April 29, 2008

Family Connect Brings Together Parents of Visually Impaired Children

New York, NY, April 29, 2008—When parents learn their child has a visual impairment, it can be overwhelming. Parents wonder, "Will my child fall behind at school?" or "Will my child make friends?" or "Will my child have a successful career?" With only 93,600 visually impaired school-aged children in the U.S., over half of whom have additional disabilities, it's easy for families facing vision loss to feel alone.

To help these families connect with each other and give busy parents, grandparents and other caretakers a place to find comprehensive resources and support 24 hours a day, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) today launched FamilyConnect™, an online, multimedia community for parents and guardians of children with visual impairments.

Located at www.familyconnect.org, FamilyConnect gives parents access to message boards where they can talk to other parents, compelling videos featuring real-life families, parenting articles, a mom-authored blog, a glossary of more than 30 eye conditions, and links to local resources. The site also features sections dedicated to multiple disabilities, technology, education, and every age group from infants to teens.

"We created FamilyConnect to give parents the support and information they need to ensure their children can achieve their dreams—whether that is playing sports or music, learning to read braille, getting a first job, surfing the web, making the cheerleading squad, traveling the world, or going to graduate school," said Carl R. Augusto, President & CEO of AFB.

A recent NAPVI/AFB survey of parents of children with visual impairments showed that parents/guardians turn most commonly to physicians (82%), educators (76%), and web sites (65%) for information and support regarding their children's vision problems. This is consistent with national statistics from the 2006 Pew Internet & American Life Project that show 80 percent of American adult Internet users have searched for health information online. For parents living in rural areas with fewer resources, the web is particularly important to finding relevant, trustworthy information and the right services.

"When I talk to parents of visually impaired children, they almost always ask about three things: they want to talk to other parents who have children with the same eye condition as their child, they want access to the latest health and education information, and they want to know what the future holds," said Susan LaVenture, Executive Director of NAPVI. "FamilyConnect offers parents all these things—and more—in one place."

In addition to joining a community of parents, visitors to www.familyconnect.org can create a personal profile and receive information on news and events based on their child's age, eye condition, and location. Families can also find articles written by parents and professionals on topics such as:


In designing this web site, AFB and NAPVI partnered with leading national organizations and hundreds of local agencies that serve children who are visually impaired to keep FamilyConnect content complete and up to date. AFB and NAPVI also solicited input from families across the country. Here are representative samples of what they are saying about the final result.

Jen and Bill O'Neill, Nebraska
Daughter Camille, age 3, Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
"Our family is truly amazed at what we've seen of the site. Wow! Thank you all for the insight to see that this is something that is so needed for families who are facing and overcoming the diagnosis of visual impairment. The site is more than I imagined it would be—it is so comprehensive and truly allows families to connect with one another and to resources."

Patty Bushland, Arkansas
Daughter Mary Rose, age 2, Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA)
"When I found out my baby was visually impaired, I immediately went to the Internet to find out everything I could about her condition and what I could do to help her. FamilyConnect is so important, and I wish it had been there for me when my daughter was first diagnosed."

The goal of www.familyconnect.org is to provide connections and support. By providing accurate information and creating a forum for meaningful discussion, families and their visually impaired children will feel empowered to reach their full potential.

FamilyConnect is generously supported by grants from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc. and Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, and Morgan Stanley.

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About AFB

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. Headquartered in New York, AFB is proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB.

About NAPVI

The National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) is an international membership organization serving families in the U.S. and in 55 countries. NAPVI helps parents to find information and resources for their children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities. NAPVI provides leadership, support, and education to assist parents in helping children reach their potential.

For more information, contact:
Adrianna Montague-Gray
AFB Communications
Tel: (212) 502-7675
E-mail: Adrianna Montague-Gray

Posted by Nancy at 05:45 PM | Comments (0)

Tapping Into Your Greatest Leadership Potential: Promise and Possibilities

Blind since birth, Olegario "Ollie" D. Cantos VII -- Special Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Justice, disability advocate and recipient of numerous honors for his work and contributions, both within and outside the field of disabilities, will be the featured speaker at 4:30 p.m., on Tuesday, May 13th, at Best Buy Corporate Headquarters, 7601 Penn Ave. So., Richfield, MN.

Widely known for his ability to network and bring stakeholders together for a common purpose, Mr. Cantos also collaborates with national leaders of disability rights organizations and high-ranking officials from the White House and various federal departments to provide consumer perspective on policies affecting the disability community. Mr. Cantos was the first and only person ever to serve as General Counsel and Director of Programs for the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the largest cross-disability national membership organization in the country, which presently boasts membership in excess of 130,000. Active in work both within and outside the disability field, he continues to be a sought-after speaker as an example of how people with disabilities may reach the highest levels of success in every area of life by exercising both the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. His engaging personal style and ability to convey thoughts through the written word have solidly established him as a national leader that is also known in various parts of the world.

He has addressed crowds ranging from a handful to more than 6,000. He has been featured in media pieces whose collective targeted reach exceeds 80 million individuals worldwide. Audiences have included individuals and families affected by disabilities, business entrepreneurs, disability rights activists, attorneys and other legal professionals, school children of all ages, college and university students, press representatives at the National Press Club, meetings of the Congressional Black Caucus, gatherings of government officials, and civil rights leaders at national conferences.

Register Today

e-mail: info@minnesotalifecollege.com
or call (612) 869-4008 ext 10

Minnesota Life College
7501 Logan Avenue South, Suite 2A
Richfield, MN 55423

Posted by Nancy at 10:08 AM | Comments (0)

April 24, 2008

Rep. Don Young Joins the American Council of the Blind in Supporting the Safety of Blind Pedestrians

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) joined with the American Council of the Blind (ACB) today in demonstrating his continued commitment to the safety of blind pedestrians by signing on as a co-sponsor to H.R. 5734, The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008.

"The auto industry has made amazing technological strides over the past decade that have allowed our automobiles to be more energy efficient and to burn cleaner," Young said. "This is to be commended, but, as with most advancements in technology, it has given us a newer and different set of issues to look at. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of these newer hybrid cars is that the noise level produced has been greatly reduced, leading to safety issues for those who are visually impaired. The safety of people is something I take very seriously, and for that reason I am proud to be a co-sponsor of H.R. 5734, the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act. I am encouraged that Congress is looking into this issue and that we are looking to do something about this as soon as possible. Let's continue to use our technology for good and use it to keep people safe."

"ACB has a long history of being the leader in the blindness community regarding pedestrian safety issues and was pleased to see that much of the language in H.R.5734 mirrored draft legislation our staff had been working to have introduced by Congressman Young," said Mitch Pomerantz, President of the American Council of the Blind. When vision is reduced or completely eliminated as a means of understanding and responding to one's environment, an individual's hearing takes over as the primary source of environmental information. Traditionally, people who are blind or visually impaired have learned to rely on their hearing to navigate safely across streets and through other vehicular ways, such as parking lots. In so doing, the sound of traffic is their primary focus. Traffic sounds provide information about such things as the position of vehicles, their direction of travel, and the speed at which they are likely to move. With this information, the pedestrian can make informed decisions about when to cross a street or other vehicular ways safely.

Pomerantz said, "This issue is one that the entire blindness community is united in supporting. I urge ACB membership to contact their members of Congress to ask them to co-sponsor this legislation, as this is an opportunity to bring real change and make blind pedestrians' lives safer."

This legislation is being sponsored by Reps. Edolfus "Ed" Towns (D-N.Y.) and Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.).

About H.R. 5734: The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study beginning within 90 days of enactment of this legislation, and to complete it within two years of its commencement, at which time, the secretary shall report the study's findings to Congress. Within 90 days after the conclusion of the study, the secretary is then directed to establish a standard that will take in to account the results of the study, and will set forth the minimum information that must be provided by motor vehicles required for blind and other pedestrians to travel safely and independently in urban, rural, and residential environments. The bill provides that the standard shall apply to all "new motor vehicles."

About ACB: The American Council of the Blind is the largest consumer-based organization of blind and visually impaired Americans advocating for the rights of blind Americans. Comprised of more than 70 affiliates across the entire United States, the organization is dedicated to making it possible for blind and visually impaired Americans to participate fully in every aspect of American society.

For more information about the American Council of the Blind, and the issues it supports, visit www.acb.org or contact the American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th Street NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005; phone (202) 467-5081 or toll-free, 1-800-424-8666.

Posted by Nancy at 10:59 AM | 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.net

Posted by Nancy at 05:29 PM | Comments (0)

February 26, 2008

Social Security Takes Key Step to Reduce Backlog of Disability Cases

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that the agency has begun making offers to 144 of the 175 new Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) it will hire this fiscal year. Due to litigation and budget cuts, the agency has about ten percent fewer ALJs than it did a decade ago. During that same time, the number of cases waiting for a hearing decision has more than doubled.

