tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63104590265568919952024-03-14T02:50:04.711-07:00EmpowerTechA blog to update viewers about the happenings at EmpowerTech and the events going on concerning people with disabilities.EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-18869217731446718202015-09-01T10:58:00.001-07:002015-09-01T10:58:14.126-07:00Act Now Save Services for People Living with a Disability! Lanterman Coalition Needs Your Help<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO SPEAK
OUT:</span></b><b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento</span></b><b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Please come to one of the three
Lanterman Coalition rallies this week to tell the Legislature's leaders and
members to get the job done before they go home. Their words of support aren't
enough - we need their action now to keep the Developmental Services
functioning! </span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
The rallies will be:<br />
<br />
11 a.m. TOMORROW (Tuesday, September 1) at the office of Senate leader Kevin de
Leon, 1808 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001HjC8y20v_CZzDHfRMuFjrtMU0U6-7xbJcZN2UC1hW0SAaqQL0h2L2OG8wq66cLExN6TR4I__aGZdFWTLAsch1aOQDg-6fOsT55M5WOMjlZYuMR62N_jgB2jcQ36Rfz2lgizlmAtdG0ZmwOnTLvvnfwYu4L4uhtoeHRFz4rezDIznw2n7yszZgwm6q4CniH47njIsrNX6IffHywkYNxiVJ1ezQFOu-ggn60WI_516GJz10bGt4jIKw19Z8SMCmLEQeMsu8rnQsK2ofZy8EI5SWw==&c=ZW2JjWFuDHe1WhWv7th-z-E5jbXEHoptys3pAJgM6JSFuIqDnLzMEQ==&ch=QP0b3o1M8toLUVcKAfZaHeCUtDDIj17oPmo45LHBj93MFW_TFydxiQ==" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Click here for details</span></a>.<br />
<br />
11 a.m. TOMORROW (Tuesday, September 1) at the office of Assembly leader Toni
Atkins, 1350 Front Street, San Diego. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001HjC8y20v_CZzDHfRMuFjrtMU0U6-7xbJcZN2UC1hW0SAaqQL0h2L2OG8wq66cLExiSmME0-eNhEwjwOB8stxUny6V7cvLGGITID_jCK-nqViHvEEwGANz15WRnqFNKepL1GR4Fdt1UO9sQTeUogQ6v6FjIJWlqAp9Yj6rhBPyn0pnfzpTx_TlS45qtEvtyPWYQzCqJhMFKIwy8FC9Sm1FhqbwDDqq572&c=ZW2JjWFuDHe1WhWv7th-z-E5jbXEHoptys3pAJgM6JSFuIqDnLzMEQ==&ch=QP0b3o1M8toLUVcKAfZaHeCUtDDIj17oPmo45LHBj93MFW_TFydxiQ==" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Click here for details</span></a>.<br />
<br />
10 a.m. THURSDAY (September 3) at the beautiful, historic Crest Theater, 1013 K
Street, two blocks from the Capitol, Sacramento. At 12 noon (note time change),
we'll march to the Capitol to deliver the message in person. <br />
<br />
Not able to come yourself to one of the rallies? Show your support by
contacting your <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001HjC8y20v_CZzDHfRMuFjrtMU0U6-7xbJcZN2UC1hW0SAaqQL0h2L2C6cnDHxI32MF_x6Rm1NQ6NiasgPqz6IgC9gfC-0OAX3R5iA8Xhp-CMUNZKZqjZwcgS5zx3y2iz2ULkKdCsDcGSBNfcmdLzHmsA-g-6LfqvmjWuLNce_XGmvya4dGYQ7WJ6SBMFkaCcglmTgLK6yMb0pjgwYukJsCWLqBWAwA-ZAGmQYAP2WhHR7CdvldovyQmuUPttky0BQ4-dBHXmXwIg=&c=ZW2JjWFuDHe1WhWv7th-z-E5jbXEHoptys3pAJgM6JSFuIqDnLzMEQ==&ch=QP0b3o1M8toLUVcKAfZaHeCUtDDIj17oPmo45LHBj93MFW_TFydxiQ==" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">legislator</span></a> - email, phone.
Remind them of their promise to support individuals with disabilities with
fiscal resources. </span>EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-4737933515388755252015-05-05T16:47:00.000-07:002015-05-05T16:47:59.441-07:00Blind and Unplugged A Tech Free Weekend May 22-24<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ultimate Reality Show: 48
Hours… No Phone… No Internet… No Car—<u>IN L.A.!</u></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">April<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>__, 2015—LOS
ANGELES:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EmpowerTech Executive Director Joan Anderson and current EmpowerTech
Board Chair and former student of the Blind Program Keith Breaux will attempt
to navigate a series of trips and tasks throughout Los Angeles over the course
of an entire weekend, without using any technology whatsoever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weekend challenge, which will raise money
for EmpowerTech’s program offerings, will be streamed live online, making it
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Joan Anderson stated, “The idea behind the Tech Free Weekend Challenge is
to demonstrate to the world how much we take technology for granted, and to
give people a small taste of what it is like to live with a disability that
prevents you from using everyday technology like driving a car or surfing the
web.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first shared this idea with
our students, I told them that I wanted to walk a mile in their shoes. They
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The weekend’s itinerary and series of challenges will be drawn up by
EmpowerTech students who, through the use of Assistive Technology at the
EmpowerTech facility in Los Angeles, overcome obstacles presented by their
disabilities every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Examples of
activities could include: going parasailing in Marina Del Rey, visiting the
Getty, or shopping at Ralph’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joan and
Keith will be followed by camera operators who will film their exploits in 8-10
hour shifts.</div>
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Keith Breax commented, “I’m certainly not looking forward to a weekend
without my IPhone, but if this weekend challenge can raise awareness of the
difficulties that persons living with disabilities like myself a blind man,
face every day—and raise awareness of EmpowerTech and its programs—then it will
be worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But still, no Assistive
Technology? All weekend? Seriously?”</div>
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Beginning May 22<sup>th</sup> at 1:00 pm, Keith and Joan will check
into a Hotel in Westchester and hand over all of their technology devices,
including car keys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will then be
presented with their weekend itinerary and the cameras will start to roll.</div>
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As part of the Tech Free Weekend challenge, donors will make cash
pledges to EmpowerTech, contingent upon Joan and Keith successfully completing
the challenge.</div>
EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com2Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.243684933.2099567 -119.5345784 34.8945117 -116.95279140000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-33937402161265435202015-04-24T13:17:00.001-07:002015-04-24T13:17:21.311-07:00Autistic Student...a great success story!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">This
month, I have talked to Maryrose about her experience with
EmpowerTech. In my opinion, Maryrose is a pleasant student who is always
working hard and is very helpful to Ms. Rickell and myself. I was happy to
learn that her experience here has been positive. Through EmpowerTech, she’s
been able to use computer skills in Microsoft word, excel and power point to do
well in her college courses. It is her dream to become a Nurse one day and work
with children. She is very passionate about this career and this just
demonstrates one of her greatest attributes which is to help people.
