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June 30, 2008
Statler Training and Employment Program
Careers in Call Center and Customer Support
With an award given by the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc., the National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service, a program of the Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired, has developed a call center training program specific to a single company. Since these classes began, more than 50% of our students are working!
- We train a class of students, who may have a visual or physical disability, from the company's local area.
- The curriculum is tailored to the company's needs. A training program is developed that offers exactly what the company considers to be most important.
- When students have completed the training program, they have the knowledge that company is looking for in a candidate. However, the training is transferable to other companies either in the same industry or like industries.
- The company's employment department will participate in interviews and testing.
- Statler will help with the on-boarding of students who are hired. Training topics include Business Math; Oral, Written, and Telephone Communications; Computers and Technology; Company-specific information.
Included in the Computer and Technology course are Microsoft Word and Excel Level I and Level II and Outlook, which will be taught by the Olmsted Institute of Business and Technology (OIBT). OIBT is licensed by the New York State Department of Education and is certified by New York State as a proprietary business school. At successful completion, the student will receive Microsoft certificates awarded by the OIBT Microsoft Certified Master Instructor.
The National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service has a 9-year history of successfully training people with visual and/or physical disabilities in hospitality and customer service. 80% of our graduates are working in hospitality or in customer service in other industries. Many graduates work in call centers and customer contact centers. The STEP program capitalizes on our progress to develop job opportunities. Many corporate diversity plans are supported by Statler graduates.
Please consider applying if you have some of these qualifications:
- High School diploma or GED
- Some background in customer service
- Telephone experience
- Computer skills using assistive technology
- Skills in basic Microsoft applications
- Internet knowledge
- Data entry skills
- The ability to keyboard 25 to 35 words per minute
Training Duration:
The training class is 7 weeks long, from Monday through Friday, from 9a to 4p. A class is beginning July 21 and will be held here at OCVI/Statler, 1170 Main Street, Buffalo, New York. The next class will not be scheduled until after the first of January 2009.
How to Apply
You may submit your application for either the Statler Hospitality Training Program or STEP in Telephone Banking (Statler Training and Employment Program) via the US Postal Service to the address below or fill and submit one electronically via e-mail.
Mail or fax completed applications to:
Statler Center
1160 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14209
Phone: 716-882-5690
Fax: 716-882-5490
E-Mail your electronic application to Mary Ellen Mest at:
or call her at 716-888-4637.
The National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service is a program of the Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired and has a 9-year history of successfully training people with visual and/or physical disabilities in hospitality and customer service. More than 80% of our graduates are working in hospitality or in customer service in other industries. Many graduates work in call centers and customer contact centers.
Posted by Marten at 05:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 26, 2008
Travel Opportunities
Mind’s Eye Travel creates tours for people who are visually impaired or blind. Our hosted trips let both visually challenged and fully sighted people tour comfortably and free of worry. The itineraries are customized not only for comfort, camaraderie and enjoyment, but also for full sensory discovery, and they offer options for independence. Our destinations are carefully screened and I hand-pick activities, restaurants and lodging while keeping in mind our needs as visually impaired and blind travelers.
My name is Sue Bramhall. I am a lifelong traveler who was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) many years ago. Even though my sight diminishes, my enthusiasm for experiencing new things grows. I love going to a place that I have never visited before. I seek out art, food, wine and history. While contemporary art is my favorite, touring the great classical museums of Europe is just as stimulating. I like local cooking in rural villages as well as exotic cuisine at posh city restaurants. I’ve tasted haggis in Scotland, steak and kidney pie in London, mountain oysters in Colorado and rattlesnake in Sedona. And of course with these dishes must come wines that we can’t buy at home! Every visit to a castle, cathedral or museum makes me wish I’d paid more attention in school, because history fascinates me more than ever before.
With my husband I have created unique itineraries and led excursions for small groups visiting Italy, Spain, England and Scotland as well as destinations across the USA. My years of direct personal experience with travel, business and visual impairment led me to establish Mind’s Eye Travel. I want to share my enthusiasm for travel with other people who are interested in independence, exploring and experiencing new things. All trips are hosted by me and a fully sighted assistant. My trips are designed for visually impaired or blind people traveling with a sighted guide. If you are traveling alone, I will make every effort to offer assistance with scheduled activities and meals—but please be aware that I am unable to offer personal assistance 24/7.