"The hiring of these new ALJs is a critical step in our plan to reduce the backlog of disability cases," Commissioner Astrue said. "They represent one of the largest investments in ALJs this agency has ever made. When these ALJs are fully-trained, and combined with the other steps we are taking, we will be able for the first time in this decade to reduce the number of cases waiting for a disability hearing. I can hardly wait for them to start."

The new ALJs will be brought on board in phases with the first hires reporting for duty in April, when they will begin an intensive orientation and training program. While initially handling a reduced docket, newly hired ALJs should be scheduling a full docket of cases by the end of the year.

"I have been very impressed with the caliber of the candidates eager to take on the challenging role of a Social Security ALJ," Commissioner Astrue noted. "These new ALJs are top-notch legally and comfortable working in an electronic environment, which is of utmost importance as we strive to increase the efficiency and productivity of our ALJ corps."

Hiring of additional ALJs is only one component of the plan the agency has put in place to reduce the backlog of disability cases. The agency also continues to make progress in many other areas including opening the National Hearing Center, completing the nationwide roll-out of the Quick Disability Determination process, implementing compassionate allowances and eliminating aged cases. More information about Social Security's plan is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability under the heading What's New.

"In May of last year, I presented Congress with a detailed plan to reduce the backlog of disability cases," Commissioner Astrue said. "I am pleased to report that, with the strong support of the President and Members of Congress from both parties, we have been able to move forward with that plan. I urge Congress to continue its support with timely action on the President's fiscal year 2009 budget request for Social Security. A delay in fully funding the President's request will undermine the many positive steps we have taken this year."

Posted by Nancy at 07:43 PM | Comments (0)

February 08, 2008

U.S. Department of Labor proposes rules to modernize H-2A program

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and Employment Standards Administration (ESA) today jointly proposed rules to modernize the H - 2A program for employing foreign workers in temporary or seasonal agricultural jobs.

"This issue must be addressed now, or our country will see eroding competitiveness in its agricultural sector, crops being left to rot in the fields, and increasing shifting of domestic food production to overseas," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "These proposed changes to the H - 2A program will provide farmers with an orderly and timely flow of legal workers and increase protections for both U.S. and foreign workers."

This package of proposed changes follows the administration's announcement that the Labor Department would review the program's current regulations, most of which have not been updated in more than 20 years, and propose changes to provide the nation's farmers with an orderly and timely flow of legal workers while protecting the rights of both U.S. and H - 2A workers.

During this review, the department identified a number of practices that have contributed to making the program difficult to use. Currently, only a little more than 75,000 workers participate in the H - 2A program, while there are an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 illegal immigrant workers on America's farms.

The proposed changes will modernize the broken H - 2A program so that it can serve its intended purpose of providing farm employers with a legal means to hire agricultural workers when no U.S. workers can be found. The methodology for calculating wages for H - 2A workers would be revised to better reflect wages by locality, occupation and skill level. More precisely tailoring H - 2A wages to the condition of local labor markets will better protect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.

The proposed changes build, in part, upon the successful re - engineering of the permanent labor certification program, which was modernized in March 2005. The updates in the current effort include reducing duplication of government effort by requiring employers to file H - 2A applications directly with the department's Employment and Training Administration rather than file with state agencies. The proposal also mentions plans to build out an Internet - based system in the future.

To improve protections for domestic workers, changes are proposed that would increase the length of time employers would be required to recruit for domestic workers before they are permitted to apply for H - 2A workers. Additionally, new tools and enhanced penalties to ensure employer compliance with the H - 2A program are being proposed. Those enhanced tools would include audits, revocation of certifications, increased debarment authority and substantial increases in fines, up to $100,000 for violations resulting in serious injury or death of a worker.

The proposed rule is available on the department's www.doleta.gov Web site and will be officially published in the Federal Register soon.

Contact Name: Jennifer Coxe or Terry Shawn
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 08-0181-NAT

Posted by Nancy at 06:25 PM | Comments (0)

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao calls for 2008 New Freedom Initiative Award nominations

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has called upon nonprofit organizations, small businesses, corporations and individuals that have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in advancing the employment and workplace environment of people with disabilities to submit entries for the 2008 Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award.

"The New Freedom Initiative Award celebrates innovative efforts to advance accessibility to the workplace for Americans with disabilities," said Secretary Chao. "The New Freedom Initiative Awards ceremony is an opportunity to showcase worthy organizations that are welcoming Americans with disabilities into the workplace."

The annual award recognizes public - private partnerships and programs that have had a positive impact on the employment of people with disabilities through access to assistive technologies, the use of innovative training, and hiring and retention techniques. It also recognizes organizations, businesses and individuals that develop comprehensive strategies to enhance the ability of Americans with disabilities to enter and advance within the workforce of the 21st century.

Additional information on the award and specific nomination criteria are available in the Jan. 29, 2008, edition of the Federal Register and at www.dol.gov/odep. Questions may be addressed to the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), Division of Policy Communication and Outreach, at 202 - 693 - 7880. The deadline for receipt of nominations is May 30, 2008.

President Bush introduced the New Freedom Initiative on Feb. 1, 2001. The initiative contains a comprehensive set of proposals designed to ensure that Americans with disabilities have the opportunity to learn and develop skills, engage in productive work, make choices about their daily lives, participate fully in their communities and realize their full potential as citizens.

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.

Contact Name: Bennett Gamble or Rick Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-4667 or x4676
Release Number: 08-0103-NAT

Posted by Nancy at 06:09 PM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2008

OcuSource Announces Virtual Conference for Vision Impairment Industry: Brings Presentations, Services & Products to Blind Consumers Desktops

Fullerton, CA - January 16, 2008

Low vision and blindness portal, OcuSource.com, announces the OcuSource EXPO 2008, a year-long virtual conference for the visual impairment industry. Through the integration of accessible web-conferencing, visitors to this online event can participate in interactive online presentations, visit exhibit "booths," and even attend online entertainment events, all from any sound-enabled computer with access to the internet. Hosted by the virtual tradeshow system from LetsGoExpo.com, the resource will offer a series of monthly events throughout the coming 12 months, kicking off March 26, 2008, and can also be found via the LetsGoExpo calendar of events.

"The OcuSource EXPO fulfils many needs of the vision impairment industry" states Dr. Lou Lipschultz, founder of OcuSource.com. "The key here is that there are around 14 million individuals in the United States with some form of vision loss. Yet, we estimate that less than a total of 10,000 visually impaired persons attend the five major vision impairment tradeshows in U.S. There is obviously a significant access issue here," stated Lipschultz, a low vision specialist and former executive of one of the manufacturers of technology for the visually impaired. "Lack of awareness, transportation, and financial constraints contribute to poor attendance by both consumers and professionals. OcuSource is now bringing the conference to attendees around the world, and we're doing it all through an interactive online venue designed specifically for low vision and blind users."

The "virtual conference center" is provided by sister company, LetsGoExpo, and is constructed to seamlessly work with software called a screenreader such as Jaws or WindowEyes. Users easily navigate through "presentation halls" and "exhibit halls" allowing the visitor to find his or her way to the topic of interest. Presentation halls are organized by topic including macular degeneration, education and employment resources. Exhibit halls are filled with "booths" staffed by manufacturers, vendors, agencies, organizations, and other entities eager to share information about their services and products. Attendees can also speak directly to booth representatives over the internet via the integrated web conferencing tool from venture partner Talking Communities, which allows the exhibitor to show PowerPoint and video presentations from within their booth.

Visitors who are unable to attend the live portion of the conference can still experience all the benefits around the clock through archived streamed videos of the presentations which will be available for 12 months after the live presentation.

"Our greatest challenge is getting the word out around the world of this valuable resource. We're hoping that as the year progresses, a network of low vision, blindness and senior oriented sites will share the availability of this valuable resource with their visitors" describes Lipschultz. The management team is now accepting applications for exhibitors, presentations, and sponsors.

About OcuSource
California based OcuSource.com, LLC, an internet portal dedicated to assisting the low vision and blindness industry with essential search tools and resources for consumers and professionals. OcuSource provides multiple databases of products, vendors, doctors and therapists, along with a customized auction system. The privately held company was founded in 2003, and is headquartered in Fullerton, California.

About Talking Communities
Michigan based Talking Communities creates interactive synchronous web conferencing tools which provide customers numerous capabilities at a very affordable rate. Live voice-over-internet conference rooms are suitable for public or private business meetings, employee training and support, family get-togethers, educational purposes, public and private interactive events, live broadcasts, and web presentations.

About LetsGoExpo
California based LetsGoExpo, Inc. is a web development firm, and is owner of a web content management (live or recorded audio and video), and meeting management resource. The service creates countless opportunities for entrepreneurs who may create business opportunities through the integrated e-commerce abilities of the service. After creating their free account, users can assume the role of attendee, exhibitor, advertiser, or even host events. Events or "venues" can be configured by hosts to achieve various objectives: Capture information and opinions through surveys, create online meeting and webcasts, provide online training, hold online "virtual" tradeshows or conferences, provide e-learning services, and most recently, to manage on-site tradeshows and conferences. LetsGoExpo is committed to affordable pricing so that businesses of all size may use the system, and to accessible web design for those with various disabilities.