Furthermore, through EmpowerTech, Maryrose is attaining valuable skills for her
future career. She is the President of the Trade Student Assistant Program.
Through this position, she is able to help others maintain the lab clean and makes
sure all assignments are returned to the lesson plan table. She also talked to
me about how she likes to help set up and decorate the break room for special
events. Through her story, I have come to learn why Maryrose is happy to be at
EmpowerTech. Before she becomes a nurse, she needs to develop the skills that
will help her do her job well. Here at EmpowerTech, Maryrose has the liberty to
learn valuable skills. She has not only gained computer and leadership skills,
she has also developed social skills at Empowertech. She met her best friend
Dominique here and has been her friend for about a year now. In addition, she also
has participated in the Special Olympics since last year. She has been a part
of the Track and field and bowling challenges. Maryrose is an exceptional
student with big dreams. There is not a day she is absent. I can account that
she is always here with a great attitude and a willingness to learn. Thus, she
demonstrates determination and ambition for the future as she expresses, “We
are here to assist in any way to make our experience at EmpowerTech a success.”</span></div>
EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-70888419250856868202015-04-20T15:37:00.002-07:002015-04-23T11:34:53.286-07:00EmpowerTech CEO JoanElaine Anderson and Board President Go Tech Free for 48 Hours<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>CONTACT:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Joan Anderson<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 10;"> </span>(818)-665-8001</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">EMPOWERTECH EXECUTIVES TAKING THE “TECH-FREE WEEKEND
CHALLENGE”</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Ultimate Reality
Show: 48 Hours… No Phone… No Internet… No Car—<u>IN L.A.!</u></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">April<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>__, 2015—LOS
ANGELES:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EmpowerTech Executive Director Joan Anderson and current EmpowerTech
Board Chair and former student of the Blind Program Keith Breaux will attempt
to navigate a series of trips and tasks throughout Los Angeles over the course
of an entire weekend, without using any technology whatsoever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weekend challenge, which will raise money
for EmpowerTech’s program offerings, will be streamed live online, making it
the ultimate reality show.</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
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Joan Anderson stated, “The idea behind the Tech Free Weekend Challenge is
to demonstrate to the world how much we take technology for granted, and to
give people a small taste of what it is like to live with a disability that
prevents you from using everyday technology like driving a car or surfing the
web.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first shared this idea with
our students, I told them that I wanted to walk a mile in their shoes. They
responded, “Oh, you’re going to be walking a lot farther than a mile!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The weekend’s itinerary and series of challenges will be drawn up by
EmpowerTech students who, through the use of Assistive Technology at the
EmpowerTech facility in Los Angeles, overcome obstacles presented by their
disabilities every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Examples of
activities could include: going parasailing in Marina Del Rey, visiting the
Getty, or shopping at Ralph’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joan and
Keith will be followed by camera operators who will film their exploits in 8-10
hour shifts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Keith Breax commented, “I’m certainly not looking forward to a weekend
without my IPhone, but if this weekend challenge can raise awareness of the
difficulties that persons living with disabilities like myself a blind man,
face every day—and raise awareness of EmpowerTech and its programs—then it will
be worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But still, no Assistive
Technology? All weekend? Seriously?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Beginning May 22<sup>th</sup> at 1:00 pm, Keith and Joan will check
into a Hotel in Westchester and hand over all of their technology devices,
including car keys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will then be
presented with their weekend itinerary and the cameras will start to roll.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As part of the Tech Free Weekend challenge, donors will make cash
pledges to EmpowerTech, contingent upon Joan and Keith successfully completing
the challenge.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
###</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">EmpowerTech uses modern Assistive
Technology to help persons with disabilities obtain the skills and the
confidence to perform important technology-related tasks that many take for
granted, such as accessing and using the Internet and creating and reading
documents. From programs for blind/low-vision adults to classes for disabled
children, EmpowerTech uses state of the art Assistive Technology to help
disabled persons experience the freedom and fulfillment of self-sufficiency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To learn more about EmpowerTech’s many, many
success stories, please visit: http://www.empowertech.org.</i></div>
EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-70644687604051020312015-03-04T13:34:00.002-08:002015-03-04T13:34:44.001-08:00Dear Hiring Manager: All the Disability-Related Skills I Can't Put on My ResumeDear Hiring Manager,<br />
By now, you've probably skimmed over my
meticulously-worded resume, and maybe you've even made up your mind as
to whether I'm as qualified as the nearly identical resumes of my fellow
recent graduates. You may have even Googled me and seen the many blogs I
have written about my disability and have formed your opinion on them.