I am currently taking reservations for:
- Discover the Coast of Maine, September 10 - 14. $995.* Deluxe accommodations for four nights, full breakfast, dinners for three nights and all activities as outlined.
Sedona; - the Grand Canyon, October 8 - 13. $1395.* 4 -Diamond accommodations for five nights, full breakfast, dinners for three nights and all activities as outlined; and
- Caribbean Princess Cruise - Starting at $999.* 7 days from San Juan, February 15, 2009. 6 ports-of-call: Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua/Barbuda, Tortola and St. Thomas.
*Prices are per person, double occupancy.
For more information visit Mind’s Eye Travel or call 207-542-4438.
Posted by Nancy at 03:38 PM | Comments (0)
Guide Dogs for the Blind and HumanWare launch new education initiative with Victor Reader Stream
Longueuil, Quebec (June 25, 2008) -- Guide Dogs for the Blind and HumanWare are pleased to announce the Victor Reader Stream will become an integral part of the curriculum at Guide Dogs for the Blind in the early fall of 2008. The Victor Reader Stream players will allow students attending Guide Dogs for the Blind to read and navigate through class materials, providing them with unprecedented access to materials on campus and beyond.
"All information will be in the DAISY format (digital accessible information system) which can be read by the Victor Reader Stream," says Michael Hingson, president of The Michael Hingson Group, technical consultant for the new program. "When played on the Victor Reader Stream, the recorded data can be navigated much like a print book, allowing the reader to move from chapter to chapter, section to section or jump directly to any page."
Over the past three years Guide Dogs for the Blind has been conducting a total make over of their training program, especially concerning how information is presented to their students. Now with the addition of the Victor Reader Stream students will have all needed documentation available at their finger tips at any time.
"The Victor Reader Stream offers blind people an enhanced reading experience and we are excited to see it used in a true educational way at Guide Dogs for the Blind," says Gerry Chevalier, Victor Reader Product Manager at HumanWare. "This is the first time we have seen the Stream be fully integrated into any educational environment."
The Victor Reader Stream which normally sells to blind users for approximately $330 will be available to Guide Dogs students for $150 to take home following class. All general take home materials from GDB, including all state access legislation concerning guide dogs, information about traveling internationally with guide dogs such as access rules and regulations from many countries will be contained on the Victor Reader Stream.
About Guide Dogs for the Blind
Established in 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind provides enhanced mobility and quality of life to people who are blind through lifetime partnerships with Guide Dogs. This non-profit organization, headquartered in San Rafael, Calif., is the largest school of its kind and has produced more than 11,000 partnerships across the United States and Canada. Services are provided free-of-charge to those it serves, and relies entirely on private donations. Please visit Guide Dogs for the Blind or call toll free 800.295.4050 for additional information.
About HumanWare
HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technologies for vision, including products for the blind and visually impaired. HumanWare's products include BrailleNote, the leading productivity device for blind people in education, in business and in their personal lives; the Victor Reader product line, the world's leading digital talking book players; and myReader2, the new version of HumanWare's unique "auto-reader" for people with low vision.
Posted by Nancy at 12:53 PM | Comments (0)
June 25, 2008
Hunter College Master's Degree program in Rehabilitation Teaching/ Orientation and Mobility
Hunter College of The City University of New York Programs in Blindness and Visual Impairment is Pleased to Announce the Newly Funded, "Project CD-ROM: Cultural Diversity in Rehabilitation and Orientation and Mobility A RT/O&M Master's Degree Program with Specialization in Individuals who are Blind or Have a Vision Impairment Taught via Distance Learning (2008-2013)"
The Hunter College Master's Degree program in Rehabilitation Teaching/ Orientation and Mobility (RT/O&M) funded by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration and the Lavelle Fund for the Blind is accepting applications for Fall 2008.
