Through an agreement with D.C.'s Public School transition program, NASA will be providing mentors to a few lucky students with disabilities. This new program will allow a handful of students with learning difficulties or multiple disabilities to experience what it would be like to work for NASA. James Stofan, the associate administrator for the agency, states "We particularly want to encourage students who are underserved or
underrepresented in STEM to explore the many opportunities that pursuing this
course of study can offer. This partnership will help us do just that.” From all of us at EmpowerTech, we are thrilled to hear of yet another story where people with disabilities are given the chance to explore the world of technology.
For the full article, please visit:
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/12/18/nasa-mentor-disabilities/16978/
Showing posts with label Students. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Students. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
Proven Abilities
You can never understand a person's full abilities until you give them a chance to prove themselves. At EmpowerTech, we strive to help give our students the opportunites to succeed through the use of technology. In our TRADE Program, students use Word Documents, Excel, and PowerPoint Presentations.
Here is a Word Document done by one of our outstanding EmpowerTech students:
To help us continue empowering people with disabilities, please visit our website to donate or volunteer:http://empowertech.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=8&Itemid=65
Here is a Word Document done by one of our outstanding EmpowerTech students:
To help us continue empowering people with disabilities, please visit our website to donate or volunteer:http://empowertech.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=8&Itemid=65
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
EmpowerTech Students and the Shuttle
Hello Friends,
I know that we all love Fridays…especially this past Friday. It was not an ordinary TGIF by any means here at the center nor for miles around. The youngest space shuttle in the fleet, that logged 123 million miles was at a standstill, well parked actually in the parking lot close to ours. Eric Larsen, our TRADE director decided to change up the day’s lesson plan and have the students use the internet to find “fun facts” about the Shuttle (hence how I know some of details). Once their searches were complete they used the information to create word documents or flyers using pictures or graphs.
One very inspired student, Patrick (scene below in glasses) decided to create a press release. These are his words: “The streets around LAX were full of traffic today. Seeing the space shuttle up close and in person during its trip through Los Angeles was quite the experience. After all, it’s the only orbiter to be paraded through the city en route to its final resting place at the California Science Center. NASA’s shuttle program has come to an end, but a fitting end”.
Here at EmpowerTech we don’t often take our students on a field trip, in fact in our 27 years this was probably our 3rd one. As we all know this wasn’t your run of the mill field trip this was history and our students were able to witness the making of it. They don’t often show emotions, rarely if ever do they verbalize excitement or awe. But on Friday, October 12 as they stood in front of the shuttle Endeavor to capture their place in history through a picture they smiled.
My sincerest thank you to HB Drollinger, the shuttle was parked on one of their properties.
http://empowertech.org/
I know that we all love Fridays…especially this past Friday. It was not an ordinary TGIF by any means here at the center nor for miles around. The youngest space shuttle in the fleet, that logged 123 million miles was at a standstill, well parked actually in the parking lot close to ours. Eric Larsen, our TRADE director decided to change up the day’s lesson plan and have the students use the internet to find “fun facts” about the Shuttle (hence how I know some of details). Once their searches were complete they used the information to create word documents or flyers using pictures or graphs.
One very inspired student, Patrick (scene below in glasses) decided to create a press release. These are his words: “The streets around LAX were full of traffic today. Seeing the space shuttle up close and in person during its trip through Los Angeles was quite the experience. After all, it’s the only orbiter to be paraded through the city en route to its final resting place at the California Science Center. NASA’s shuttle program has come to an end, but a fitting end”.
Here at EmpowerTech we don’t often take our students on a field trip, in fact in our 27 years this was probably our 3rd one. As we all know this wasn’t your run of the mill field trip this was history and our students were able to witness the making of it. They don’t often show emotions, rarely if ever do they verbalize excitement or awe. But on Friday, October 12 as they stood in front of the shuttle Endeavor to capture their place in history through a picture they smiled.
My sincerest thank you to HB Drollinger, the shuttle was parked on one of their properties.
http://empowertech.org/
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Online Voter Registration At EmpowerTech
Yesterday I had the opportunity to chat awhile with one of our new students; I’ll call Willie, while he was waiting for his ride. Willie’s a 23 year old young man with Down Syndrome, with a smile that could light up the night sky and a sense of humanity that would make Mother Teresa proud. He told me he has 3 GOALS (notice the caps here) that he’s going to accomplish this year.
1. Graduate high school.
2. Graduate his TRADE program or “Eric’s Class” he so gently corrected me several times.
3. Vote!
This last goal was said with a sense of awe and determination like he and he alone was going to change the world on November 6. I think that many of us forget that voting is a privilege; I must tell you he reminded me of this yesterday. He knew not only whom he wanted for president but he also knew his local and state officials he was choosing to represent him. Now if this doesn’t impress you maybe this will; Willie also told me how he was going to vote on many of the Propositions that are on the ballot this year. He stated his reasons briefly but cogently with a nod a smile and the occasional fist pump. At one point he leaned closer to me, he was going to share a secret; “not everyone is going to vote that’s sad”. I am seldom at a loss for words, I’m also one to applaud other’s whenever applicable, but this time without trepidation I gave him a hug. He was right, that’s sad.