As I have been told by many human resources professionals, disability is
a subject that can scare many off because of the perception of
weakness, inefficiency and need. However, I could create a completely
different application package including all of my disability and chronic
illness-related skills and accomplishments, one that paints a far more
complete picture of my potential as an employee. So, without further
ado, here are my disability-related job skills, in cover letter form. <br />
As
a seven-year Crohnie (Crohn's Disease patient) and proud member of the
disability community, I am used to upholding my responsibilities in a
fast-paced and challenging environment. From the time I was diagnosed in
high school, I was intent on ensuring that my medical issues did not
get in the way of my ambitions, and even completed my academic courses
around the time of my diagnosis while completely bedridden. I was able
to graduate from college a year early, Phi Beta Kappa and <em>summa cum laude</em>,
while adapting to a rapidly changing medical situation, including
hospitalization for an intestinal blockage during my summer college
courses. I am used to operating under pressure, and have gained
experience with remembering complicated information while under a number
of prescription pain medications. Despite the need for these
medications at the time, I completed my coursework ahead of schedule
while working part-time and completing three internships. I never let my
medical situation hinder my determination to complete my work, once
tottering to a class two hours after a minor surgical procedure.<br />
Organization
is one of my greatest strengths, and in 2014 alone, I was able to
successfully schedule approximately two doctors' appointments a week for
five months (most after working hours) while working full-time,
coordinating among medical imaging facilities and various specialists
and organizing each appointment in a color-coded calendar. This
organization and the coordination of my medical team led to the
discovery of an infection, and although this was a difficult hurdle to
overcome due to the treatments and pain, I upheld my duties at my job
and never used my medical situation as an excuse to do less. My other
skills include digesting complicated information, including possible
treatment routes and unfamiliar medical conditions. Clear communication
skills have been essential so that I can advocate for myself when I
disagree with a proposed treatment route or procedure. I also have ample
experience with multitasking by writing concise correspondence,
conducting research and scheduling appointments while receiving IV
treatments.<br />
Most importantly, I want these skills to reflect that
my disability does not define my usefulness, and my history with chronic
illness should only be used to strengthen my accomplishments. Very
often, people with disabilities are written off because employers are
unsure as to whether they will be able to keep up with the work
successfully. A person without a disability is not held up to this same
standard of having to prove himself or herself, while a person with a
disability is asked to repeatedly prove that their disability will not
slow them down. My entire life since the age of 15 has shown that my
complicated medical history has never slowed me down, and I am proud to
say that I have achieved everything on my resume while dealing with my
medical issues. The existence of my Crohn's Disease only bolsters my
accomplishments in my eyes, and it should never be used to question
whether I am "less than able" to complete the job. <br />
Dear Hiring
Manager, I am not my disability, but my disability is a part of me. It
causes complications in my life, but the ways in which I have overcome
those obstacles should carry more weight than the obstacles themselves. I
have been determined and passionate as I have challenged myself to
strive for my ambitions, and those are the qualities I can offer you. If
you want a determined, passionate, striving and successful individual,
please consider hiring me, or any other applicant with a disability. <br />
Sincerely,<br />
Sarah BlahovecEMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-22091426683287467172015-02-25T15:43:00.000-08:002015-02-25T15:43:28.178-08:00Disabilities in the workplace: Federal agencies release new resource guide for employers<div id="displayHead">
<br />
<div id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_UCInfoDisplay_pnlAuthorByLine" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">
By <a href="http://hr.blr.com/community/HREditors/Joan-Farrell" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_UCInfoDisplay_hypAuthorEmail">Joan Farrell</a>, JD, Senior Legal Editor
</div>
</div>
<span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_UCInfoDisplay_lblInfoBody">Earlier this month, the White House announced the release of a <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/employing_people_with_disabilities_toolkit_february_3_2015_v4.pdf" target="_blank"> resource guide</a>
to assist employers in recruiting, hiring, retaining, and promoting
people with disabilities. The online guide is part of a federal “Curb
Cuts to the Middle Class Initiative” through which federal agencies,
including the EEOC, are working to increase employment opportunities for
individuals with <a href="http://hr.blr.com/HR-topics/Discrimination/Disabilities-ADA">disabilities</a>. <br />
The online guide brings together in one document numerous tools and
resources available for employers. In addition to providing information
on recruiting people with disabilities, the guide provides information
on best practices for interviewing applicants, retaining employees with
disabilities, and providing reasonable accommodations. It also contains
links to disability awareness training and disability etiquette
training programs—both of which may be helpful for employers to use in
their workplace diversity programs.<br />
<img alt="Make your workplace disability friendly" height="300" src="http://hr.blr.com/images/news/disability-friendly.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" width="200" />As
the guide points out, employers can often take their existing
programs—such as retention strategies—and tweak them to focus on the
needs of employees with disabilities. As an example, the guide notes
that onboarding or new employee orientation programs can include
disability-specific information such as reasonable accommodation
procedures and orientation materials that are in accessible formats.
The guide indicates that structured onboarding programs have been shown
to ease the transition of veterans with disabilities into the civilian
workplace.<br />
In addition, return-to-work programs that employers already have in
place for employees returning from injuries covered by workers’
compensation insurance can be expanded to include programs that help
employees with nonoccupational injuries return to work. <br />
The guide offers links to several resources that employers can use to
help structure a return-to-work program for employees with
disabilities, including the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) —a free
consulting service funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of
Disability Employment Policy—that has a wealth of online information on
reasonable accommodation in the workplace. JAN also has a toll-free
number employers can use to obtain free, confidential assistance on
reasonable accommodation. <br />
It’s important, too, for employers to remember that in addition to
requiring reasonable accommodation and prohibiting discrimination based
on an individual’s disability, the ADA also contains prohibitions that
apply <i>regardless</i> of whether an individual has a disability. For
example, the ADA prohibits employers from making disability-related
inquiries or requiring medical exams except in certain limited
circumstances. <br />
Before an employer extends a job offer to an applicant, these
inquiries and exams are strictly prohibited. Once an offer is made—but
before the prospective employee starts work—the employer generally can
ask any medical questions and require a medical exam without violating
the ADA. When an individual becomes an employee, these exams and
inquiries are permitted <i>only</i> when they are job related and consistent with business necessity. <br />
Here are some steps employers can take to make sure they stay in compliance with the ADA:<br />
<ul>
<li>Make sure job descriptions are accurate, up-to-date, and designate essential functions</li>
<li>During job interviews, focus on the applicant’s ability to perform essential job functions</li>
<li>Provide training on the ADA’s requirements to all employees involved in the hiring process</li>
<li>Provide periodic refresher training on the do’s and don’ts of making
medical inquiries and what to do when an employee volunteers
information about a disability</li>
<li>Make sure supervisors understand the interactive process and when an
employee’s disclosures may trigger the employer’s obligation to engage
in the process</li>
<li>Carefully document the reasons leading to an adverse employment
decision that affects an employee or applicant with a
disability—including any decision to deny reasonable accommodation</li>
</ul>
</span>EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-62870496711233947292015-02-19T12:39:00.002-08:002015-02-19T12:39:33.936-08:00508 Compliancy <div style="margin-top: 0;">
Technology has changed a lot since 2000, when the U.S. Access Board issued its
first accessiblity guidelines for federal IT.