Individuals who complete the 56-credit Hybrid Distance Learning RT/O&M Master's Degree program are eligible for certification through The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) as vision rehabilitation therapists and O&M Specialists.
Tuition support is available to qualified students who sign a Payback Agreement which states they will work as VRT/O&M professionals two years for each year of support provided.
Applicants must have a Bachelor's Degree from an approved college and have grade point average 2.8 or better.
Contact Information:
Dr. Rosanne K. Silberman
Hunter College CUNY
Dept. of Special Education 909 W
695 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10065
(212) 772-4740
Posted by Nancy at 01:10 PM | Comments (0)
June 24, 2008
SPECIAL 2 HOUR SESSION – ADA AUIDO CONFERENCE SERIES
TITLE: Ask DOJ: Proposal to Revise ADA Regulations under Title II and Title III
The Network of Regional ADA Centers is pleased to announce a special session of the ADA Audio Conference Series which will provide an opportunity for individuals and entities to learn more about the Proposed revisions to the ADA Regulations under Title II and III.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 8, 2008
TIME: 1-3pm Central (11am-1pm Pacific, 12-2pm Mountain, 2-4pm Eastern)
DESCRIPTION: On June 17, 2008 the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division published the long awaited proposed regulations to revise the Department's ADA regulations for State and local governments and public accommodations and commercial facilities, including its ADA Standards for Accessible Design. This special 2 hour session provides individuals an opportunity to learn more about the proposed regulations and direct specific questions to the U.S. Department of Justice. This session will be recorded and a written transcript will become part of the public record for consideration as the U.S. Department of Justice moves forward with the rulemaking process.
SPEAKERS: Representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
FORMATS: Telephone, Streaming Audio via the Internet and Real-Time Captioning via the Internet
COST: $25.00 per connection for Telephone; $15.00 per connection for Streaming Audio via the Internet; $15.00 per connection for Real-time Captioning via the Internet
REGISTRATION: On-line at www.ada-audio.org (Follow links to ADA Audio Conference Series)
QUESTIONS: Contact your regional ADA Center at 800-949-4232 (V/TTY) or the DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center (Program Host) at 312-413-9319 (V/TTY) or by email at gldbtac@uic.edu
This session will be recorded and a written transcript will be created and both will be posted within 10 business days of the completion of the program to the archives.
Posted by Nancy at 07:00 PM | Comments (0)
July 7 Access Program at the Guggenheim: Mind's Eye
Join Guggenheim educators for a museum tour, discussion and private reception. Tours for partially sighted and blind visitors presented through Verbal Imaging and touch; separate tours for deaf visitors presented in American Sign Language.
Mon, 6-8 pm
Jul 7 Louise Bourgeois
Aug 11 Kandinsky: Beginnings
FREE
Space is limited. Please RSVP:
212 360 4355 or access@guggenheim.org
Assistive listening devices for hard-of-hearing visitors available daily for Educator's Eye tours at 11 am and 1 pm.
Public programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Posted by Nancy at 06:49 PM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2008
National Forum on Disability Issues
The 2008 Presidential Candidates (invited) to a historic, nonpartisan forum on national disability policy to be held on July 26, 2008 in Columbus, OH. Over a thousand Americans with disabilities and their friends and family are expected to attend the event to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2008
Time: 12:30 pm ET - 3:30 pm ET
Location: Conference & Technology Center
First Church of God
3480 Refugee Road
Columbus, Ohio 43232
This event will be webcast. Information on the webcast will be made available in coming days at www.aapd.com
Posted by Nancy at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2008
Ai Squared Recognized by Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Vermont
Manchester, VT – The Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, or VocRehab Vermont, recently recognized Ai Squared and one of their employees, Maurie Hill, for their contributions in the assistive technology field through their involvement with VocRehab. Ai Squared and Hill were the recipients of VocRehab Vermont’s 2007 award For Exceptional Support of the Employment of Vermonters with Disabilities. The award was given at the annual Recognition Breakfast held on April 22, 2008, in the Franklin Conference Room at the Howe Center in Rutland, Vermont.