Many of us want to see change in the world and many of us, like Willie, are excited to vote in this year’s election. It’s true that a lot of people with disabilities vote but there countless people living with a disability that aren’t registered to vote. I for one along with several of our partners, want to change that.
It’s our privilege to announce that starting today Wednesday, September 26, between 3:30 and 6:00 and every Wednesday until October 10; we here at EmpowerTech will be helping people with disabilities register to vote online. (Please note that this is during our Free Open Access Lab).
Yes, we can change the world.
For more information please contact me at the number listed below.
***If you have a large group (30 or more) please let us know in advance so we can set up more stations
1. Graduate high school.
2. Graduate his TRADE program or “Eric’s Class” he so gently corrected me several times.
3. Vote!
This last goal was said with a sense of awe and determination like he and he alone was going to change the world on November 6. I think that many of us forget that voting is a privilege; I must tell you he reminded me of this yesterday. He knew not only whom he wanted for president but he also knew his local and state officials he was choosing to represent him. Now if this doesn’t impress you maybe this will; Willie also told me how he was going to vote on many of the Propositions that are on the ballot this year. He stated his reasons briefly but cogently with a nod a smile and the occasional fist pump. At one point he leaned closer to me, he was going to share a secret; “not everyone is going to vote that’s sad”. I am seldom at a loss for words, I’m also one to applaud other’s whenever applicable, but this time without trepidation I gave him a hug. He was right, that’s sad.
Many of us want to see change in the world and many of us, like Willie, are excited to vote in this year’s election. It’s true that a lot of people with disabilities vote but there countless people living with a disability that aren’t registered to vote. I for one along with several of our partners, want to change that.
It’s our privilege to announce that starting today Wednesday, September 26, between 3:30 and 6:00 and every Wednesday until October 10; we here at EmpowerTech will be helping people with disabilities register to vote online. (Please note that this is during our Free Open Access Lab).
Yes, we can change the world.
For more information please contact me at the number listed below.
***If you have a large group (30 or more) please let us know in advance so we can set up more stations
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Student Story...Finds a Job!
One of our ultimate goals of our programs here at EmpowerTech is empowering our students to live a more socially inclusive life through the use of assistive technology. We recognize the fact that some of our students will never know what it’s like to get up in the morning and leave for work, earn a paycheck, go on a break with one of their work colleagues or use their training they’ve learned here to send out an interoffice email.
But to me, as the executive director it is my private wish that they could all get a job so that they can find the fulfillment that I get working every day (well almost every day) in the position that I have at an organization I love.
Last week my private wish came true for our student Max.
Many of you have met Max our chatter box, with a huge vocabulary that he uses to greet all that walk through our door. Max is known for his inquisitive questions about everything (and I mean everything), he is also known in our program as one of our mentors as he caught on very quickly to MS Office Suite and likes to help his classmates. Max is a complete Southern Californian “dude” with the surf attire and sense of humor all his own. I am always kidding him that he never send me any emails of his work like some of the other students do, he jokingly replies, that it’s on his to-do list.
Last week as I was looking through my inbox I saw an email address that I didn’t recognize, to my surprise and delight it was from Max.
Here’s our email exchange.
“ Hi,
I will be working at 20th Century Fox Entertainment near Century City Mall. I start sometime in the middle of June, but I don't know what day in June yet. Rachel from Best Buddies will give me my start date. As soon as I find out what day I start, I will let you know. She is going to try to work around my schedule.
I will be printing 6,000 emails a month, filling different papers and attachments. It will be a fun job for me. I was very excited that I got the job.
Best,
Max”
“Max, you have come a very long way with your computer skills. I am very proud of you and the work you are doing. You will be a great addition to the team over at Century Fox
Be well,
Joan”
“I bet I will do a nice job.”
Please join me in congratulating Max on his new job!
But to me, as the executive director it is my private wish that they could all get a job so that they can find the fulfillment that I get working every day (well almost every day) in the position that I have at an organization I love.
Last week my private wish came true for our student Max.
Many of you have met Max our chatter box, with a huge vocabulary that he uses to greet all that walk through our door. Max is known for his inquisitive questions about everything (and I mean everything), he is also known in our program as one of our mentors as he caught on very quickly to MS Office Suite and likes to help his classmates. Max is a complete Southern Californian “dude” with the surf attire and sense of humor all his own. I am always kidding him that he never send me any emails of his work like some of the other students do, he jokingly replies, that it’s on his to-do list.
Last week as I was looking through my inbox I saw an email address that I didn’t recognize, to my surprise and delight it was from Max.
Here’s our email exchange.
“ Hi,
I will be working at 20th Century Fox Entertainment near Century City Mall. I start sometime in the middle of June, but I don't know what day in June yet. Rachel from Best Buddies will give me my start date. As soon as I find out what day I start, I will let you know. She is going to try to work around my schedule.