</div>
On Wednesday, the Access Board released its long-awaited <a href="http://www.access-board.gov/news/1717-board-proposes-updated-ict-accessibility-requirements" target="_blank">proposed rule</a> to
update accessibility guidelines for federal information and communication
technology (ICT) subject to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. It also
provides similar updates for telecommunications equipment covered by Section
255 of the Communications Act.
<br />
"The Board's proposal is responsive to widespread changes and innovations in
the IT and communication industries," said Sachin Dev Pavithran, vice chairman
of the Access Board, in a release. "It is important that the 508 Standards and
255
Guidelines stay abreast of the ever-evolving technologies they cover so that
accessibility for people with disabilities is properly addressed."
<br />
The proposed rule incorporates the latest version of the international Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
<br />
"We're proposing to reference that as the Web standard for accessibility plus
the standard to determine whether documents and software are accessible," said
David Capozzi, executive director of the Access Board.
<br />
WCAG 2.0 is used by many other countries and has been referenced by the
Department of Transportation in its rule making under the Air Carrier Access
Act for airline websites.
<br />
The original version of WCAG came out in 2000, which was about the same time
the Access Board was finalizing its own set of WCAG-inspired Web standards in
the first version of Section 508. This time around, the Board decided to
incorporate WCAG 2.0 rather than stick with its own separate guidelines.
<br />
"Rather than mimicking the standards, we did a direct reference, which I think
goes a lot further toward providing harmonization with international
standards," Capozzi said.
<br />
The proposed rule also adds Real Time Text (RTT) functionality to the Board's
accessibility guidelines for products providing real-time voice
communications.
<br />
"That's kind of like the new version of TTYs for people who are deaf or hard
of hearing," Capozzi said. "Real Time Text is different from text that most
people would think of where, when you're sending a text from one person to
another or from one person to a group, you'd type the whole message and then
you'd send it. Whereas Real Time Text you send character-by-character as
you're typing."
<br />
Feds using RTTs will be able to communicate quicker and in a more
conversational manner than they had previously with TTYs.
<br />
The proposed rule also addresses the types of electronic content that are
covered by Section 508.
<br />
For example, if an individual files an emailed complaint with a federal agency
that has enforcement authority, that agency's email reply would be covered
under the rule change.
<br />
"An email blast from, for example, the Office of Personnel Management that
sends out emails to all federal agencies alerting them to some new OPM memo or
a memo from the Office of Management and Budget that goes to all the agencies
alerting them to some new policy change, those would be covered as well,"
Capozzi said.
<br />
Some of the changes being proposed are more subtle. For example, information
technology or "IT" will now be referred to as "ICT" for information and
communication technology, which is how many other nations refer to this type
of technology
<br />
In addition, the Access Board is moving away from identifying specific
products in its guidelines.
<br />
"The current standards address technology kind of product by product, so it
looks at what the product is instead of what the product does," Capozzi said.
"And so, the new proposed standards are more functional-based as opposed to
product-specific requirements."
<br />
The Access Board took this approach as a way to keep the guidelines from
becoming obsolete as technology continues to rapidly evolve.
<br />
"We're trying to make these last a little bit longer, so that it's not
relating to the product itself, but what the function is," he said. "The
functions probably won't change that dramatically."
<br />
The Access Board is accepting public comments on the proposed rule for 90
days. It's also hosting two public hearings, one on March 5, at the Manchester
Grand Hyatt Hotel, Mission Beach A & B, in San Diego, California, and the
other on March 11, at the Access Board Conference Center, in Washington, D.C.
The Board will also host a public <a href="http://www.adaconferences.org/CIOC/" target="_blank">webinar</a> on
March 31.
EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-5160255544832345772015-01-16T09:17:00.003-08:002015-01-16T09:17:32.729-08:00Remembering Dr. Mayer Eisenstein<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
<div class="style103">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Remembering
Dr. Mayer Eisenstein</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><br />
<span class="content132">We Joyfully Remember Dr. Mayer Eisenstein</span><br />
<span class="content132">by Phillip C. DeMio, MD</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="style103" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="dr. Mayer Eisenstein" height="200" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.usautism.org/USAAA_Newsletter/images/2015/011615_mayer_eisenstein.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div class="content13">
The news recently came to us, in late December, that our
friend Dr. Mayer Eisenstein had suddenly died. If you knew him like we did you
are sure he is looking over us with a warm reassuring smile saying, "Don't
worry, it's all right," though we are shocked & saddened at the loss
of such a fine man and doctor just the same. This comes at the end of a year,
2014, where we had already seen the passing of two leaders who helped those
persons disabilities: Louis J. Joyce who was one of the very first if not the
first special education teacher for children in the U.S. (having been helping
and believing in the educational potential of challenged kids & adults in
Ohio by the early 1960's), and Dr. Jaquelyn McCandless (author of Children with
Starving Brains, who helped to spread information worldwide about those
affected with spectrum disorders). We will miss them all, with the loss of Dr.
Eisenstein being the most recent.</div>
<div class="content13">
Mayer Eisenstein was born in China after his family left
Europe after WW II. His family later moved to the US, where he eventually
became a physician. From that moment he continued a life of helping people.