Ai Squared is the manufacturer of ZoomText screen magnification and screen reading software that allows people with vision impairments such as macular degeneration or glaucoma to continue using their computer for work and personal use. Long-time support technician Maurie Hill offered her time to VocRehab’s career awareness program, and provided an informational interview to a student interested in the program. Ai Squared and Hill were delighted to provide the interview to one of program’s vision impaired clients, who incidentally turned out to also be a ZoomText user. After researching possible career paths, Hill helped to open up a new door, allowing the student to entertain the possibility of a career in a computer-related field.
"Our student was very appreciative of this informational interview," states Terry Stapleton, rehabilitation counselor for the Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Rutland, Vermont, and who arranged the meeting. The exposure and information provided by Maurie and Ai Squared encouraged the student to consider and pursue a future in a computer-related field.
Ai Squared receives user feedback on a regular basis from people sharing personal stories of how ZoomText has helped them continue leading a fulfilling life. ZoomText screen magnifier and screen reading software magnifies up to 36 times, allows the user to adjust contrast and colors to fit their preferences, and has built-in human sounding synthesizers that can read documents, web pages, email, or any other program that needs to be used. Users around the world have found ZoomText and continue to use it at home, work, and for some people, on the road with the newly introduced ZoomText USB. Ai Squared and ZoomText are pleased to provide ongoing support to people with vision impairments both in Vermont and around the world.
About VocRehab
VocRehab is a section of Vermont State government who are dedicated to the goal of ensuring equal access employment for all Vermonters and meeting the needs of the Vermont business community. VocRehab Vermont is committed to facilitating successful, long-term relationships between employers and people with disabilities in Vermont. Visit VocRehab Vermont and the
Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
About Ai Squared
Headquartered in Manchester, Vermont, Ai Squared has been a worldwide leader in computer access solutions for the vision impaired for over 20 years. Ai Squared’s screen magnification and screen reading products dramatically improve a computer’s usability and friendliness for the low vision user, raising their level of productivity, satisfaction, and independence. The family of Ai Squared products – ZoomWare, ZoomText, ZoomText USB, ZoomText Scripting Edition, and the ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard – is distributed through an international network of dealers. For more information, please visit Ai Squared online
Mckenzie Brown
Marketing and Communications Writer
Ai Squared - Making Accessibility Simple ®
802-362-3612 ext. 128
Visit Ai Squared online at www.aisquared.com
Posted by Nancy at 06:49 PM | Comments (0)
America's Business - The Power to Transform
Hiring people with disabilities is good for business. Employees with disabilities have proven they have a positive impact on businesses' bottom line. They adapt to different situations and circumstances. They add to the range of viewpoints businesses need to succeed, offering fresh ideas on how to solve problems, accomplish tasks and implement strategies.
On June 3 and 4, hundreds of leaders from business, government, and non-profit organizations convened in Washington, D.C., to discuss how today’s global marketplace has the power to open doors to employment for people with disabilities. One message resonated loud and clear—hiring people with disabilities is good for business.
To learn more about the disability dividend, read Diverse Perspectives: People with Disabilities Fulfilling Your Business Goals, one of several publications available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), or visit the Disability Employment Policy Summit Web site.
Posted by Nancy at 01:18 PM | Comments (0)
RESOURCE FAIR: Chicago
DON’T DIS YOUR ABILITY
Information is POWER — Empower Yourself at the RESOURCE FAIR
Date: Friday, June 20, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education
1950 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago
Refreshments Provided
This fair will assist individuals with violently acquired
disabilities living in Chicago and suburban communities
through information and presentations from
representatives of community organizations and offices
such as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and the Secretary
of State.
Resource topics include:
- State I.D. Cards, Disability Placards, etc.
- Housing
- Social Security Disability Benefits
- Medicaid Coverage and Food Stamp/LINC
Card information
- Employment Services
- Educational and Training Information
- Expungement
- In-Home Support Services
- Home Modifications
- Disability Rights Information
- Assistive Technology Services, and more
For more information, contact
Ken Williams at 312-814-4037 (V/TTY).
