Tag Archive

Education

Project L/EARN Offering College Students Paid 10-Week Summer Internships in Health Research at Rutgers

Are you a visually impaired college student with an interest in health information sytems? Why not apply your unique perspective to this field by challenging yourself with the following summer internship program?

Program aims to enhance diversity in health-related graduate school programs.

College students who want to skip the mindless low-wage job this summer and learn valuable skills in health research now have a new option. Those from disadvantaged backgrounds who have an interest in health-related careers are eligible to apply for a summer health research training program at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.

That’s because Rutgers and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have come together to offer this alternative to uninspired summer breaks through Project L/EARN, which will accept 10 students this year who are minorities, first generation college attendees or who are from low-income families. Participants will assist faculty with research projects and attend daily research training classes. For their work, they will receive the cost of tuition, room and board, a stipend of $3,900, and three academic credits.

Applications are due Feb. 16; selections will be announced this spring.

Read the full article here.

Through the Looking Glass Scholarships for youth who have parents with disabilities

2010 THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS WITH PARENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Through the Looking Glass and its National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families are pleased to announce new scholarships specifically for high school seniors and college students who have parents with disabilities. A total of ten $1000 scholarships will be given out Fall 2010. These scholarships are part of Through the Looking Glass’ National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families. Please note that the 2010 awards have different application procedures than previous years.

There are separate scholarship awards for high school seniors and for college students, and each has separate eligibility requirements:

1. High School Seniors.
To be eligible, a student must be a high school graduate (or graduating senior) by Summer 2010, planning to attend a two-year or four-year college in Fall 2010 in pursuit of an AA, BA or BS degree, and have at least one parent with a disability.

2. College Students. To be eligible, a student must be currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college in Fall 2010 in pursuit of an AA, BA or BS degree, be 21 years of age or younger as of March 1, 2010, and have at least one parent with a disability.

All application materials must be postmarked by March 1, 2010.
Individuals may submit only one application per award period.

Selection criteria for all scholarships include academic performance, community activities and service, letter of recommendation and an essay describing the experience of growing up with a parent with a disability.

Please go to our website: http://www.lookingglass.org/scholarships for more information, including the application form, complete application directions, and a FAQ page that answers many common questions as well as offers helpful suggestions.

Scholarship Coordinator
Through the Looking Glass
The National Center
for Parents with Disabilities and their Families
2198 Sixth Street, Suite 100
Berkeley, CA 94710
(800) 644-2666
(800) 804-1616 (TTY)
www.lookingglass.org
scholarships@lookingglass.org <mailto:scholarships%40lookingglass.org>

The Obamas invite persons with disabilities to apply for the White House Fellows program applicants with disabilities.

President Obama and Mrs. Obama would like your help to encourage talented leaders with disabilities to apply to the White House Fellows program. President Obama and Mrs. Obama would like to encourage talented leaders with disabilities to apply to the White House Fellows program. The White House Fellowship is one of the nation’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service.  Each year, 11-19 exceptional young men and women are selected to spend a year in Washington, D.C. to gain first-hand experience in the process of governing the nation at the highest levels of the Federal government.

Candidates need to be promising young leaders who are excelling early in their careers and are committed to leadership and public service.  Thus, this is not for students but rather for individuals already into their careers.

The deadline is February 1, 2010. Visit the website to learn more and apply.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/fellows

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

A message from the CFILC:

The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers salutes December as Universal Human Rights Month!

CFILC celebrates December as Universal Human Rights Month, with a
spotlight on the human rights of people with disabilities around the
world. According to the United Nations, over 600 million people, or 10%
of the world’s population, experience a disability. Over 80% of these
people with disabilities live in developing nations, and in all parts of
the world are “kept on the margins of society,” frequently trapped in
poverty, social isolation and vulnerable to forced institutionalization,
abuse and even torture. UN reports also document the “double
discrimination” that faces people with disabilities who also belong to
racial or other minority groups.

Three examples of contemporary denial of human rights include:

* A constitutional court in a Southeast Asian country upheld a
decision that disqualified an accomplished lawyer from serving in the
judiciary because he uses a wheelchair.

* A court in a European nation awarded damages to plaintiffs who
sued a hotel, complaining that they were forced to share the company of
a guest with a disability.