Along the way, though, he also became a lawyer and a master of public health,
and he drew from these skills to help his patients on a daily basis. He was
intelligent, informed, well-spoken, and a very staunch supporter of patients'
rights to be informed & to have choices in care. Somehow there's where
Mayer Eisenstein, MD, JD, MPH was viewed as controversial simply for standing
up as a doctor for patients' rights & choices when they sought care for
their loved ones. People took shots at him, all because he wanted you to know your
rights.</div>
<div class="content13">
Dr. Eisenstein wanted you to have access to information
about choices in healthcare, with him as a physician guiding you along. His 40
plus years of practice, just taken at face value, had a minimum if any severe
or chronic disease, with virtually little to no asthma nor autism in the many
babies he delivered at home. Dr Eisenstein's tireless devotion to his patients
led him on the four decade trek to helping people day in & day out, not
just by being their good doctor. He also knew he had to assure that their right
to choice in health care, based on the right in turn of patients &
families, to be truly informed so they could make a real choice. </div>
<div class="content13">
It is distressingly often that we are at a medical encounter
where a stack of consent forms are pushed at us and, whereby many persons are
unknowingly put through a mill without ever having truly been informed at all.
A person cannot at all agree to the surgery, the drug or even a test in such a
setting, unless we are guided to information. That's why you bring yourself or
your loved one to see a physician. Dr. Eisenstein knew, and practiced this
every day and with every breath. He continually stood up for patients and their
families to medically get what they wanted & needed. I saw it in action.</div>
<div class="content13">
On one occasion another physician voiced the opinion to put
patients second and essentially to sell out to the power structures, leaving
patients defenseless. Dr. Eisenstein responded swiftly and effectively with a
fury and eloquent and informed argument effectively squashing the other
doctor's proposal. The very idea was anathema to Dr. Eisenstein. His knowledge
and incontrovertible statements once again protected patients. We always have
been, and we still are energized by his dedication, his energy, his warmth, and
his caring demeanor.</div>
<div class="content13">
Rest in peace Mayer. Somehow, though, I think you've taken
that magical energy of yours to a higher place where it belonged all along. I
am proud to have called Mayer Eisenstein my friend, and we will all miss him
very much. </div>
<em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Phillip C DeMio, MD </span></em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
US Asperger & Autism Association, Chief Medical Officer<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-17466584101485778582015-01-08T09:24:00.001-08:002015-01-08T09:24:53.123-08:00 Prescription Drug Labeling to Aid the Blind and Visually-Impaired Wednesday, January 7, 2015 <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Senator Markey Queries Pharmacies on Prescription Drug
Labeling to Aid the Blind and Visually-Impaired Wednesday, January 7, 2015 </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Commends CVS for new “talking” prescription labels</div>
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<br /></div>
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– Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today sent letters
to a dozen pharmacies requesting information on their efforts to make
prescription drug label information accessible to patients who are blind,
visually-impaired or elderly with deteriorating vision. There are at least 20.6
million Americans who experience vision loss preventing them from reading
important prescription drug label information independently. In his letters,
Senator Markey asks the twelve pharmacies what steps they have taken to adopt
or implement best practices for blind or visually-impaired individuals,
including providing information in braille or large print, offering audible
devices to deliver information, and any costs for making drug labeling
information available. Earlier this week, CVS announced it is now offering its
mail service customers talking prescription labels through its “ScripTalk”
system, as well as braille and large print labels for free its customers who
are blind or visually-impaired.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Pharmacies are important partners in empowering our
visually impaired citizens to take full control of their health,” said Senator
Markey. “Putting health and prescription drug information into the hands and
ears of patients who are blind or visually-impaired is critical to ensuring
safety and promoting independence.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“I commend CVS for providing options for those who are
visually impaired, and I encourage all pharmacies to adopt policies,
technologies and services that are readily available and will help promote and
protect the health of all customers.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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A copy of the letters to the pharmacies can be found
HERE. Senator Markey sent letters to CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart,
Express Scripts, Target, Safeway, Kroger, UnitedHealth Group, Sears/Kmart,
Costco, and Medicine Shoppe International.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In 2012, Senator Markey’s “Prescription Drug Labeling
Promotion Act” was passed as part of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Safety and Innovation Act, ensuring that the blind and visually-impaired have
safe and independent access to the information on prescription drug labels. The
law established a working group of pharmacists, patient advocates, and federal
regulators that issued recommendations of best practices for pharmacies to
ensure that people who are blind or visually-impaired have access to
prescription drug labeling. The law also instructs the Government
Accountability Office to analyze the degree to which pharmacists are adhering
to the law and whether there continues to be a lack of access to prescription
drug labeling for the blind and visually-impaired.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Eric Bridges</div>
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American Council of the Blind</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Director of External Relations and Policy </span>EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-79293338421840862362014-12-15T13:54:00.003-08:002014-12-15T13:54:56.226-08:00Charting a Pathway to a Technology Accessible Workplace
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<br /><em>By Guest Blogger Kathy Martinez, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy</em><br />
Someone recently asked me to name the one thing I couldn’t live without at work. My answer? <em>Technology.</em> I couldn’t do my job – or live my life – as effectively as I do now without information and communication technology (ICT).<br />
Considering that I’m blind, this answer is sometimes met with
surprise. Some people don’t realize that individuals with disabilities
also rely on technology – as long as it’s accessible – to perform daily
tasks. I certainly do. I use a screen reader to relay the information on
my computer screen, a Braille note-taking device and a smartphone with
built-in accessibility features. To say that I’d be lost without these
innovations is an understatement.<br />
Technology is paramount for <em>all</em> of us – whether we have
disability or not – and this is particularly true in the workplace. From
computers to mobile devices to email platforms and other Web-based
applications, ICT is a central driver of productivity. It streamlines
operations, boosts efficiency and forges instantaneous connections. It <em>empowers</em>
us in transformative ways. And this phenomenon is not limited to office
settings. Whether you work in an office, a warehouse or a retail
establishment, chances are technology is part of the job.<br />
But imagine what it would be like if you couldn’t access or navigate
all that technology. It’s an unfortunate reality experienced by many
people with disabilities who are faced with workplace technologies that
are neither accessible to them nor compatible with assistive technology
devices. And that’s unfortunate—not only for workers and jobseekers with
disabilities, but also for employers.<br />
<span id="more-9008"></span>When certain individuals are unable to
perform basic job duties because they can’t access basic workplace
tools, it limits their opportunities to succeed. On the other hand, when
technologies are accessible to all users, they become powerful
productivity enhancements, enabling <em>all</em> to perform on the job and fully contribute.<br />
The barrier of inaccessible workplace technology was the driving force behind the launch of the <a href="http://peatworks.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT)</strong></a>, a multi-faceted initiative sponsored by the agency I lead, the U.S. Department of Labor’s <a href="http://www.dol.gov/odep/" target="_blank">Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)</a>.