Contact information:
Louis Lipschultz
Founder & President- OcuSource.com, LLC Email: loul@ocusource.com
Website: www.ocusource.com
Phone: 888-299-6657 ext 701

Contact information:
Louis Lipschultz
Founder & President- LetsGoExpo, inc.
Email: loul@letsgoexpo.com
Website: www.letsgoexpo.com
Phone: 888-299-6657 ext 701

Contact information:
George Buys
President & CEO - Talking Communities
Email: buys@audio-tips.com
Website: www.talkingcommunities.com
Phone: 810-667-3043

Posted by Nancy at 06:35 PM | Comments (0)

January 22, 2008

Ai Squared Releases ZoomText Scripting Edition

Personalized solutions for increased productivity.

Manchester, VT – Ai Squared, a worldwide leader in computer access solutions for the visually-impaired, is proud to announce the release of ZoomText® Scripting Edition, the newest product in the ZoomText family of screen magnification and screen reading products. ZoomText Scripting Edition makes it possible to create scripts to customize the behavior of ZoomText and other applications, providing enhanced functionality and automation of many computing tasks. With the power of ZoomText Scripting Edition, users will enjoy greater productivity and success, especially in workplace environments.

Many visually-impaired employees are challenged to perform routine computing tasks, especially those that require multi-step keyboard and mouse commands, or to find specific fields of information in a busy database system. ZoomText Scripting Edition can eliminate much of this repetitive work by automating tasks and providing more useful feedback from ZoomText’s magnification and reading, allowing the individual to work faster and meet performance goals.

A script is a text file that describes the steps required to complete a given task. ZoomText scripts can be written using industry standard scripting languages, such as VBScript, Java script, C#, or Perl. You do not need to download any other software in order to write a script—believe it or not, as long as you have Notepad and experience writing scripts, then you have everything you need to get started.

The first release of ZoomText Scripting Edition is available in the English, with international versions scheduled for release later in 2008. Single-user licenses of ZoomText Scripting Edition retail at $999. Multi-user licensing and upgrades are also available. To kick-off the new product, Ai Squared is offering a 20% discount on all purchases of ZoomText Scripting Edition through the month of February 2008. For further information about ZoomText Scripting Edition, contact the Ai Squared sales department at (800) 859-0270 or sales@aisquared.com.

Note: ZoomText Scripting Edition is not your typical out-of-the-box software product—you will need an experienced script writer to write your custom scripts.

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 – 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 ® mbrown_AT_aisquared.com Please replace the word _AT_ in the address with the appropriate symbol. 802-362-3612 ext. 128

Visit Ai Squared online.

Posted by Nancy at 07:35 PM | Comments (0)

January 18, 2008

Disaboom and JobCentral.com Partner to Improve Unemployment Rate Among People Living With Disabilities

January 14, 2008 - Disaboom, Inc., (OTCBB: DSBO), the first online community for people living with or directly affected by disabilities or functional limitations, today announced a multi-faceted partnership with JobCentral.com. The JobCentral.com National Labor Exchange is a service provided by the DirectEmployers Association, a consortium of Fortune 500 and other leading corporations nationwide, in alliance with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA). DirectEmployers was founded to develop and manage systems and software for employers to increase labor market efficiency and reduce Internet recruiting costs for its consortium members. The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is an organization of state administrators of unemployment insurance laws, employment services, training programs, employment statistics and labor market information and other programs and services provided through publicly funded state workforce systems.

Disaboom will launch version 2.0 of its Career Center in February 2008. The Career Center will offer employment opportunities, resources, and services to the Disaboom community and corporations. Through this partnership, Disaboom will fully integrate JobCentral's advanced search engine technology into the Disaboom Career Center. This will enable registered Disaboom members to search and apply directly for employment opportunities from a database of currently over 500,000 open positions with DirectEmployers' consortium members and state job boards. The partnership also includes, among other initiatives, Disaboom serving as DirectEmployers' content and resources partner for the upcoming release of a disability channel on the JobCentral.com site.

"We are very pleased to have DirectEmployers as the flagship partner in our Career Center. Approximately 15 years after the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the unemployment rate of people living with disabilities remains between 60% and 65%+. Disaboom's Career Center and DirectEmployers' disability channel will be excellent vehicles to provide employment opportunities, resources and services to our respective members and users," stated John Walpuck, President and CFO of Disaboom.

Chad Sowash, Vice President of Business Development of DirectEmployers, stated, "Our members are already working with the disability community, but they want to do more. We look forward to working with Disaboom to achieve the objectives of our partnership and consortium membership."

About Disaboom

Disaboom, Inc. was founded to develop the first interactive online community dedicated to constantly improving the way people with disabilities or functional limitations live their lives. It will also serve as a comprehensive online resource not only for people living with such conditions, but also their immediate families and friends, caregivers, recreation and rehabilitation providers, and employers. There are more than 54 million American adults living with disabilities or functional limitations today in the United States alone. Founded and designed by doctors and fellow disaboomers to meet this untapped market's specific needs, disaboom.com will bring together content and tools ranging from specialized health information to social networking to daily living resources, in a single interactive site.

About DirectEmployers Association and JobCentral National Labor Exchange

DirectEmployers Association's purpose is to share best practices, create new industry standards, provide research, and develop and manage systems and software for employers to increase labor market efficiency and reduce recruiting costs. JobCentral National Labor Exchange is the flagship service of the Association. Its member companies include an impressive group of industry leaders such as Abbott Laboratories, Analysts International, Allstate, ALLTEL Corporation, Anheuser-Busch, Ashland, Avaya, Bausch & Lomb, Baxter, Bell South, Cargill, Cisco, Coca-Cola, General Electric, General Dynamics, H&R Block, IBM, International Paper, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, Mellon Financial Corporation, Merck, Harris Corporation, Home Depot, Honeywell, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson, Mayo Clinic, Northrop Grumman, Procter & Gamble, Progressive Insurance, Raytheon, Southern Company, Sprint, Textron, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Union Pacific, Volt Information Sciences, and Xerox Corporation.

Disclaimers & Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry in which the Company operates and the beliefs and assumptions of the Company's management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continues," "may," variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of the Company's future financial performance, the continuing development of the Company's website, the prospects for selling advertising on the website and new visitors and visitor page views related to advertising agreements, the Company's anticipated growth and potentials in its business, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those identified in our filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements included in this news release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law.

© Disaboom, Inc., 2007

For more information about Disaboom, Inc., contact:

J.W. Roth
(720) 407-6532

Peter Shankman
(646) 522-9234

Molly Plyler
The Blueshirt Group
(415) 217-5867

Please visit the "About Us" section of our web site at www.disaboom.com.

Posted by Nancy at 12:20 PM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2008

Reading Habits of Blind and Physically Handicapped Defy National Trend

Book Consumption Rates Seven Times Higher for National Library Service Patrons Than Average Sighted Readers

WASHINGTON /PRNewswire/ -- According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, Americans of every age are consistently reading less. The study revealed an overall decline of 10 percent in literary reading between 1982 and 2002, totaling an overall loss of 20 million readers. Conversely, participants in the Talking Book program, a free library service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, read more than the general population by a significant amount. The average NLS patron, an individual with a visual or physical impairment, reads seven times more than most sighted readers, or approximately 35 books a year.

These numbers not only highlight the braille and audiobook appetites of NLS patrons, but also speak to the ease in obtaining ample reading material through the Talking Book program. "NLS patrons are extremely avid readers," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director. "NLS is dedicated to fulfilling their reading needs with the highest-quality collection so they can remain engaged in literature and connected to the world around them."

While NLS patrons have higher book consumption rates, their literary tastes do not differ from those of sighted readers, according to Jim Herndon, head of the NLS Collection Development Section. NLS librarians strive to build a well-rounded collection that meets readers' diverse informational and recreational needs. "Selecting titles for the collection is a rigorous process. NLS librarians consult book reviews and bestseller lists, monitor publishing trends, and assess patron requests before choosing titles," says Herndon. "Titles are selected based on such criteria as literary merit and popularity."

With more than 400,000 titles, the Talking Book catalog is wide-ranging. Among its unabridged offerings are bestsellers, classics, biographies, romances, mysteries, and westerns. Patrons particularly favor top sellers like Nicholas Sparks's True Believer, Danielle Steele's Impossible, and Malcolm Gladwell's Blink.

