERE: Cornell University Government Affairs Office Hall of States, Room 333 444 North Capitol Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20001
Speakers:
Susanne Bruyere, Ph.D., Cornell University, Employment and Disability Institute
Christine Griffin, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
**Other Speakers to be Announced
Topic Overview: Congress and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require that federal agencies promote the hiring and advancement of individuals with disabilities. Moreover, Congress has called for the federal government to be the model employer. The federal government has not met this challenge with regard to people with disabilities.
The U.S. Federal government has 2.6 million employees, making it the largest employer in the U.S. In FY 2006, the participation rate of people with targeted disabilities fell to 0.94% of the federal government's total work force, the lowest participation rate in 20 years.
The focus of this policy forum is to discuss ways to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the federal government. Representatives from the academy, enforcement organizations, and policy makers will discuss needed approaches going forward.
Register online. You can attend our Policy Forum in person or via webinar. If you are attending via webinar please indicate so in the comments field of the online registration form.
Posted by Nancy at 11:08 AM | Comments (0)
March 04, 2008
Virtual Online Job Fair for Disabled College Students Transitioning from School to Work in Western United States
April 2008 disABLEDperson Inc. will be hosting a
Virtual Online Job Fair for Disabled College Students making the transition from school to work in the Western United States on their web portal.Included States are Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.
Posted by Nancy at 08:41 PM | Comments (0)
March 03, 2008
NYC Sector Initiatives Forum
Thursday, March 27, 2008
1:00 PM - 6:00 PMCome gain an in-depth understanding of what it takes to launch or grow a sector initiative from the following national sector experts:
Jack Mills, Director of the National Network of Sector Partners
Tom DuBois, Workforce Programs Director of Instituto del Progreso Latino in Chicago
Mary Peña, Executive Director of Project QUEST in San Antonio, Texas.In addition, learn how your organization can create or expand its own sector initiative by participating in upcoming New York City-based training and technical assistance.
Sector initiatives are a unique approach to workforce development that target and engage specific industries by creating innovative workforce solutions that benefit both workers and businesses. Sector initiatives have created career pathways and huge income gains for low-wage workers as well as bottom-line benefits for employers. Growing from just a couple of dozen boutique projects ten years ago to over 200 today, sector strategies are gaining fast momentum among public and private funders at the national, state, and local levels – including current programs and future opportunities in New York City and New York State.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This program is open to all interested organizations. Senior staff from workforce development organizations are encouraged to attend.LOCATION
UJA Federation
130 East 59th Street
Conference Room 710/712
New York, NY 10022This event is presented by the NYC Employment & Training Coalition and the NYC Workforce Investment Board, with support from the NYC Workforce Innovation Fund.
Posted by Nancy at 04:53 PM | Comments (0)
LEARN ABOUT SOLUTIONS FOR VISION LOSS: at The Carroll Center Technology Center (Newton, MA)
Join Freedom Scientific on Thursday, March 20 - at The Carroll Center Technology Center (Newton, MA) for an informative workshop on Technology Solutions for persons with Low Vision .
Charles Madsen, Low Vision Product Specialist, for Freedom Scientific Blind/ Low Vision Group will lead a presentation on the benefits of using electronic vision aids and software to improve activities of daily living at home, school, the work place or just about anywhere!
Participants will have an opportunity to learn about and explore (HANDS-ON), Freedom Scientifics' desktop, handheld and portable video magnifiers; screen magnification software, as well as, products that read books, bills, mail - and more!
This educational seminar is tailored for those with vision loss, parents and caregivers of those with vision loss, technology trainers, eye care professionals, seniors and senior center staff, and support groups.
Two sessions will be held at The Carroll Center in Newton, MA from
9:00am to Noon and from 1pm to 4:00pm.Space is limited so please RSVP indicating attendance time (9 am or 1 pm) for this event.
To register by phone/ email - contact:
The Carroll Center
Tel: 617-969-6200 x 237
dina.rosenbaum@carroll.orgOR
Bill Kilroy
Freedom Scientific Regional Manager
Tel: (800)-444-4443 x 1188
Email: Billk@Freedomscientific.comEvent Logistics:
Date: March 20, 2008
Time(s): 9:00 am -- Noon & 1 -- 4:00pm
Location: Carroll Center Computer Training Center
770 Centre Street
Newton, MA 02458The workshop will be held in the Carroll Center Computer Training Center.
To learn more about Freedom Scientific Low Vision Technology go to:
http://www.lowvisionsolutions.comPosted by Nancy at 04:39 PM | Comments (0)