Attorney uses AT at EmpowerTech

Chibuzo, (not his real name), was a practicing attorney in his country of origin. Although his legal practice was thriving, he found himself in ever-increasing danger, fearing for his life, for he and many others were part of a group of conscientious people who opposed his government in an effort to end human rights abuses perpetrated by the oppressive regime. When at last his position became untenable, he made sure that his wife and family were safe and well-cared for, then he came to the United States, sought and was granted political asylum. Today his future is still uncertain as he awaits a final ruling on whether he can stay and establish U.S. citizenship. In the meantime, he realized that he needed to obtain a law degree and pass the bar exam in order to set up another law practice, and, he needed to acquire good assistive technology and computer skills in order for him to reach those goals. This led him to EmpowerTech last spring. Though English was his second language, Chibuzo worked hard and graduated from EmpowerTech's Blind-Low Vision Training Program, having acquired a solid knowledge of JAWS for Windows, the computer environment in general, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet skills, all of which will serve him well in his efforts to pursue higher education and establish his career in the United States.

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.“