PEAT is working to improve the employment and career advancement of
people with disabilities through the promotion of accessible technology.
In addition to maintaining a free, information-rich Web portal, <a href="http://www.peatworks.org/" target="_blank">PEATworks.org</a>,
PEAT conducts outreach, facilitates collaboration and provides
resources to serve as a catalyst for policy development and innovation
related to accessible technology in the workplace.<br />
Of course, before a person can succeed on the job, he or she needs to <em>get </em>a
job in the first place. That is why one of the important topics being
explored by PEAT is the recruiting and hiring phase of the employment
life cycle. Unlike the “olden days,” today most people find job openings
online and apply for them online. Some companies even conduct
pre-employment assessments on the Web and “virtual” interviews before
they ever meet a job candidate in person – if they do at all. But
regretfully, too many of those job application websites, forms and
pre-employment tests are not accessible, which is preventing many
qualified individuals with disabilities from fairly competing for job
openings.EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-76887844737168902292014-11-20T14:50:00.000-08:002014-11-20T14:50:15.451-08:00Justice Department Enters into a Settlement Agreement with Peapod to Ensure that Peapod Grocery Delivery Website is Accessible to Individuals with Disabilities<div class="node-title">
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The
Justice Department announced today that it has entered into a
settlement agreement with Ahold U.S.A. Inc. and Peapod LLC, the owners
and operators of <a class="ext extlink" href="http://www.peapod.com/" target="">www.peapod.com<span class="ext"> [external link]</span></a>,
to remedy alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA). Peapod is America’s leading Internet grocer, delivering more
than 23 million orders in 12 Midwest and East Coast states and the
District of Columbia. The agreement resolves the department’s
allegations that <a class="ext extlink" href="http://www.peapod.com/" target="">www.peapod.com<span class="ext"> [external link]</span></a>
is not accessible to some individuals with disabilities, including
individuals who are blind or have low vision, individuals who are deaf
or hard of hearing, and individuals who have physical disabilities
affecting manual dexterity. <br />
Many individuals with disabilities use computers and other electronic
devices to access the Internet with the help of assistive technologies,
including text-to-speech “screen reader” software programs, refreshable
Braille displays, keyboard navigation and captioning. Such
technologies have been readily available and widely used for decades;
however, websites must include programming for the assistive
technologies to function properly for users with disabilities.
Inaccessible websites and mobile applications persist even while there
are well-established industry guidelines – the Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 – for making web content accessible.<br />
Under the agreement, Peapod is required to adopt measures to ensure
that users with disabilities are able to fully and equally enjoy the
various goods, services, facilities and accommodations provided through <a class="ext extlink" href="http://www.peapod.com/" target="">www.peapod.com<span class="ext"> [external link]</span></a> including:<br />
<ul>
<li>
ensure that <u><a class="ext extlink" href="http://www.peapod.com%20/" target="">www.peapod.com <span class="ext"> [external link]</span></a></u><br />
</li>
<li>
designate an employee as web accessibility coordinator for <u>www.peapod.com</u>, who will report directly to a Peapod, LLC executive<br />
</li>
<li>
retain an independent website accessibility consultant, who will
annually evaluate the accessibility of the website and its mobile
applications;<br />
</li>
<li>
adopt a formal web accessibility policy;<br />
</li>
<li>
provide a notice on <a class="ext extlink" href="http://www.peapod.com/" target="">www.peapod.com<span class="ext"> [external link]</span></a> soliciting feedback from visitors on how website accessibility can be improved;<br />
</li>
<li>
provide automated accessibility testing and accessibility testing by
individuals with a variety of disabilities of www.peapod.com and its
mobile applications;<br />
</li>
<li>
provide mandatory annual training on website accessibility for Peapod’s website content personnel<br />
</li>
</ul>
“This agreement ensures that people with disabilities will have an
equal opportunity to independently and conveniently shop online for
groceries,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta for the
Civil Rights Division. “We applaud Peapod for working cooperatively
with the department and for its commitment to customers with
disabilities.”<br />
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of
disability by public accommodations in the full and equal enjoyment of
the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages and
accommodations of places of public accommodations. Title III of the ADA
also requires public accommodations to take necessary steps to ensure
individuals with disabilities are not excluded, denied services,
segregated, or otherwise treated differently because of the absence of
auxiliary aids and services, such as accessible electronic information.