NLS libraries offer something for every bookworm, from kids to seniors. Summer reading programs and book clubs nationwide are designed to engage and reward readers. "Superheroes-Powered by Books," a program hosted by one network library, rewards blind and physically handicapped children who use their reading powers to fight summer boredom. Kids can report on the audio or braille books they have read in return for a range of superhero-themed prizes -- from masks to action figures. Additional reader appreciation programs include the 102 Talking Book Club, which honors centenarians for their lifelong devotion to reading.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, administers the Talking Book program, a free library service available to eligible individuals of any age living in the U.S. or American citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap makes reading a standard printed page difficult. Through its national network of regional libraries, NLS mails books and magazines on cassette and in braille, as well as audio equipment, directly to enrollees at no cost. Further information on eligibility requirements and enrollment procedures for the program is available at http://www.loc.gov/nls or 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323).

Posted by Nancy at 01:35 PM | Comments (0)

HSBC Bank Announces Audio Accessible ATMs Available in More Than 250 Locations

NEW YORK, - - (Business Wire) - - HSBC Bank USA, N.A. today announced the availability of audio - enabled or "talking" ATMs in more than 250 locations across the U.S. The talking ATMs provide spoken instructions in English and Spanish and allow individuals with visual impairments to hear on - screen information when conducting banking transactions.

"As the world's local bank, we are committed to providing our diverse customer base with the best products and services available to meet all of their banking needs. HSBC appreciates the input from Westchester Disabled On the Move Inc. and the Westchester Council of the Blind that helped make our ATMs accessible to people with visual impairments," said Patti Thompson, Senior Vice President - ATM/Self - Service, HSBC Bank USA, N.A. "The audio - enabled ATMs offer visually impaired individuals, or individuals who have difficulty reading standard on - screen print, a convenient and secure way to use our ATMs and create a better banking experience overall."

"Having worked closely with HSBC to implement this technology we applaud their willingness and commitment to the blind community," said Sherry DeFrancesco of Westchester Council of the Blind. "The talking ATMs are invaluable to blind or low vision individuals, allowing them to conduct banking transactions safely and independently."

The talking ATMs are equipped with an audio jack on the front of each machine and accept most standard audio headsets. Once plugged in, the ATMs feature a recorded voice which prompts consumers through the needed steps to conduct banking transactions including: deposits, balance inquiries, cash withdrawals and transferring funds.

Customers can control the volume on the ATMs and the machines also offer a spoken tutorial providing step - by - step instructions for individuals using the ATM for the first time or anyone who would like extra help with the ATM. In addition, the tutorial provides a verbal description of the machine's layout, including the location of the opening to insert ATM cards and deposit envelopes as well as openings to receive cash and transaction receipts.

Those wishing to obtain additional information about talking ATMs, including the complete list of locations, can call 1.800.975.HSBC (4722), 716.841.7212 outside the United States or TTY/TTD: 1.800.898.5999 for the hearing impaired. A complete list of the 250 locations of the talking ATMs is also available at www.us.hsbc.com.

Media inquiries to Francine Minadeo, francine.v.minadeo_AT_us.hsbc.com
Please replace the word _AT_ in the above e-mail address with the appropriate symbol.
or call 212 - 525 - 8737.

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

January 09, 2008

National Federation of the Blind Lawsuit Addressing Web Accessibility Will Proceed

Target Cannot Appeal Class Action Certification Ruling

Baltimore, Maryland (January 2, 2008): The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has denied Target Corporation's petition for an interlocutory appeal of the District Court's order granting class action certification to a lawsuit filed against the retailer by the National Federation of the Blind for Target's failure and refusal to make its Web site fully accessible to blind shoppers. As a result, the suit will proceed against Target on behalf of all blind Americans, as well as for a subclass of all blind Californians.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We are pleased that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has allowed our lawsuit against Target to move forward on its merits. Target can no longer delay being held accountable to the blind of the nation for denying us access to its Web site."

Posted by Nancy at 06:52 PM | Comments (0)

December 13, 2007

What's New In OpenBook 8.0

Presenter: Dusty Voorhees, Senior Product Manager, at Freedom Scientific

Date: Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Time: 6:00 p.m. Pacific, 7:00 p.m. Mountain, 8:00 p.m. Central 9:00 p.m. Eastern, and Wednesday GMT 02:00 elsewhere in the world.

Where: Friends of Bookshare Community Room

The presentation will feature an abundance of information about the upcoming release of OpenBook 8.0, including new features, changes in the functionality of features from previous OpenBook versions, and important interfaces with other Freedom Scientific products. This online Internet discussion will provide participants the opportunity to interact with one of Freedom Scientific's highly trained and respected technology leaders to learn first-hand about the changes in OpenBook and gain a better understanding of the benefits of the powerful tools available in OpenBook 8.0.

There are no membership requirements, no direct costs, no need to pre-register, and no passwords required. All you need is a PC running Windows 2000 or later, an Internet connection, a sound card, and speakers. Since this is an audio conference, a microphone will be needed to allow you to interact audibly with the presenter and each other. However, if you do not have a microphone, text chat is also available. (Limited access is also available for Macintosh users).

If you are a first-time user of the Accessible World online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on the entry screen of each room...

Note: Archives of events are available for download.

Posted by Nancy at 02:50 PM | Comments (0)

December 12, 2007

Ai Squared Releases ZoomText USB

Provides Universal Access for Vision Impaired Computer Users

Manchester, VT, December 5, 2007: Ai Squared, a worldwide leader in computer access solutions, is proud to announce the release of ZoomText® USB, the newest product in the ZoomText family. ZoomText USB lets vision impaired computer users carry the popular screen magnification/screen reading program anywhere they go, allowing for installation and use at any time. ZoomText makes computers accessible and friendly to low vision users by magnifying and speaking what appears on the screen, and the USB edition provides access to this valuable software on any computer.

ZoomText USB delivers ZoomText on a USB memory drive that conveniently fits in your pocket or around your neck on the included lanyard. With ZoomText USB, you can install and run ZoomText wherever and whenever you need to (with administrator's approval), without having to purchase additional licensing or worry about activating each installation.

Its design allows you to plug in the USB drive and, if ZoomText has already been installed on the system, immediately use the software. If ZoomText hasn't been installed, a low vision friendly setup program launches for a quick installation - you're up and running in minutes. Your settings are conveniently saved back to the USB drive and load automatically each time you plug in the USB drive.

"Computers have become increasingly ever-present in our lives, and so has our need to access and use them wherever we go", said Walter Elliott, President of Ai Squared. "This need for public computer access is no different for visually impaired ZoomText users. For those who are unable to use computers without ZoomText, ZoomText USB is the solution to universal access."
ZoomText USB supports Windows Vista, XP, and Windows 2000 and is available in 18 languages: Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, US English and UK English.
New copies of ZoomText USB are $495 for Magnifier and $695 for Magnifier/Reader. Low cost upgrades to the USB edition are available to all registered users of ZoomText. Upgrades from previous versions of ZoomText start at $100. For further information about ZoomText USB or information on multi-user pricing, contact the Ai Squared sales department at (800) 859-0270 or sales_at_aisquared.com


About Ai Squared
Headquartered in Manchester, Vermont, Ai Squared has been a worldwide leader in computer access solutions for the vision impaired since 1985. 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 - ZoomText, ZoomText USB, the ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard, and BigShot - is distributed through an international network of dealers. For more information, please visit Ai Squared online at www.aisquared.com.

Contact: Mckenzie Brown
Ai Squared
Phone: (802) 362-3612
Fax: (802) 362-1670

AI SQUARED
PO Box 669
Manchester Center, VT 05255

Posted by Nancy at 06:29 PM | Comments (0)

December 04, 2007

ILO calls for more support for disabled people in work

GENEVA, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- The International Labor Organization (ILO) on Monday called for more international efforts to break down barriers that still prevent millions of people with disabilities from working.

"Decent work is the ILO's primary goal for everyone, including people with disabilities," said ILO Director-General Juan Somavia in a statement to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons on Dec. 3.

"When we promote the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, we are empowering individuals, enriching societies and strengthening economies," Somavia said.

According to a new ILO report, some 650 million people, or one out of every 10 people in the world, has a disability, and of these, approximately 470 million are of working age.

While many are successfully employed and fully integrated into society, people with disabilities as a group often face disproportionate levels of poverty and unemployment.

"There is a strong link between disability and poverty," said the report, entitled "The right to decent work of persons with disabilities."

It said an estimated 80 percent of all people with disabilities in the world live in developing countries. Of these, some 426 million live below the poverty line.

The report said significant and sustained efforts are vital not only to promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in employment, rural development and poverty reduction programs, but also in moving toward achieving the U.N. Millennium Development Goals for halving poverty by the year 2015.

Posted by Nancy at 06:40 PM | Comments (0)

Pioneer in Accessible Teaching Technologies Wins WCET's Highest Award

Norm Coombs Boulder, Colorado - WCET announced today that Norman Coombs, a pioneer in the use of technologies that make e-learning courses accessible to those with disabilities, was named as the 2007 recipient of its Richard Jonsen Award for Service to the Educational Telecommunications Community. WCET, a cooperative that focuses on shaping e-learning's future in higher education, is one of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education's primary programs.

