When someone you barely know comes to you and asks if they can have a moment of your time two things happen simultaneously in your mind and generally speaking for the most part they’re not good. First thought is, “I don’t have time right now”; and the second is, “uh oh, what happened”. Now most of you know me, I am a positive person that has an open door policy when I’m working, but this week hasn’t been the best so trust me when I say that I seriously thought of diving under the desk when a student walked past my door. In truth, I was halfway there but then I realized he couldn’t see me so what was the point. You see sometimes even us positive people have issues and days where you just don’t want to talk to anyone.
The gentleman, for my purpose here will call Bill, is a new student in our Blind/Low-Vision program whom I had met briefly a few weeks ago on his first day in class. I honestly didn’t know his entire story only that he wanted to learn how to use screen readers and ZoomText so he can get back to work. Bill asked me if I had a moment to spare for him, “of course” I said…
After we had sat down he proceeded to tell me that he was a well known music engineer who’s not only losing his sight, but can only hear you if you sit to his right side. He told me that he wanted to take a moment, because people rarely do these days, to tell me that I have the most wonderful and professional staff. (see where I’m going with this). He then told me a bit about his life and that his disabilities will not stop him from working with music again. “Chris, Judy and Cameron your volunteers, all have a unique style of teaching that helps us as individuals and as a class team. I have grown to love and respect the other students”. Tearfully he told me the dreams of our other students and that one in particular who’s 62 and completely blind is his inspiration, because he wants to go back to work to help the state of California simply by paying taxes. This “moment” lasted less than 5 minutes. Just think of what I would have missed if I didn’t take the time.
I know I have asked most of you to come by the center, meet the students talk to my wonderful staff and volunteers but until you do I’m asking that you forward this on. Help me spread the word about EmpowerTech. It will only take a moment.
Showing posts with label Joan Anderson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joan Anderson. Show all posts
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday, May 19, 2011
EmpowerTech Finds a New Home
EMPOWERTECH UPGRADES LOS ANGELES COUNTY’S ONLY ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER WITH MOVE TO NEW FACILITY
Non-Profit In Need of Donated Office Furniture & Equipment for New Location
MAY __,2011: LOS ANGELES— EmpowerTech, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, announced that is moving on June 30, 2011 to a new, larger facility located at 9100 S. Sepulveda Boulevard in the Westchester section of Los Angeles.
Unlike EmpowerTech’s current space, which features an open configuration, the new center will have private offices and training rooms that will allow the agency’s Assistive Technology Specialists to work privately and in smaller groups with students.
Joan Anderson, EmpowerTech Executive Director commented “It will be enormously challenging and expensive to move an entire high tech facility without interrupting service to our students, but at the end of the day, this will be a major improvement for EmpowerTech. To make this happen though, we need additional financial support to pay for the move. It is our hope that we can rely on the community to help us preserve this invaluable resource by making contributions to help offset our relocation costs.”
EmpowerTech was recently given a notice to vacate by June 30, 2011 after its current landlord leased the building to a new tenant. Assistance was immediately provided by the H.B. Drollinger Co., Westchester’s largest property management firm, which located and arranged for the new facility at 9100 S. Sepulveda Boulevard.
Karen Dial, President of H.B. Drollinger Co. stated, “When we learned about the tough spot in which EmpowerTech had been placed, we felt we had to get involved. Our company has been part of the Westchester community for decades and we feel an obligation to look out for our neighbors—especially for a neighbor like EmpowerTech which has done so much for our local community. We are pleased that we were able to come through for this incredible organization.”
In addition to financial assistance with the upcoming move, EmpowerTech is seeking donations of office furniture and equipment . Anyone interested in making a donation is asked to contact Joan Anderson at (310)-338-1597/ janderson@empowrtech.org.
Non-Profit In Need of Donated Office Furniture & Equipment for New Location
MAY __,2011: LOS ANGELES— EmpowerTech, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, announced that is moving on June 30, 2011 to a new, larger facility located at 9100 S. Sepulveda Boulevard in the Westchester section of Los Angeles.
Unlike EmpowerTech’s current space, which features an open configuration, the new center will have private offices and training rooms that will allow the agency’s Assistive Technology Specialists to work privately and in smaller groups with students.