The Justice Department has long considered Title III and its
implementing regulation to apply to the online services and
communications of public accommodations.</div>
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EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-66938839406386644642013-04-24T17:02:00.003-07:002013-04-24T17:02:58.693-07:00Disability Abuse Reporting Earns Pulitzer NodPulitzer Prize for public service journalism, considered journalism's highest honor, has chosen its finalists. Among these finalists for the prize include a five-installment series titled "Broken Shield.” The series reporters found that the California’s Office of Protective Services' investigations of abuse were routinely
fault-ridden and sought to expose the abuse. <br />
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For more information on the series "Broken Shield," visit:<br />
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<a href="http://californiawatch.org/broken-shield">http://californiawatch.org/broken-shield</a>EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-5048056484417438802013-04-24T16:39:00.000-07:002013-04-24T16:39:09.504-07:00Muscular Dystrophy and Creative Photography<span class="userContent">12 year old boy with muscular dystrophy enjoys dream activities through clever photography:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.grindtv.com/lifestyle/in-style/post/stricken-boys-dream-comes-true-thanks-to-clever-photographer/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.grindtv.com/lifestyle/in-style/post/stricken-boys-dream-comes-true-thanks-to-clever-photographer/</a>EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-69670482980578414142013-04-04T17:02:00.000-07:002013-04-04T17:02:02.624-07:00Tommy Carroll- Blind SkateboarderInspirational skateboarder Tommy Carroll has been skateboarding since he was ten years old. The fact that this is another video about a great skateboarder may not be surprising. What may perk your ears up is the fact that Tommy has been blind since the age of two. Tommy loves to visit the skatepark early in the morning when no one is around and practice his love for skateboarding. When pro-skateboarder Tony Hawke heard of Tommy's story, he became inspired and decided to fly to Tommy's hometown for a visit with him. The two spent the entire day skateboarding. <br />
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Here is Tommy Carroll's story:<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/21/tommy-carroll-blind-skate_n_2520601.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/21/tommy-carroll-blind-skate_n_2520601.html</a><br />
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If you cannot see the video there, please visit:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ncq27mZq6b4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ncq27mZq6b4</a>EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-39245645809890023942013-04-04T16:44:00.000-07:002013-04-04T16:44:08.962-07:00Recommendations for Improving Accessibility of Social Media by HowTo.gov<strong>HowTo.gov has a great article on how to make Facebook and other social media accounts accessible to people with disabilities. Here is the run-down for the Facebook article:</strong><br />
<strong> </strong><br />
<strong>"Tips for Making Facebook Posts Accessible</strong><br />
<strong>For General Account Information</strong><br />
Ensure your website address is listed in the About section of your Timeline/Page in order to provide an easy point of entry to more information.<br />
Include other ways to contact your organization, such as your 800 number, an online “Contact Us” form, or general contact email address for more information.<br />
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<strong>For Photos, Video, Audio</strong><br />
Always provide a link back to a .gov page that hosts a copy of the photo, video, or audio with full caption/transcript.<br />
After posting the photo, video, or audio, immediately post a comment that directs users to the full caption or the full transcript.<br />
If you have a YouTube channel, upload your video to your channel and make sure you enable closed-captions (you’ll want to upload your own transcript to make sure the captions are accurate). Then post a link to your YouTube video as your status update, rather than uploading the video into Facebook. This will ensure that visitors will be taken to your accessible version on YouTube.<br />
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<strong>For Composing Status Updates</strong><br />
Facebook provides ample space that allows you to spell out acronyms. Spell out the first instance of the acronym and add the acronym in parentheses after (e.g., U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)). This is especially helpful for those using screen readers, because after the name is heard the acronym is spelled out, and the user will associate the sound of the acronym with the full name."EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-39667522456097912542013-03-28T16:33:00.003-07:002013-03-28T16:33:39.498-07:00Girl Explains Autism in Creative WayHere is a great video where a little girl explains Autism in a very creative way.<br />
Let us know your thoughts!<br />
-ET<br />
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<span class="userContent">Click here to watch it: <a href="http://www.wimp.com/explainsautism/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.wimp.com/explainsautism/</a></span> EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-77567206894782537182013-03-27T17:17:00.000-07:002013-03-27T17:17:17.435-07:00Teen with Down Syndrome Makes History A teen with down syndrome recently made history as the first person with down syndrome to make it to the base camp of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. This feat was accomplished in 10 days by Eli Reimer as he and his team traveled in below freezing weather to reach an elevation of 17,000 feet. Go Eli!<br />
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http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/03/26/teen-history-everest/17575/EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-86376543570661211102013-03-27T16:43:00.000-07:002013-04-24T16:54:49.243-07:00Most Inspirational Duo in the Ironman RaceDick and Rick Hoyt, better known as Team Hoyt, are a father and son duo who race in the Ironman. This is no ordinary father and son team. This team is arguably the most inspirational team to ever race. Rick was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy due to oxygen deprivation at the time of his birth. His parents, Dick and Judy, went against the advice to institutionalize him and <br />
instead let him live his life as any other person would. In 1977, Rick told his dad he wanted to run in a 5-mile benefit run for a lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. After the race, Rick said, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped." Since then, Team Hoyt have ran in over 1,000 races and have even biked and ran across the United States, completing 3,735 miles in 45 days. If this story has taught us anything, it is that perseverance and determination go a long way. There is no "I can't do it." There is only "Yes, you can!"<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-mM<br />
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<a href="http://www.teamhoyt.com/index.html">http://www.teamhoyt.com/index.html</a><br />
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<strong>Update: 04/24/13</strong> <br />
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Rick and Dick Hoyt were on mile 25 of the Boston Marathon when they realized something to be wrong. Team Hoyt was expecting last week's Boston Marathon to be their last time competing in the race, but because of the bombing, they will return next year to honor the victims.EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-54873850537412439372013-03-27T16:07:00.002-07:002013-03-27T16:07:43.961-07:00A Girl with Autism and Her "Broken Burger"By now, many of you have read the viral story about a girl with autism and how a waitress and manager at Chili's Restaurant Chain fixed her broken burger. If you have not read the story, here it is, straight from the girl's older sister:<br />
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"I
want to share the experience that my husband, 7 year old autistic
sister and I had today at the Chili’s location in Midvale, UT. Arianna,
my little sister, didn’t waste any time when our waitress, Lauren,
greeted us at our table. Ariann<span class="text_exposed_show">a
promptly ordered her cheeseburger with pickles, french fries, and
chocolate milk before Lauren could even take our drink order. Lauren
smiled and told Arianna, “Okay! I’ll be right back with your chocolate
milk!”. When we got our food I was wondering why Arianna wouldn’t touch
her cheeseburger, but was going to town on her french fries. I asked
her, “Arianna are you going to eat your cheeseburger?” She calmly said,
“No, I don’t want it.” Cheeseburgers, or ‘Krabby Patties’ as we
sometimes call them, are her FAVORITE! So this behavior was VERY
strange. So I asked her, “Why don’t you want it?”. She replied, “It’s
broken. I need another one thats fixed.” Then it dawned on me why she
wasn’t eating it. It’s because it was cut in half. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Being a child with
autism, she has to have certain things in a particular order at all
times. One slight change in her routine can change the course of the
day instantly. When Lauren came back to check on us, I asked if we
could order another cheeseburger and just add it to our check. She had a
concerned look on her face so I explained that Arianna has autism, and
that in her mind, because the cheeseburger was cut in half, she thinks
its broken and can’t eat it. I told Lauren I knew it sounded silly, but
if we could just order an additional one we will gladly pay for it
because there was nothing wrong with the one that was originally brought
out. Lauren was so sweet and just smiled and went along with Arianna,
telling her “I brought you a broken cheeseburger?! You know what, I’ll
have them cook you a new one!” I loved this because rather than just
taking it from the table, she actually TOLD Arianna what she was doing.