* A girl who has a mental disability is taken from her home in
South America to live in an institution where she is put in a cage and
dies of malnutrition and exposure.

The Washington Post, 11/3/04

In addressing the legal and social justice issues facing people with
disabilities worldwide, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities was a pivotal advancement. The first human
rights treaty of the 21st century, the Convention came into force on May
3, 2008, representing a major shift from the charity approach to one
focused on human rights as well as addressing the economic and social
processes of inclusion. The Convention’s purpose is “promote, protect
and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and
fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote
respect for their inherent dignity.” Seeking to end discrimination based
on ability, it includes any type of disability, covering civil and
political rights, accessibility, participation and inclusion, the rights
to education, health, employment and social protection.

Fundamentally, the Convention recognizes the concept of self-autonomy and freedom for people with disabilities, and acknowledges that adequate social supports are necessary to take advantage of that freedom for a life of active participation in society.

Upon ratification of the Convention, participating nations must
eliminate any existing laws that discriminate against people with
disabilities and “reaffirm that every human being has the inherent right
to life and shall take all necessary precautions to ensure its effective
enjoyment by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.”

To date, seventy-four nations have ratified the treaty, making it
binding under international law. One hundred and forty-three nations
have signed it (the first step toward eventual ratification).

In the context of Universal Human Rights Month, December 3rd of each
year is set aside to celebrate the “International Day of Persons with
Disabilities.”

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES:

* For more information on the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities, visit www.un.org/disabilities

* The International Disability Rights Monitor is an international
grassroots project that generates reports on the status of people with
disabilities worldwide. For more information, visit
http://www.idrmnet.org

Please join us this December in celebrating Universal Human Rights Month
and the advancement of people with disabilities throughout the world!

Foucs group for people with disabilities, $100 honorarium

From EIN SOF Communications:

Have you ever wished to communicate your impressions, insights and feedback to a company regarding its accessible products, services, and outreach to customers with disabilities and functional limitations? Now is your chance.

EIN SOF Communications, Inc. is coordinating the recruiting for a series of twelve one-hour focus groups in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area (six per city) for a company that is interested in obtaining feedback and insights from people with disabilities, during the week of December 14 – 18, 2009.

New York City Focus Groups:

Monday, December 14:

5:00 – 6:00 pm Blind

6:30 – 7:30 pm Low Vision

8:00 – 9:00 pm Mobility

Tuesday, December 15:

5:00 – 6:00 pm Limited Dexterity

6:30 – 7:30 pm Hard of Hearing

8:00 – 9:00 pm Deaf

San Francisco Focus Groups:

Thursday, December 17:

5:00 – 6:00 pm Blind

6:30 – 7:30 pm Low Vision

8:00 – 9:00 pm Mobility

Friday, December 18:

5:00 – 6:00 pm Limited Dexterity

6:30 – 7:30 pm Hard of Hearing

8:00 – 9:00 pm Deaf

If you, or someone you know with a disability is interested in participating, please e-mail Tari@EINSOFcommunications.com with FOCUS GROUP in the Subject Line and you will be sent a preliminary questionnaire. Please include your phone number in the e-mail so we can contact you directly. In appreciation, those participants who are selected will receive a $100 honorarium.

Focus groups facility is wheelchair accessible, sign language interpreters and CART will be provided, and locations are near public transportation. Groups are limited in size. Completion of preliminary questionnaire is required in advance. Please indicate any disability-related accommodation in your e-mail. This is a dynamic opportunity to provide feedback and insights into your use and preferences of telecommunication products and services. We appreciate your interest.

Thanks and Happy Holidays,

Tari Hartman Squire, CEO

EIN SOF Communications, Inc.

LightHouse Trainee Positions Now Available

The LightHouse is looking for candidates to fill traineeship positions for the Spring 2010 semester. Our goal is to develop your professional skills and help you learn new ones in an experience that will help you reach your employment goal in the future.

A potential trainee must be blind/visually impaired, and working with the California Department of Rehabilitation with an open case with a Rehab Counselor. We are looking for people who are self-motivated, hard-working, and punctual. A variety of positions are available in many of our different departments. We hope to find the one that best fits you!