Posted by Nancy at 01:05 PM | Comments (0)
June 12, 2008
Career Centric Computer Training for Visually Impaired: Bangalore, India
Enable India is a Bangalore based, non profit organization starting new batch of Career Centric Computer Training for Visually Impaired on June 23rd 2008, to which admission will close on 18th June 2008.
Interested visually impaired candidates can contact: 25714842, 41101390, 9845313919, or e-mail to enableindia.ctvi@gmail.com
Posted by Nancy at 03:56 PM | Comments (0)
June 11, 2008
Seeking Artwork from Young Artists with Disabilities
VSA arts and Volkswagen of America, Inc. are seeking artwork from young artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, living within the U.S. "Green Light" encourages artists to consider the motivations behind their work and the infinite possibilities that creativity provides.
Fifteen finalists will be awarded a total of $60,000 during an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill and artwork will be displayed in a nationwide touring exhibition that will debut at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Artwork may illustrate actual aspects of what signals your creative motivations, such as the physical world or personal discoveries. Abstract work that relates to feelings or emotions is also encouraged. Art must be an original work that has been completed in the last 3 years.
Eligible media includes: paintings, drawings, fine art prints, photography, computer generated prints, and mixed media. Artwork must be presented in two dimensions and should not exceed 60 inches in either direction.
New this year: sculpture and time-based media (video, film etc.) will also be considered. Sculpture should not exceed 24 inches in any direction. There is no fee to apply. Each artist must complete the submission process online.
Visit their Web site for additional information and entry instructions or contact Jennifer Wexler, visual arts coordinator, at jenniferw@vsarts.org
or 800-933-8721 ext. 3885. Alternative formats of the call for entries are available upon request.
VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in 55 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Posted by Nancy at 08:04 PM | Comments (0)
IRS Career Alert
Job Fair – IRS, Office of Procurement
When: June 13, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: Constellation Centre, First Floor
6009 Oxon Hill Road
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Discover the amazing opportunities available to professionals at the IRS, Office of Procurement. They are always looking for experienced candidates (GS-12, GS-13 and GS-14) to fill our critical and well paying positions.
Some of the Benefits:
- Competitive Salaries
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Free and Secure Parking
- On-site Training Facility
They are looking for top-notch candidates like you to pursue careers as:
- Contract Specialists
- Business Operations Specialists
- Cost/Price Analysts
- Procurement Analysts
- Information Technology Specialists
JOB LOCATION
Oxon Hill, MD
U.S. Citizenship is Required.
Equal Opportunity Employer.
COMPUTER ACCESSIBLITY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO APPLY ONLINE WITH USAJOBS.
Driving Directions
From Virginia: Take 495 over the Woodrow Wilson bridge (ending up on the Maryland side). Take Exit 4A to Oxon Hill. Stay in right hand lane. The building will be approximately 1/4 mile on the right next door to the Oxon Hill Home Depot near the Rivertowne Commons Shopping Center.
From Maryland: Take 495 South (staying on the Maryland side) towards Richmond/Alexandria. Take Exit 4A to Oxon Hill. Stay in right hand lane. The building will be approximately 1/4 mile on the right next door to the Oxon Hill Home Depot near the Rivertowne Commons Shopping Center.
From Washington: Take 295 South to 95 North towards Baltimore. Take Exit 4A to Oxon Hill. Stay in right hand lane. The building is located approximately 1/4 mile on the right between the Oxon Hill Home depot and Rivertowne Commons Shopping Center.
Posted by Nancy at 03:05 PM | Comments (0)
NYSILC Recruiting New Council Members
The New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC) is a state council that has the responsibility to jointly develop the Federal 3-year Statewide Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The council works on public policy, public awareness, technical assistance and training issues that impact Independent Living services and people with disabilities in New York State.
NYSILC is seeking interested candidates to serve as potential appointments to the council. Six openings will occur in the following appointment categories:
- Center for Independent Living (CIL) (1),
- Advocate (1),
- Organization Serving People with Disabilities (2), and
- Other (2).
The council looks to maintain a diverse geographic, cultural/ethnic, cross-disability, age and gender representation.