"I am honored to receive this award and am heartened that WCET understands the importance of accessibility issues," says Coombs, who is himself blind. The former professor learned the power of using educational technologies while teaching history at Rochester Institute of Technology. "Students with hearing or sight impairments often felt liberated in the freedom that the technologies afforded them," he says.

Since 1993 Coombs has led EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information), a nonprofit organization devoted to teaching educators about accessibility techniques for educational technologies. He is an outspoken advocate for adaptive technologies and the use of universal web design principles to meet the needs of disabled students, as well as a mentor to those coming up in the field. Though officially retired, Coombs continues to teach online seminars on adaptive technologies and policies.

"Norm inspires everyone to do what is necessary to ensure that all students have equal access to education," says Pat Shea, who directs WCET's efforts to help colleges improve their online student services. "Throughout his career, he has created tools to help people learn how to do so."

About WCET & WICHE WCET is a cooperative that's actively engaged in sharing cutting-edge research and best practices in the effective use of technology in higher education. Its nearly 300 members are colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and corporations located in 46 states and nine countries. Through WCET, members work together to shape e-learning's future in higher education and ensure its quality. WCET (formerly the Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications) is a unit of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. WCET's Richard Jonsen Award is named for the WICHE executive director responsible for founding WCET.

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education and its 15 member states work collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all citizens of the West. By promoting innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy among states and institutions, WICHE strengthens higher education's contributions to the region's social, economic, and civic life. Our programs - Student Exchange, WCET, Policy Analysis and Research, and Mental Health - are working to find answers to some of the most critical questions facing higher education today. WICHE is the only organization in the West that focuses exclusively on higher education issues, from access and accountability to tuition and fees to distance learning and innovation. Public higher education is the primary backbone of the Western economy, and WICHE's policy research and collaborative programs support the West's citizens and its constantly evolving cultures. WICHE's 15 member states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. For more information about WICHE, please visit www.wiche.edu.

Posted by Nancy at 05:36 PM | Comments (0)

November 27, 2007

New Canadian website will help persons with disabilities find jobs, live more independently

TD Bank Financial Group provides $100,000 to fund unique project

OTTAWA, Nov. 26 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC) and TD Bank Financial Group today announced the launch of the Virtual Independent Living Resource and TD Bank Financial Group Employment Web Portal at www.vilrc.ca. TD Bank Financial Group contributed $100,000 towards this unique project that will assist Canadians with disabilities in their efforts to find employment as well as resources and tools to enable increased participation in their communities.

"For the first time, Canada now has a national online resource available to assist persons with disabilities in finding the information, means and opportunities they need to live independently," said Tim Hockey, Group Head TD Personal Banking, Co-Chair TD Canada Trust. "As one of Canada's largest employers, TD has been steadily improving and enhancing its recruitment initiatives and this new site will be a great tool for us to use as well."

CAILC and its network of 28 Independent Living Resource Centres provide programs and services for over 250,000 Canadians with disabilities including sensory, physical, psychological and intellectual. The CAILC website has nearly 60,000 visitors per month, a number that is expected to increase with the new services available.

"The partnership we have developed with TD Bank Financial Group addresses an important priority we both share - the drive to enhance employment and independent living opportunities for Canadians with disabilities," said Traci Walters, National Director, CAILC.

"TD has a strong commitment to making a difference together in communities across Canada and we believe this new online resource is a great step towards helping persons with disabilities reach their career and personal goals," said Beth Grudzinski, Vice President, Diversity Initiatives and Programs, TD Bank Financial Group.

There are approximately 4.5 million Canadians living with a form of disability. The launch of the site is in advance of the United Nation's International Day of Disabled Persons, which this year appropriately focuses on "Decent Work for People with Disabilities."

For further information: Linda McGreevy, CILCA, (613) 563-2581 ext. 21, Cell: (613) 720-5549; Jennifer Martin, TD Bank Financial Group, (416) 983-6473

TD BANK FINANCIAL GROUP - Mo


For further information:
Linda McGreevy, CILCA, (613) 563-2581 ext. 21,
Cell: (613) 720-5549; Jennifer Martin, TD Bank Financial Group, (416)983-6473


Posted by Nancy at 07:38 PM | Comments (0)

November 19, 2007

VA to Hire Veteran Employment Coordinators

Forming Internal Task Force to Examine Veteran Job Development

WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the initial hiring of 10 full time Veterans Employment Coordinators to focus efforts to attract, recruit and hire veterans throughout the Department. These coordinators will work closely with the recently formed Federal Recovery Coordination Program to assist Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans to potentially obtain employment with VA.

"After our young men and women have concluded serving in our military, VA will use every hiring flexibility available to bring their talents and skills to our department should they want to continue to serve this great nation through the VA," said Acting-Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon Mansfield.

The Veterans Employment Coordinator job announcements will be posted on www.usajobs.gov/ and www.va.gov/jobs with the goal of being hired by the end of the year. The coordinators will work with veterans interested in employment at the VA, including those who have completed one of VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services programs.

"VA believes enhancing a veteran's opportunity for employment is not merely the obligation of a grateful Nation. It is good government and good business," added Mansfield. "This stepped-up recruitment and hiring of veterans into the Department of Veterans Affairs ensures we are able to employ some of our Nation's most highly motivated, disciplined and experienced citizens."

Mansfield also announced the formation of an internal task force to examine the Department's retention, training and development of veterans already in the VA workforce. The task force will be led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration, with employment experts from the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, National Cemetery Administration, and additional VA staff offices.

Approximately 31 percent of the 230,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees are veterans, and 7.7 percent are service-connected disabled veterans.

Posted by Nancy at 10:01 PM | Comments (0)

National Federation of the Blind to Hold Symposium on Disability Law

Conference Will Celebrate the Work of Blind Disability Law Pioneer

BALTIMORE -- The National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute will gather leading scholars and practitioners in the field of disability law at a symposium to be held April 10-11, 2008. The symposium, "Disability Law: From tenBroek to the Twenty-first Century," will examine the current status of both American and international disability law and will act as a forum in which to discuss future change in the disability law of the United States.

The conference will also explore the life and work of Dr. Jacobus tenBroek (1911-1968), the founder and first president of the National Federation of the Blind. The Texas Journal on Civil Liberties and Civil Rights will publish the symposium. Papers will be presented by:

Dr. Marc Maurer, an attorney and President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Dr. Jacobus tenBroek pioneered the field now known as disability law in his speeches, in his scholarly articles, and through his work as founding president of the National Federation of the Blind. This symposium will celebrate his life and work; but equally important, participants will discuss how to meet contemporary challenges in disability law and carry Dr. tenBroek's dream of equality for disabled Americans well i nto the future."

Dr. Jacobus tenBroek was a constitutional law scholar, a blind professor at Berkeley, and an author of treatises on the Fourteenth Amendment and social welfare. Dr. tenBroek created the concept that civil rights should apply to disabled Americans, and he published extensively on the application of the law to those with disabilities. His efforts to advance civil rights for the blind and others with disabilities included drafting the Model White Cane Law, which has had a profound influence on the development of civil rights laws for the disabled throughout the United States, and publishing authoritative articles like "The Right to Live in the World: The Disabled in the Law of Torts," 54 CAL. L. REV. 841 (1966).

For more information on the symposium and how to register, visit www.nfb.org. Seating is limited to three hundred participants. Documentation for CLE credits will be provided.

Posted by Nancy at 09:53 PM | Comments (0)

November 13, 2007

Disabled Riders Coalition Pushes 311 For Accessible Taxicabs

Assembly Member Kellner joins advocates in endorsing program to expand transportation options for disabled

(NEW YORK CITY) NOVEMBER 13th, 2007 - The Disabled Riders Coalition was this morning joined by New York State Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner (D/WFP - Upper East Side/Yorkville/Roosevelt Island) in endorsing a central dispatch system for accessible taxicabs...

With fewer than 80 accessible taxicabs and for-hire vehicles on the streets of New York City, the advocacy group and Kellner believe that a 311 call-in system, slated to be voted on by the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission this morning serves as a pragmatic interim solution to make taxicabs available to persons with mobility impairments, but stressed that such a system should in no way replace the goal of making the entire taxi fleet wheelchair accessible.

"Right now I could sit on a street corner with my hand out for hours and never even see an accessible taxicab," said Coalition Executive Director Michael A. Harris, himself a wheelchair-user. "For far too long the yellow taxicab, iconic of this great city for most has been a symbol of discrimination for people with disabilities. While central dispatch won't make things perfect it is a giant leap in the right direction and will open up a new medium of transportation to persons who have previously been excluded from using it. With accessible subway stations so few and far between, we firmly believe that the availability of accessible taxicabs plays a crucial role in making transportation more user-friendly to persons with disabilities."

"My entire district contains only one subway station and as such residents rely heavily on buses and taxis to navigate the city," said Kellner. "Sadly, for those with mobility impairments the taxicab has not been an option as a result of a lack of accessible vehicles. This morning, the TLC has the opportunity to take a giant leap toward changing that."