Joan Anderson, EmpowerTech Executive Director commented “It will be enormously challenging and expensive to move an entire high tech facility without interrupting service to our students, but at the end of the day, this will be a major improvement for EmpowerTech. To make this happen though, we need additional financial support to pay for the move. It is our hope that we can rely on the community to help us preserve this invaluable resource by making contributions to help offset our relocation costs.”
EmpowerTech was recently given a notice to vacate by June 30, 2011 after its current landlord leased the building to a new tenant. Assistance was immediately provided by the H.B. Drollinger Co., Westchester’s largest property management firm, which located and arranged for the new facility at 9100 S. Sepulveda Boulevard.
Karen Dial, President of H.B. Drollinger Co. stated, “When we learned about the tough spot in which EmpowerTech had been placed, we felt we had to get involved. Our company has been part of the Westchester community for decades and we feel an obligation to look out for our neighbors—especially for a neighbor like EmpowerTech which has done so much for our local community. We are pleased that we were able to come through for this incredible organization.”
In addition to financial assistance with the upcoming move, EmpowerTech is seeking donations of office furniture and equipment . Anyone interested in making a donation is asked to contact Joan Anderson at (310)-338-1597/ janderson@empowrtech.org.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
LIMITED SPOTS REMAIN FOR EMPOWERTECH’S “SKY’S THE LIMIT” SKYDIVING FUNDRAISER
Disabled Students Among Scheduled Jumpers
February __, 2010—LOS ANGELES: EmpowerTech announced today that a team of jumpers will participate in the non-profit organization’s skydiving fundraiser, “Sky’s the Limit” on April 24, 2010 in Lake Elsninore, CA. EmpowerTech’s Director of Blind and Low Vision Services, Tom Lange, who is blind, will also make the jump and is planning to broadcast the experience on Twitter.
Only a limited number of spots remain for the jump. Individuals interested in jumping or in learning more about EmpowerTech, the only assistive technology center in Los Angeles that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, can visit www.empowertech.org.
The event, which is open to the public, requires individual jumpers to recruit friends, relatives, and colleagues to sponsor a jump by pledging money to support EmpowerTech. The minimum total pledge per jumper is $1,000 ($750 for students and persons with disabilities).
“Sky’s the Limit” begins with a first jump at 7:30 A.M. at Lake Elsinore Skydive in Lake Elsinore, CA, followed by 20 jumpers per hour throughout the day. All jumps will be “tandem” jumps with professionals from Lake Elsinore Skydive. On the ground there will be live entertainment, kids’ activities, food and fun for the whole family.
Anderson stated, “We are so excited about Tom Lange’s decision to jump. He is an inspiration to us all and living proof that you can do ANYTHING with the right attitude and proper support. I am directing all of my fundraising efforts to sponsor Tom’s jump and I encourage the public to consider sponsoring a jumper, as well.“
February __, 2010—LOS ANGELES: EmpowerTech announced today that a team of jumpers will participate in the non-profit organization’s skydiving fundraiser, “Sky’s the Limit” on April 24, 2010 in Lake Elsninore, CA. EmpowerTech’s Director of Blind and Low Vision Services, Tom Lange, who is blind, will also make the jump and is planning to broadcast the experience on Twitter.
Only a limited number of spots remain for the jump. Individuals interested in jumping or in learning more about EmpowerTech, the only assistive technology center in Los Angeles that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, can visit www.empowertech.org.
The event, which is open to the public, requires individual jumpers to recruit friends, relatives, and colleagues to sponsor a jump by pledging money to support EmpowerTech. The minimum total pledge per jumper is $1,000 ($750 for students and persons with disabilities).
“Sky’s the Limit” begins with a first jump at 7:30 A.M. at Lake Elsinore Skydive in Lake Elsinore, CA, followed by 20 jumpers per hour throughout the day. All jumps will be “tandem” jumps with professionals from Lake Elsinore Skydive. On the ground there will be live entertainment, kids’ activities, food and fun for the whole family.
Anderson stated, “We are so excited about Tom Lange’s decision to jump. He is an inspiration to us all and living proof that you can do ANYTHING with the right attitude and proper support. I am directing all of my fundraising efforts to sponsor Tom’s jump and I encourage the public to consider sponsoring a jumper, as well.“
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