Interested individuals should send a brief statement of interest and resume to NYSILC at bradw@nysilc.org by July 18, 2008. It is preferred that materials be sent electronically because they are in an accessible format and can be shared during the review process.
NYSILC will review the resumes and schedule telephone interviews with the top candidates in August 2008. Interviews are structured to identify what each individual has to offer the council. NYSILC reviews the final recommendations with VESID by September-October 2008. The NYS Regents make the formal appointments in the fall, which become effective January 2009.
If you have any questions, contact Brad Williams at (518) 427-1060 voice or TTY. For additional information, visit NYSILC.
Posted by Nancy at 10:41 AM | Comments (0)
June 04, 2008
Assistance Needed In Distributing Assistive Technology Survey
Midwest Alliance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, is conducting a survey about how individuals with disabilities make decisions before they purchase assistive technology (AT).
They are interested in responses from individuals with any type of disability. This is a completely anonymous survey that has passed IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval.
Specifically, they are interested in:
- how users receive or find information regarding AT before a purchase and their level of participation in and satisfaction with the process; and
- who is involved in the AT purchase decision, and (c) primary funding sources of AT.
The Midwest Alliance is a consortium of researchers, educators, disability service providers, and engineers promoting the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and careers.
Thank you for your time and cooperation in distribution this survey. If you have any questions or comments, or would like any information about the Midwest Alliance, please contact Liam Martin at either 608-239-0264 or liamgmartin@yahoo.com
Posted by Nancy at 02:29 PM | Comments (0)
Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize - 2008
Have you invented a product or method that uses the sense of touch to convey information?
If so, we invite you to apply for the Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation. The Prize will be awarded to an individual or group of individuals who contribute to innovation in the field of tactile literacy for blind people. The Prize can be granted for a new educational method; a new tactile literacy product; or a new technological advance.
In any of these areas, the innovation must demonstrate some aspect of tactile literacy. Tactile literacy refers to any product, method, or service that has the effect of increasing access to information through the sense of touch.
The $20,000 prize is provided through support from The Gibney Family Foundation and National Braille Press. The deadline to be considered for the Prize is June 15.
For more information about the Touch of Genius Prize and previous winners, please visit www.touchofgeniusprize.org.
Questions? Please contact Stephanie King at 617-266-6160 ext. 47 or GeniusPrize@nbp.org.
Posted by Nancy at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)
U.S. Labor Department’s ‘Transforming the American Workplace: A 21st Century Vision’ summit sets stage for disability employment
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today kicked off its "Transforming the American Workplace: A 21st Century Vision" summit, which focuses on including people with disabilities in the American workforce and reduced barriers to employment. The invitation-only summit continues through tomorrow at Gallaudet University's Kellogg Conference Center in Washington, D.C.
"Our mission is to continue to promote a culture of inclusiveness in the best tradition of our nation," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao in her keynote speech today to summit attendees. "Hiring Americans with disabilities is not only the right thing to do — it is the smart thing to do. And the technological revolution of the last fifteen years has given us unprecedented ways to incorporate the talents of all members of our society into the workforce."
The inaugural summit has attracted representatives of corporations, universities, interest groups and government. Some of the workshops they attended today included "Transforming the Workplace with New Technologies," "Universal Design/Accessibility" and "Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship."
In addition to workshops, Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Neil Romano and decorated disabled veteran and entrepreneur Dawn Halfaker made presentations. Halfaker discussed her transition from the combat zone to civilian life and described her experiences as the chief executive officer of Halfaker and Associates, a small business.
Tomorrow's featured events are stakeholder meetings, where employers, government agencies, university officials and interest groups will discuss how to expand access to the talent pool of workers with disabilities.
"People with disabilities are a great, largely untapped resource for our nation," said Romano. "This summit brings together the national leaders of business, academia, the government and interest groups to continue progress toward people being hired and promoted based upon their abilities, not their disabilities."
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (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, visit www.dol.gov/odep.
ODEP News Release: [06/03/2008]
Contact Name: Bennett Gamble or Rick Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-4667 or x4676
Release Number: 08-0753-NAT
Posted by Nancy at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)