While this seems insignificant, by her telling Arianna what she was
doing, we avoided a melt down. The manager, Bradley Cottermole, then
came to our table, kneeled down, and said to Arianna, “I heard we gave
you a broken cheeseburger! I am so sorry about that! We are making you a
brand new one that isn’t broken, with pickles! I’ll bring you some
french fries to munch on while you’re waiting, ok?” </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">A couple of minutes
later, Lauren arrived back at our table with cheeseburger #2. Arianna
said, “OH FANK YOU! You fixded my cheeseburger!” When Lauren walked
away, Arianna just sat there for a second and looked at her new burger.
She looked like so deep in thought....just staring at it....then she
let out a big ”OH I missed you!!” and started kissing the burger over
and over again. I showed Lauren this picture and said, “I think we
glorified the cheeseburger too much!” She busted up laughing, and asked
if she could go show her manager. She came back a minute later and said
she showed everyone in the back kitchen area too, and that it made them
all laugh and smile. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show"> I was so touched by this experience. Especially
since I know people who have been asked to leave restaurants when their
child with autism is being disruptive. I expected a few different
things with this scenario based on past experiences, but I did NOT
expect such kind and compassionate mannerisms from Lauren and Bradley.
Everyone, from the hostess to the chef, played a role in what most
people would think isn’t a big deal. But this entirely shaped how the
rest of our day would go. I know...a cheeseburger cut in half literally
could make or break our day. In this case thanks to the
professionalism of the crew in Midvale, it made our day. And I’m sure
Arianna brightened up at least one of the employees days with her silly
little personality. Thank you." </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">I believe what this story teaches us is that it is essential to demonstrate kindness to everyone, even if it means having to go out of your way to do so. </span></div>
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EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-22595289697376903782013-03-20T17:32:00.001-07:002013-03-20T17:32:49.180-07:00Deaf Toddler Hears His Mom for the First TimeWe tend to forget the value of things that seem to come naturally to us like hearing our husband's snore or the sounds of our mother's voice. Earlier today, we posted a video about a woman hearing herself for the first time, the joy that came from hearing herself laugh. Now, we will be posting a few videos about children hearing their mothers for the first time as well as mothers hearing their children for the first time. The joy that these people get from hearing their loved ones speak is overwhelming.<br />
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In this video, a toddler hears his mother's voice for the first time:<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGn9McPK7Qw<br />
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Here, a mother hears her 8 year old son's voice for the first time:<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8VV7oxvQ_g<br />
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<br />EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-59672648922427290392013-03-20T16:55:00.000-07:002013-03-20T17:05:08.484-07:00Inspirational Video from Ellen ShowEllen DeGeneres had a guest on her show recently, and the video clip from the show is touching. Ellen's guest, Sloan Churman, was deaf since childbirth and recently had a surgery, a procedure that costs $30,000 per ear, to allow her to hear for the first time. Ellen finally has a great surprise in the end for the guest and her family. Here is the video clip:<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp4usWroDew<br />
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The Sloan was invited onto the show after a video of her hearing herself for the first time went viral. Here is the link to that video:<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjU9U81O1n8<br />
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<br />EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-72951446622981060042013-03-20T16:36:00.002-07:002013-03-20T16:37:16.219-07:00Success with Our Celebrity Bartending FUNdraiser!Hello all!<br />
<br />
We would like to thank everyone who came out to our Celebrity Bartending FUNdraiser. It could not have been successful without your help. Below, we have a picture of one of the night's celebrities, Barry Van Dyke, and our board member, Lisa Davis.<br />
<br />
-ET<br />
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<br />EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-51912627973588771852013-03-13T17:53:00.001-07:002013-03-13T17:53:45.489-07:00Employment for People with DisabilitiesHere is a great article enlisting the efforts some governors make in order to promote employment for people with disabilities:<br />
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http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/03/11/governors-promote-employment/17467/EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-82393080689549087532013-03-13T17:47:00.001-07:002013-03-13T17:47:51.384-07:00MTV's "World of Jenks"MTV is putting the spotlight on what it is like to transition to adulthood as someone with disabilities. The documentary style show, "World of Jenks," is hosted and documented by Andrew Jenks who lives with three people, each for a year, and follows their journeys. Among those three people is Chad DenDanto, a man diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder, which is on the
autism spectrum, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Jenks states that “We realized (at MTV) that we had an opportunity to humanize and
destigmatize what it’s like to have autism. One in 88 American children have autism now. It’s
something prevalent that could use more mainstream media attention.” We agree, Jenks, and we would like to thank you for allowing Chad's autism to no longer define him.<br />
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For the website of "World of Jenks, please visit:<br />
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http://www.mtv.com/shows/world_of_jenks/series.jhtml<br />
<br />EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310459026556891995.post-9430439694117902362013-03-13T17:33:00.001-07:002013-03-13T17:33:22.973-07:00"Dolls for Downs"When people look at dolls, they tend to gravitate towards the ones that look like them. Dolls today are made with different genders, races, and there is even a line of dolls for cancer patients. But, there was not a single doll line for people with disabilities. Imagine the disbelief of Hannah Feda, a girl with down syndrome, when she continued to flip through catalogs and states to her mother "none of these dolls look like me. not one." Hannah's mother, Connie Feda, decided to create a line to provide children with down syndrome and other disabilities a chance to have a doll that looks like them, that they can relate to. Feda created this line and called it "Dolls for Downs." She states that the dolls are not only fun to play with, but they provide occupational therapy skills ,for its users. Feda continues by saying that users who have not developed certain motor skills can learn with the doll's clothing and removable features such as buttons, zippers, velcro, ties and snaps. We applaud Feda for creating such a difference with her unique product.<br />
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To purchase "Dolls for Downs," please visit:<br />
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http://www.dollsfordowns.org/index.html<br />
<br />EMPOWER TECHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04695401529757906301noreply@blogger.com0