While Kellner and Harris both said that the TLC plan had some flaws that need to be fine-tuned, they believe that it showed a commitment on the part of TLC toward promoting greater access to taxicabs for persons with disabilities.

"With more than 1.3 million New York City residents with disabilities and countless disabled commuters and tourists coming through the city on a daily basis, this is a much needed measure," said Harris.

If approved by the Commission, passengers with disabilities would be able to make taxi arrangements by calling 311 beginning in January, 2008

CONTACT:
Michael A. Harris
Telephone: 646.405.9794
Mobile: 646.246.8795
Pager: 917.253.8095
E-mail: mediacontact@disabledriders.org

Posted by Nancy at 07:23 PM | Comments (0)

November 07, 2007

$2.3 million grant from U.S. Department of Labor funds consortium to increase employment, self-sufficiency of Americans with disabilities

Rutgers center to lead research, information, technical assistance and training efforts

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has awarded a two-year grant of $2,306,066 to a consortium of organizations that will establish a center aimed at increasing the employment and economic self-sufficiency of adults with disabilities. The center will build leadership and strategic partnerships across workforce development, economic development, and relevant partner agencies and systems.

"The talents of Americans with disabilities are not fully tapped in our economy. This $2.3 million grant will help advance employment opportunities for workers with disabilities and help them build better lives for themselves and their families," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The consortium, led by the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in New Brunswick, N.J., will conduct research, develop and disseminate information, and provide technical assistance and training in the following five targeted, critical leadership areas identified by ODEP's research over the past six years. Specific objectives are to increase:

In addition to the Rutgers center, consortium members include the American Public Human Services Administration, Washington, D.C.; the National Leadership Consortium for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Delaware in Newark, Del.; the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Brunswick, N.J.; and the Community Solutions Group LLC in Arlington, Va. The consortium was selected from applications submitted in response to a solicitation by the Labor Department.

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, the agency facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace.

ODEP News Release: [09/20/2007]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Richard Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 07-1424-NAT

Posted by Nancy at 08:44 AM | Comments (0)

U.S. Department of Labor forms alliance with CVS Caremark to promote employment of workers with disabilities nationwide

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and CVS Caremark today established an alliance to encourage and promote the employment of people with disabilities through training and education, outreach and communication, technical assistance and other efforts.

"This alliance will mutually benefit CVS Caremark, the company's workforce and customers, the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy and the general public," said Karen M. Czarnecki, acting assistant secretary of labor for ODEP. "Hiring, retaining and advancing employees with disabilities is just good business. ODEP and CVS Caremark will share information, guidance and resources that will help to develop model programs for other employers, particularly in the retail and pharmacy services industries."

CVS Caremark, headquartered in Woonsocket, R.I., employs about 190,000 people and has 6,200 retail and specialty pharmacies, 11 mail service pharmacies and 14 call center locations nationwide.

Through the two-year alliance, ODEP and CVS Caremark jointly will distribute training and education materials to, as well as share effective disability employment practices with, the company's human resources leaders. They will collaborate to identify technical assistance resources in providing workplace accommodations. The two organizations also will disseminate information in a variety of ways to promote a national dialogue on disability employment issues.

The alliance agreement was signed this afternoon by Czarnecki and Steve Wing, director of government programs for CVS Caremark, at the Labor Department's headquarters in Washington, D.C. A photo is available upon request. An implementation team representing both organizations will develop a plan of action.

CVS Caremark was a 2006 recipient of the Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award for exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment and workplace environment for people with disabilities. As such, the company is a member of ODEP's Circle of Champions, a distinguished group of U.S. employers that works with the agency to help inform disability employment policy by sharing proven business strategies.

ODEP's Alliance Initiative is open to both public and private sector organizations that would like to work with the agency to enhance the recruitment, hiring, employment and advancement of people with disabilities. An Alliance Directive available at www.dol.gov/odep provides guidelines and criteria for Alliance partnerships.

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.

Posted by Nancy at 08:41 AM | Comments (0)

October 28, 2007

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao to recognize seven businesses, organizations and individuals for exemplary disability employment practices

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao will present seven awardees with national awards for their contributions toward enhancing the employment of Americans with disabilities during a ceremony today, beginning at 11:45 a.m. EDT, at the JW Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, in Washington, D.C.

"The New Freedom Initiative Awards recognize exceptional commitment to helping Americans with disabilities succeed in the workplace and build careers," said Secretary Chao.

The Secretary of Labor's sixth annual New Freedom Initiative Award for exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment and workplace environment for people with disabilities will be presented to:

BUSINESSES

* The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich.
* Gap Inc., San Francisco, Calif.
* Northrop Grumman Corp., Los Angeles, Calif.

ORGANIZATIONS

* The Laurie Mitchell Employment Center, Alexandria, Va.
* Positive Vibe Café, Richmond, Va.

INDIVIDUAL

* John D. Kemp Esq., Powers, Pyles Sutter & Verville P.C., Washington, D.C.

Marc A. Buoniconti, ambassador to the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, located in Fla., will receive the second annual Secretary of Labor's SPIRIT Award for demonstrating qualities that inspire and enhance the ability of Americans with disabilities to enter and participate fully in the 21st century workforce. Those qualities — with letters forming the acronym "spirit" — are strength in leadership, perseverance in unyielding commitment to achieving success, integrity, serving as a role model, independence and acting as a trailblazer.

The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) coordinates the annual New Freedom Initiative Awards program. Introduced by President George W. Bush in 2001, the New Freedom Initiative is a government-wide effort to accelerate the full inclusion of people with disabilities into mainstream American life. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

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 this agency, please visit www.dol.gov/odep.

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

October 09, 2007

White Cane Safety Day Proclamation by the President

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary October 12, 2007 -- Our country upholds the value of every person, and all Americans deserve an opportunity to realize the American dream. Many citizens who are blind or visually impaired use white canes to achieve greater independence and increase mobility and productivity. On White Cane Safety Day, we celebrate the symbolism of the white cane, and we underscore our dedication to ensuring more individuals have the ability to lead active lives and achieve their personal and professional goals.

My Administration is committed to helping Americans with disabilities live and work with greater freedom. Through the New Freedom Initiative, we are building on the progress of the Americans with Disabilities Act and helping our citizens who are blind or visually impaired gain greater access to the workplace, school, and community life. By working to tear down barriers, we are creating a society where all people are encouraged to reach their full potential and where the promise of our great Nation is accessible for everyone.

The Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-628) approved on October 6, 1964, as amended, has designated October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2007, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public officials, business leaders, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Posted by Nancy at 07:12 PM | Comments (0)

September 08, 2007

Dealing With Vision Loss

Book Cover ST. LOUIS - Blind since birth, Fred Olver has devoted his life to demolishing stereotypes and breaking down barriers, and as a rehabilitation teacher, he has taught others facing vision loss to do the same. Now Olver presents a comprehensive guide for anyone directly or indirectly affected by vision loss in his new book, Dealing With Vision Loss.

Leading readers through the fears and uncertainties of vision loss, Olver offers answers and hope for individuals losing their vision, family members of those individuals, parents of visually impaired children, those who interact with the visually impaired on a regular basis and people interested in pursuing a degree to work with the visually impaired. Dealing With Vision Loss is also a vast resource of practical information, explaining how to find everything from talking watches to Braille playing cards to magnifiers.

Fueled by aging baby boomers, between 10 and 15 million Americans will suffer significant vision loss over the next 30 years, according to Olver's research. How will the social services network accommodate this influx, and how will these individuals continue to function on their own? Where will they learn the necessary skills not only to function, but also to cope?

Dealing With Vision Loss outlines training options for the visually impaired, explaining what skills are needed and why, and how and where those skills can be acquired. Large print and Braille, talking computer software, canes and guide dogs, bill paying, TV watching, newspaper reading and organizations that support the visually impaired are among the topics discussed. Parents will learn "absolutely the most important skill," according to Olver, that blind children should acquire before entering the school system. He also explains the effects public schools and schools for the blind can have on a child's development.

Dealing With Vision Loss clears a path to a fulfilling life for those confronted with the unfamiliar and sometimes overwhelming challenges associated with vision loss.

Olver received a bachelor's degree in communications and secondary education and a master's degree in blind rehabilitation teaching, both from Western Michigan University. He hopes Dealing With Vision Loss will be used as a classroom aid in teaching the philosophy necessary to develop positive training programs for the visually impaired. He lives with his daughter, Maggie, in St. Louis.

Posted by Nancy at 03:54 PM | Comments (0)

September 04, 2007

U.S. Labor Department awards nearly $1.9 million grant to establish National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and Employment for Youth with Disabilities

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) today awarded a 24-month cooperative agreement for $1,850,000 to the Institute for Educational Leadership's Center for Workforce Development in Washington, D.C., to establish a National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and Employment for Youth with Disabilities.