Please contact Philip Kum at the LightHouse by e-nail: pkum@old.lighthouse-sf.org or by phone: (415) 694-7372. Please pass this on to whoever you might think may be interested.

Thank you!!

Philip Kum

AAPD Summer Internship for College Students with Disabilities

Washington D.C. Summer 2010

Each year, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) hosts two Summer Internship Programs for College Students with Disabilities in Washington, DC, providing paid travel to and from DC, paid fully-accessible housing, and living stipends. These programs are generously funded by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) and Microsoft Corporation.

AAPD is now accepting applications for the 2010 Summer Internship programs.  (Link to applications for 2010 Summer Internships Instructions Form) The same application form is used for both the MEAF-AAPD Congressional Internship and the Microsoft-AAPD Federal IT Internship programs.  Applications for both 2010 AAPD summer internship programs are now being accepted until 5PM, EST on January 8, 2010.   More information on the AAPD Summer Internship programs is below and in the application form.  http://www.aapd.com/AAPDInternship/

Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing November 13

This listing is compiled by the Vision Loss Resource Center at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is compiled weekly as a service to the blind and visually impaired community of Northern California. If you have meeting or event information that would be appropriate for inclusion in this list please email info@old.lighthouse-sf.org. This list will be updated every Friday. Information for each Friday’s listing must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to publication.  The entertainment and recreation listing are also available on the LightHouse website at: www.lbvi.staging.wpengine.com.com.
***

Audio described movie listings by geographic area:

EAS T BAY:
AMC Bay Street 16:
5614 Shellmond Drive
Emeryville
510-457-9006
Now playing in auditorium 5:
“2012”

SAN FRANCISCO:
AMC Metreon 15:
101 Fourth Street
415-369-6201
Now playing in auditorium 8:
“The Fourth Kind”

AMC Van Ness 14:
1000 Van Ness Avenue
415-674-4630
Now showing in auditorium 5:
“A Christmas Carol”

SOUTH BAY:
AMC Cupertino Square 16:
North Wolfe Road & Stevens Creek
Cupertino
408-252-5960
Now playing in auditorium 3:
“2012”

AMC Saratoga 14:
700 El Paseo De Saratoga
San Jose
408-871-2277
Now playing in auditorium 10:
“The Fourth Kind”
***

Live Described Performance:
Presented by SHN
”Wicked”
Orpheum Theatre
1192 Market St.
San Francisco

This show is open ended and has a recorded descriptive sound track.  This means that every performance is accessible.  To charge tickets call 415-551-2027 and request a descriptive headset with your tickets.  Tickets can also be purchased at the box office without the convenience fee.  The box office is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.

RECREATION:
Thursday Evening Hatha Yoga Class:
Every Thursday  6:00pm to 7:25pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco

The weekly class works on a large variety of poses that strengthen and refresh the entire body, mind, and spirit.  Drop in students are welcome. Contact Philip Kum at 415-694-7342 or via email: richardrueda@sbcglobal.net.
***
Interested in Goalball?
Richard Rueda is looking to form a Goalball team at the California School for the Blind in Freemont. The team will begin playing on Sundays in January.  Talk to Richard via phone 510-825-4106 or via email richardrueda@sbcglobal.net.

Tandems Across the Bay Bike Club:
The club has several volunteers with tandems and rides on weekends and holidays, from The Fishermen’s Wharf Area.  The easy-going rides are usually across the Golden Gate Bridge and return to San Francisco via Ferry. There is usually a picnic after the ride.  To schedule a ride or just ask questions contact the club at:
tandemsacrossthebay@gmail.com
***
Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP):
Adventure fitness and recreation are touch phrases for BORP.  BORP believes that everyone should have access to the unique challenges that outdoor recreation provides.  BORP makes every effort to accommodate each person’s needs, including providing transportation and volunteer support. Trips are planned with a wide spectrum of abilities in mind, including wheelchair users, slow walkers, and people with visual impairments. For event listings call Lori Gray at 510-843-4398 or check out the BORP website at www.borp.org
***
Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors:
Departs every Sunday at noon from Pier 40 in San Francisco. Call 415- 281-0212 for announcements or visit: WWW.BAADS.org