"It is essential that youth with disabilities receive the support they need to stay in school and succeed in the workplace, so that they can realize their dreams and ambitions for the future," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This nearly $1.9 million grant is to help ensure that youth with disabilities graduate from high school and get the assistance they need to continue their studies or enter the workforce."

The purpose of the National Technical Assistance Center will be to build the capacity of workforce development, economic development and educational service delivery systems to ensure that youth with disabilities graduate from high school and either enter employment or continue their education. A consortium led by the Center for Workforce Development will develop and promote quality collaborations and service coordination among agencies, programs and service providers at the national, state and local levels.

Through the new national center, the consortium will provide technical assistance to a minimum of three competitively selected states currently implementing individual learning and graduation planning strategies to ensure that policies and practices respond to the needs of youth with disabilities. It will conduct research, disseminate information and serve a wide range of stakeholders on topics relevant to improving postsecondary outcomes for youth with disabilities. Additionally, the consortium will advance youth-centered planning, development and leadership opportunities.

The other members of the consortium include the National Youth Employment Coalition, Washington, D.C.; the PACER Center, Minneapolis, Minn.; the Center on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin — Madison; and the University of Minnesota's Institute for Community Integration in Minneapolis.

The Center for Workforce Development was selected as the lead entity of the consortium from grant applications submitted in response to a solicitation by the Labor Department.

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.

ODEP News Release: [08/30/2007]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Richard Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 07-1254-NAT

Posted by Nancy at 09:55 PM | Comments (0)

August 29, 2007

WGBH Receives $600,000 Grant to Develop Solutions for Captioning Handheld Media for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Citizens

WGBH has received a $600,000 grant from the Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (http://www.ed.gov), to support its groundbreaking efforts to make handheld media accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, President Henry Becton Jr. announced today.

Titled "Captioning Solutions for Handheld Media and Mobile Devices" (award number H133G070122), the grant provides WGBH's Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) with $600,000 over three years to research and develop technical solutions for delivering captioned content to iPods, cell phones, PDAs and other mobile devices.

"From TV programs to school science experiments to corporate training presentations, more and more video content is being delivered through handheld media," said Larry Goldberg, Director of Media Access for WGBH. "Yet the 28 million Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing can't fully benefit from this content because it lacks captions."

Currently, Goldberg said, none of the existing technologies for producing and distributing content via mobile devices possesses the technical requirements needed to transmit captions. In addition, the few video-enabled handheld devices that have the technical capability to receive captioned content don't offer any controls that would enable deaf or hard of hearing users to access those captions.

Through the grant, WGBH will research ways of embedding captioning solutions within handheld devices and develop prototypes that will serve as proof-of-concept models for the mobile technology industry and public policymakers. WGBH also will explore and develop strategies for captioning media that is streamed directly to mobile devices via wireless networks, multi-channel DTV distribution or downloaded to desktop computers and then transferred to mobile devices.

Technology partners that will provide development platforms for WGBH's research include AOL®, Hewlett-Packard Company, the Open Media Network and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Content partners MacNeil/Lehrer Productions (producer of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer) and Hewlett-Packard, meanwhile, will join WGBH in providing a range of video content to be viewed on project prototypes during user testing by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

WGBH made history in the 1970s when it invented captioning for deaf and hard-of-hearing TV viewers. It later pioneered Descriptive Video Service® (DVS®)—which provides blind and visually impaired viewers with an audio narration of a program's visual elements—before developing MoPix®, its patented system that provides captions and descriptive video for feature films. More than 300 theaters in the U.S. and Canada now offer the MoPix technology, enabling patrons with disabilities to enjoy first-run feature films at the same time as their sighted and/or hearing family and friends.

This year, WGBH marked the 35th anniversary of the first-ever captioned television broadcast: an episode of WGBH's beloved cooking series, The French Chef with Julia Child.

"As content continues to migrate from TV to the Web and now to mobile devices," Goldberg said, "it's gratifying for WGBH to receive funding that will support our continuing efforts to make all media accessible to people with disabilities."

About WGBH
WGBH Boston is America's preeminent public broadcaster, producing such celebrated national PBS series as Masterpiece Theatre, Antiques Roadshow, Frontline, Nova, American Experience and more than a dozen other award-winning primetime, lifestyle and children's series. WGBH is the leading producer of online content for pbs.org—one of the most-visited dot-org sites on the Internet—a major producer for public radio and a pioneer in developing educational multimedia and new technologies that make media accessible for people with disabilities. For its efforts, WGBH has been recognized with hundreds of honors, including Oscars, Emmys, Peabodys and duPont-Columbia Journalism Awards. Visit WGBH on the Web at www.wgbh.org.

Press Contacts:
Jennifer Logue
617.300.5465 voice
jennifer_logue@wgbh.org

Mary Watkins
617.300.3700 voice
617.300-2489 TTY
mary_watkins@wgbh.org

Posted by Nancy at 09:32 AM | Comments (0)

August 08, 2007

Yahoo! Asked to Reasonably Accomodate the Blind by Adding Audio CAPTCHA

An online petition is being circulated worldwide asking Yahoo! to implement an audio alternative to their graphical CAPTCHA (visual verification) process so that the blind and visually impaired will be afforded the same level of access enjoyed by the sighted. All Internet users are asked to sign this petition and support the concept that the blind and visually impaired should be reasonably accommodated with respect to multifactor authentication and visual verification systems.

All blind and sighted Internet users are requested to sign the Yahoo! Accessibility Improvement Petition at http://BlindWebAccess.com asking Yahoo! to make available an audio alternative to their CAPTCHA as a reasonable accommodation affording blind and visually impaired people the same access to the company's resources as that currently granted the sighted.

Right now, Yahoo!'s graphical visual verification prevents full independent access by the blind and visually impaired computer user to many of the company's services. Pictures can't be interpreted or automatically conveyed using Braille or speech access devices. Until an accessible alternative is made available, people with vision loss can't see the code to be entered into the box to be granted admission.

Signing the petition tells Yahoo! you want them to provide an alternative way for blind users to verify their human status. If you close your eyes, don't get http://BlindWebAccess.com and sign the Yahoo! Accessibility Improvement Petition today.

Posted by Nancy at 04:23 PM | Comments (0)

August 07, 2007

Blind Customers Take Action against the Cell Phone Industry

Washington, DC (August 2, 2007)—Blind and visually impaired customers are taking legal action against the cell phone industry in an effort to improve cell phone accessibility. This week, 11 customers from across the country filed complaints with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which enforces Section 255, the law that requires phones to be designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. Complaints were filed against both the cell phone carriers and manufacturers.

"These complaints illustrate a market failure on the part of the cell phone industry to address accessibility," said Paul Schroeder, VP, Programs and Policy Group at the American Foundation for the Blind. "While some companies have taken steps, consumers with vision loss have few good options for accessibility, and almost no reliable information about accessibility."

There is a growing need for accessible phones given the increasing rates of vision loss. Experts predict that by 2030, rates of severe vision loss will double along with the country's aging population.

For people with vision loss, finding a cell phone with a readable screen or with voice output of essential features like menus or text messages is almost impossible. Some companies, like AT&T, have taken the lead on providing accessible phones. But too often the handsets and services are not designed to be user-friendly for those who are blind or visually impaired. Earlier this month, AFB initiated a campaign called 255 Action to help people with vision loss understand access requirements, and if necessary, file complaints. As part of that campaign, AFB sent letters to leading cell phone service providers and manufacturers asking what they are doing to meet the needs of people with vision loss. Frequent complaints from blind and visually impaired cell phone customers include:

The complaints filed with the FCC came from customers in Florida, Georgia, Colorado, California, and West Virginia.
QUOTES FROM FCC FILINGS

Problems Purchasing Equipment

"In November 2006, I asked for assistance in identifying and purchasing a new telephone. The agent was completely uninformed regarding available phones with built-in accessibility features for a Blind user. Indeed, the representative did not even understand what features a Blind user would need in purchasing a phone." —Melissa Green, Greeley, CO

Phones Features Are Inaccessible

"I cannot text message, surf the Internet, or use the phonebook. Additionally, the numbers displayed on the keypad are too small for me to read, thus I have to use the voice recognition feature to call contacts in my phonebook. This poses some limitations, because I can only program in ten names, yet I have many more contacts than this amount."—Douglas Brooks, Winston, GA

"Even after setting my phone's level of brightness to the highest level, I still have to use a closed circuit television (cctv) to read the text displayed. This magnification device is quite large, encompassing a television set with a similar sized stand. This defeats the "mobile" aspect of my phone, since I have to wait until I am at home to enter contacts in the phonebook, change settings, etc."—Richard Rueda, Union City, CA.