OF COMMUNITY INTEREST:

Peer To Peer Support Group:
November 14  1:00pm-3:00pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco

These meetings are casually structured to discuss different aspects of life with a visual impairment. Every individual is visually impaired so discussions will be set in a comfortable, confidential setting with no judgments. Refreshments provided.
***
Build Your Own Website:
December 4, 2009
Panel Presentations: 1–3 p.m. PST
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco,

Want to promote your business online? Maybe you are a job seeker who needs to really stand out on the internet. Why not create a site to post your résumé and highlight your skills? Maybe you are an artist seeking to create a snazzy online niche for your portfolio? If so, come to our quarterly tech seminar to get the lowdown on hosting, coding and designing your own website.

You can participate through one of the following:
•    Tune in to live audio stream on our website.
•    Dial in with our telephone conferencing service.
•    Attend in person and get the most out of live demos!
To request accommodations or RSVP call 1-888-400-8933 or email info@old.lighthouse-sf.org. Conference call and live stream instructions will be provided.
***
National Federation Of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Holiday Party/Fund Raiser
December 5        2:00pm-4:00pm
A.G. Ferrari 686 Mission Street
San Francisco

Wine and cheese pairings provided by A.G Ferrari.  A.G. Ferrari will donate 10% of all purchases made during the party to The NFB San Francisco Chapter. An auction and raffle are  also planned.  Call Jim Blacksten at 415-543-3727 or via email jim1021@sbcglobal.net.
***
California School for the Blind Winter Concert
December 9     1:30pm
December 10    7:30pm
California School for the Blind
500 Walnut Ave
Freemont

Contract Management Support (CMS) Training:
The Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is seeking motivated legally blind individuals to join its Contract Management Support (CMS) training program.

CMS services include the tasks required to conduct contract close-out and administration. These tasks range from research and analysis prior to awarding a contract to contract negotiation and post-award vendor follow-up.

The LightHouse and National Industries for the Blind are partnering with the Department of Defense’s Defense Acquisition University (DAU) to provide the core training courses required to establish a foundation on contract management.  This is a 10 Week program and consists of four online courses and one on-site class.  Tuition is free to participants who are eligible for this training. In order to be considered for this program, candidates must:
•    Be a U.S. Citizen
•    Be legally blind
•    Have Bachelor’s degree, or 24 semester hours in a combination of the following fields:  accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
•    Be proficient using adaptive technology such as Zoomtext and/or JAWS
For more information please contact Sam Rodriguez, Assistant Director Business Services, at 415-694-7360 or send resume to srodriguez@old.lighthouse-sf.org
***
Insights Art Exhibit:
Presented by The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and The San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery’s Art at City Hall Program.
Through December 11
Monday – Friday 8am-6pm
San Francisco City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton  B. Goodlett Place
Lower Level- Enter on Grove Street
An exhibition of works by artists who are blind or visually impaired.
***
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Access Days:
December 21             9:00am to 1:00pm
February  27, 2010    6:00pm to  8:00 pm
De Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco

The exhibit offers 50 objects from tomb of King Tut and 80 more from the tombs of his ancestors.  This exhibit illuminates the 18th Dynasty, Egypt’s Golden Age.  These Access days offer smaller crowds and reduced ticket prices.  There will be additional seating as well.  Objects for visitors to touch will be available at both Access Days.  Ticket prices are $18.50 and a limited number of $10.00 tickets for those with financial need.  Contact Tish Brown 415-750-7650 or tbrown@famsf.org for applications and more information.
***
Follow the LightHouse on Facebook and Twitter:
Get daily updates about LightHouse activities, community events, new products and even job postings. If you are not a member of these sites, it is easy to join!  Click on the following links, sign up and you will automatically be connected to LightHouse buzz! Twitter http://twitter.com/lighthouse_sf Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/LightHouse-for-the-Blind-and-Visually-Impaired/104069923114?ref=mf
###

Job Opening: National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange Project Coordinator

NCDE Project Coordinator Job Posting

National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange seeks a Project Coordinator. Apply by November 23, 2009.

Mobility International USA (MIUSA), a national nonprofit organization founded in 1981 and based in Eugene, Oregon USA, promotes the human rights of people with disabilities through international exchange and international development. MIUSA seeks a qualified Project Coordinator with excellent international exchange, writing and advising skills to join the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange team, a project sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Mobility International USA. This position is required to work some evenings and weekends on occasion. The Project Coordinator reports to the Director of Administration/NCDE Project Manager and is based in Eugene, Oregon USA. This is a full-time, regular position that is contingent on grant funding. Full benefits are available to staff working 20 hours per week or more.
Position Description

Writing/Editing Skills

* Research, write and update new informational resources such as disability-specific tip sheets or online journals
* Solicit, interview, write or edit exchange alumni stories, blogs, featured person pieces, and podcasts for publications, websites, journals, newsletters and other resources
* Write sections of the NCDE quarterly report and monthly E-News
* Content and copy editing for peer review, including articles, conference proposals, resources, alumni stories, newsletters and correspondence

Electronic Tools & Database

* Implement a data maintenance process, including updating, recommending technical improvements, analyzing data integrity, and entering accurate data
* Provide data reports and analysis as requested by Information Services Coordinator
* Research new disability organizations to enter as relevant to current projects
* Maintain the quality and relevancy of website content by posting news items, fixing broken links, updating existing resources, and completing other website tasks as assigned
* Implement social media, networking, and electronic tools such as podcasts and webinar tools for project activities

Public Outreach

* Provide technical assistance and support to individuals and organizations on issues related to international study, professional development, or volunteer exchange programs for individuals with disabilities in-person, small groups, trainings and technical assistance field visits
* Present and exhibit at conferences, meetings and trainings nationally and internationally as needed

Teamwork

* Assist staff with informational resources, logistics, and special events; occasionally outdoors or outside of the office
* Attend general MIUSA staff meetings, staff retreats, interdepartmental meetings and other meetings as requested
* Assist other staff in the organization on timely projects as needed
* Work as part of a team to achieve goals and mission of assigned projects

The Project Coordinator:

*  maintains a helpful, positive and professional demeanor

* takes initiative and is proactive in solving problems
* manages workload, sets priorities and adheres to timelines
* effectively describes NCDE in phone and written correspondence
* maintains organized personal files
* adheres to the personnel policies and procedures stated in MIUSA’s Personnel Manual
* accepts other assignments as needed and responsibilities allow

Qualifications:

* B.A./B.S. required, advanced degree in a related field is preferred
* Two to four years professional experience in a non-profit, civic or governmental, educational, or international context
* Personal or professional experience in the international exchange field or study abroad highly preferred
* Experience updating, maintaining, querying and running reports on a database system preferred
* Experience encouraging, mentoring and supporting individuals to fulfill their goals as they relate to international experiences
* Professional or personal experience working with people with disabilities
* Passion for empowering people with disabilities in an international context
* Experience with developing and updating website content
* Excellent detail-oriented, organizational and prioritizing skills
* Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
* Ability to communicate effectively via e-mail, telephone, TTY and other mediums
* Excellent typing and computer skills, demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office applications
* Excellent interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills
* Knowledge of one or more languages other than English preferred
* Ability to travel nationally or internationally on occasion

To apply:

Applications are due by November 23, 2009 by 12:00 p.m. for initial consideration and screening. Late applications accepted after initial deadline until position is filled.

Send detailed cover letter, resume and list of references with “Project Coordinator, NCDE” in the subject line, via email to:

Olivia Hardin
ohardin@miusa.org
Information Services Coordinator

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Equal Opportunity Employer. People with disabilities and others encouraged to apply. No calls please.

Career Development: University Students with Disabilities Externshipa

Career Center is Offering EXTERNSHIPS + HOGAN GRANT MONEY for Students with Disabilities!!

What: The Externship Program at the Career Center – https://career.berkeley.edu/Externships/ExtApply.stm – will be offering financial assistance by way of the Hogan Grant to students with disabilities.

This is a broad opportunity to shadow a professional in the field, or to intern in an organization. These are the listings of organizations that will be hosting.

The deadline is NOVEMBER 15th; make sure to also state in your application that you are student with a disability who is also requesting access to the HOGAN GRANT for this externship.

Don’t delay! Apply today!

https://career.berkeley.edu/Externships/extlist.asp