Documentation Is Inaccessible

"Upon receiving my phone, I was given an inaccessible print manual explaining how to use the phone. However, because I am totally Blind, I cannot read the text on the instruction manual. My phone's instruction manual is in a pdf file, which I have difficulty accessing with my computer's screen reading software because graphical representations are used to instruct a person on how to use the phone."—George Roberts, Orlando, FL

Phones With Access Software Cost More

"In order to access the features of the MotorolaQ, I had to make an additional out-of-pocket purchase of Mobile Speaks (a screen reader) to access the cell phone features. While this phone is more accessible than the Katana with my add-on software, it was quite expensive, and I would not have purchased it if my previous phone was accessible. Being Blind forced me to stretch my budget to the limits in order to have access to my cell phone's features." —Tony Claive, Winter Park, FL

Customer Service Is Inadequate and Accessibility Features/Information are Unavailable

"I went to my local Sprint store, and explained that I was legally blind and looking for an accessible cell phone. The salesperson did let me know about getting my bill in large print format. Sprint's representatives were unable to provide me with a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of their phones." —Dennis Wyant, Melbourne, FL


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

Media Contact:
Adrianna Montague-Gray
AFB Communications
amontaguegray@afb.net

Posted by Nancy at 12:59 PM | Comments (0)

August 01, 2007

Harkin Introduces Bill Restoring His Signature

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On the 17th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the senator who crafted the legislation, Tom Harkin (D-IA), is offering a bill that would clarify its original intent and ensure that every American with a disability is protected from discrimination.

Considered to be one of the landmark civil rights laws of the 20th century, the ADA was designed to protect any individual who is treated less favorably because of a current, past, or perceived disability. The law was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush.

Unfortunately, since the ADA was passed, a series of court decisions have ignored Congress' clear intent regarding who should be protected under the law, and have narrowed the category of who qualifies as an "individual with a disability."

"Many individuals who Congress intended to protect under the ADA - including people with epilepsy, diabetes, and cancer - are no longer protected as a result of these court decisions," said Harkin. "These cases have created a bizarre catch-22 where people with serious conditions like epilepsy or diabetes could be forced to choose between treating their conditions and forfeiting their protections under the ADA, or not treating their conditions and being protected. That is not what Congress intended when we passed this law 17 years ago. This situation clearly cries out for a modest, reasonable legislative fix, and that's exactly what I am doing, today, by introducing the ADA Restoration Act of 2007."

Harkin's bill would restore the original intent of the ADA to protect all persons with disabilities without regard to mitigating circumstances, such as taking medication, or using an assistive device. This bill is being co-sponsored by Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA). House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representations today.

Harkin's legislation amends the definition of "disability" so that individuals with disabilities who Congress originally intended to protect from discrimination are covered under the ADA. This is accomplished by:

"As with the original passage of the ADA, it's going to take time to hold hearings and build strong majorities," said Harkin. "But I look forward to working to restore Congress' original intent, and, once again, to ensure that Americans with disabilities are protected from discrimination."

Posted by Nancy at 09:34 AM | Comments (0)

Sensenbrenner Introduces Legislation to Restore Americans with Disabilities Act Protections

(WASHINGTON, DC) - In a bipartisan and bicameral move today, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls) joined House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), along with Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Arlen Specter (R-PA), to introduce the ADA Restoration Act of 2007, legislation which would restore the ADA's clear national mandate for the elimination of discrimination on the basis of disability.

Seventeen years ago, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act to break down the physical and societal barriers that kept disabled Americans from fully participating in the American Dream. As a result, citizens with disabilities have experienced increased opportunities, higher graduation rates, higher employment rates and lower rates of poverty.

However, since then, the full promise of the law has not been fulfilled. Through a series of court decisions, the Supreme Court has chipped away at the protections of the ADA, leaving millions of citizens vulnerable to a narrow interpretation of the law.

"The Supreme Court's interpretation has created a vicious circle for Americans with disabilities," said Sensenbrenner. "It has created a broad range of people who benefit from 'mitigating measures' such as improvements in medicine, who still experience discrimination from employers, yet have been labeled 'not disabled enough' to gain the protections of the ADA. This is unacceptable."

The ADA Restoration Act will force courts to focus on whether a person has experienced discrimination "on the basis of disability," rather than require individuals to demonstrate that they fall within the scope of the law's protection.

"The effectiveness of the ADA is paramount to ensuring that the guarantees and promises on which this country was founded continue to be protected for all citizens," Sensenbrenner concluded.

The ADA Restoration Act was introduced with over 130 original cosponsors.

CONTACT: Raj Bharwani
(202) 225-5101

Posted by Nancy at 09:34 AM | Comments (0)

National Council on Disability Says Americans with Disabilities Act Findings Encouraging ­With More to be Done

WASHINGTON -­ The National Council on Disability (NCD) today released two reports on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that show that ADA implementation is not only possible and practicable, it is also good for business.

The first, The Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Assessing the Progress toward Achieving the Goals of the ADA, describes a retrospective study and review of the impact the ADA has had on the lives of Americans with disabilities during the first sixteen years since its passage, with particular focus on the four major goals of the ADA ­equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Progress toward the goal of economic self-sufficiency appears to be the goal having the least success.

The purpose of the ADA is "to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities." This report describes a two-year retrospective study and review of the impact the ADA has had on the lives of Americans with disabilities over a sixteen-year period, with particular focus on the four major goals of the ADA ­equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. NCD-funded researchers consulted disability experts and ADA stakeholders from around the country through interviews, public forums, and focus groups, and analyzed existing data and information sources to gather information about the impact of the ADA. The findings are encouraging but far from complete.

The provisions of the ADA addressing architectural, transportation, and communication accessibility have changed the face of American society in numerous concrete ways by enhancing the independence, full participation, inclusion, and equality of opportunity for Americans with disabilities. People with disabilities report having greater access to goods and services from businesses, state and local governments, and their local communities. People with mobility impairments have experienced substantial improvements in physical access to transportation, businesses and government agencies. As workers, people with disabilities are more likely to receive accommodations and less likely to be terminated due to their disabilities. However, obtaining employment remains difficult for people with visible and severe disabilities. Disparities still exist in access to health insurance, health care, and financial assets for people with disabilities, as compared to people without disabilities. Access to information, particularly the Internet, is inconsistent, at best, for people who are visually impaired. Progress toward the goal of economic self-sufficiency appears to be the goal having the least success.

The ADA impact report contains recommendations for addressing the barriers that are preventing full achievement of the overarching goals of the ADA.

The second report, Implementation of the ADA: Challenges, Best Practices, and New Opportunities for Success, highlights many strategies for ADA implementation that have been successful, as well as obstacles that are preventing ADA implementation. This report reflects the experiences and ideas of ADA stakeholders from around the country, including small and large businesses, employers, judges and legal professionals, governmental entities, and individuals with disabilities, concerning ADA implementation. Through this extensive stakeholder input, NCD learned of the many strategies for ADA implementation that have been successful, as well as obstacles that are preventing ADA implementation.

One important finding is that meaningful ADA implementation is both possible and practicable. Some effective ADA implementation practices were identified that can serve as models and that illustrate how diverse covered entities are going about making the promise of the ADA a reality. However, in many areas, the ADA remains unimplemented, and gaps in information, knowledge, and interest in compliance with the ADA still exist. Therefore, this study also focused on understanding why certain sectors of our society have made little progress in ADA implementation and on developing recommendations to address those implementation gaps.

The ADA implementation report contains extensive recommendations for improving ADA implementation, and NCD remains committed to working with the Administration, Congress, and the public to achieve the promise of the ADA for all Americans ­the elimination of disability-based discrimination in all aspects of society.

Despite extensive ADA technical assistance and training available from federal agencies, however, people with disabilities report widespread failure to comply with the ADA by small businesses, especially those in small towns and rural areas. Input from small businesses revealed that many in the small business community still do not understand the specific requirements of the ADA. Some mistakenly believe the ADA does not apply to them, while others believe the ADA requires much more than it does. NCD's ADA implementation report contains an ADA public awareness campaign prototype targeting small businesses, and calls for Congress to provide specific funding to DOJ and all technical assistance organizations, such as the ADA & IT Technical Assistance Centers, for outreach to chambers of commerce, Rotary Clubs, and other small business organizations. NCD also recommends that building renovation requests trigger an ADA compliance review.

According to NCD chairperson John R. Vaughn, "It is 17 years since the ADA was enacted and yet public awareness and societal attitude issues are still factors that inhibit the full promise of the ADA to truly level the playing field for people with disability. NCD conducted this ADA implementation project to learn from the successes, best practices and to bring together people with disabilities and covered entities to develop recommendations to advance ADA implementation. This dialogue resulted in 167 recommendations. So, there is much to do, and we look forward to working with all ADA stakeholders to further the progress toward a fully accessible America."

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. It provides advice to the President, Congress, and executive branch agencies to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.


NEWS RELEASE
NCD #07-540
July 26, 2007
Contact: Mark S. Quigley

For additional information, please contact Mark S. Quigley or Julie Carroll at 202-272-2004 (V) or 202-272-2074 (TTY).

Posted by Nancy at 09:20 AM | Comments (0)

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

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