I will be printing 6,000 emails a month, filling different papers and attachments. It will be a fun job for me. I was very excited that I got the job.
Best,
Max”
“Max, you have come a very long way with your computer skills. I am very proud of you and the work you are doing. You will be a great addition to the team over at Century Fox
Be well,
Joan”
“I bet I will do a nice job.”
Please join me in congratulating Max on his new job!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Scientific breakthrough: Seeing with your ears
A neuroscientist has unveiled an "amazing" new device that could allow the blind to visualize what's around them, helping them to navigate through their surroundings. Though it's still just a prototype, the device, named the vOICe, was unveiled this week at the American Psychological Association meeting in Washington, D.C. It combines a set of goggles, a webcam, a smartphone, and earbuds to convert visual information into sound. Here, a brief guide to this innovation:
How does the vOICe work?
A webcam that's mounted in the goggles takes a snapshot, which is scanned from left to right by the smartphone's vOICe software program. Objects in the snapshot are assigned different frequencies and volumes, based on where they're located. Then the listener hears a "soundscape where the changes in frequency and volume correspond" to the objects in the snapshot image, again from left to right, says neuroscientist Michael Proulx, as quoted in Discovery News. If there's an obstacle such as an ottoman on the user's left, it will be represented by a shift in tone and frequency that occurs in the first part of the recording.
Is this all new technology?
Not really; the technology to convert visual signals into audio has been around for about 15 years, but with advances in phone technology, "mobiles are now smart enough to handle the required imaging software," says Tibi Puiu on ZME Science. Also, the small size of newer smartphones is what makes this technology easily portable for the first time.
Is the vOICe easy to use?
Not at first: The developer has found that "one of the biggest challenges is that it takes people three months of training to use it." But once a blind or visually impaired person gets used to the device, it's expected to give them much more independence than they would otherwise enjoy.
Sources: Discovery News, ZME Science
How does the vOICe work?
A webcam that's mounted in the goggles takes a snapshot, which is scanned from left to right by the smartphone's vOICe software program. Objects in the snapshot are assigned different frequencies and volumes, based on where they're located. Then the listener hears a "soundscape where the changes in frequency and volume correspond" to the objects in the snapshot image, again from left to right, says neuroscientist Michael Proulx, as quoted in Discovery News. If there's an obstacle such as an ottoman on the user's left, it will be represented by a shift in tone and frequency that occurs in the first part of the recording.
Is this all new technology?
Not really; the technology to convert visual signals into audio has been around for about 15 years, but with advances in phone technology, "mobiles are now smart enough to handle the required imaging software," says Tibi Puiu on ZME Science. Also, the small size of newer smartphones is what makes this technology easily portable for the first time.
Is the vOICe easy to use?
Not at first: The developer has found that "one of the biggest challenges is that it takes people three months of training to use it." But once a blind or visually impaired person gets used to the device, it's expected to give them much more independence than they would otherwise enjoy.
Sources: Discovery News, ZME Science
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Sky's The Limit Skydive Event
SKYDIVING FOR DOLLARS: LOCAL PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PARACHUTE IN TO RAISE FUNDS LOS ANGELES-BASED ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER
EmpowerTech To Host “Sky’s The Limit” Event on April 30, 2011
March 3, 2011—LOS ANGELES: Proving that anything is possible and, in fact, the “Sky’s the Limit” for persons living with disabilities, EmpowerTech, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, will host day of skydiving in Lake Elsinore, CA on April 30, 2011.
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.
Joan Anderson, Executive Director of EmpowerTech commented, “The theme of this year’s event is “Free Falling for the independence and freedom for individuals with disabilities.” This captures the essence of what goes on every day at EmpowerTech—talented individuals pushing the limit and overcoming obstacles and fears to achieve their full potential.”
“Sky’s the Limit” will consist of jumps throughout the day at Lake Elsinore Skydive in Lake Elsinore, CA. 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.
Two members of the EmpowerTech Board of Directors, Keith and Ravi, will lead the procession of jumpers and kick off the day’s events. Keith is a graduate of the agency’s Blind and Low Vision program and is back at work as one of LA’s premier radio DJ’s. He will be raising funds to assist current and future students. Ravi Rajan is also raising funds for Empowertech, both through this jump and through his participation in the upcoming Boston Marathon.
Anderson stated, “Anyone who is surprised when they first hear about “Sky’s the Limit” does not know our students and staff—they don’t back down from a challenge and they live to conquer obstacles. This is all in a day’s work for them. “Sky’s the Limit” represents a tremendous opportunity not only to demonstrate what extraordinary people are capable of, but to give our supporters in the community the chance to interact with our students and staff on the world’s most level playing field—a 120 mile per hour, 60 second free fall from an airplane!”
EmpowerTech To Host “Sky’s The Limit” Event on April 30, 2011
March 3, 2011—LOS ANGELES: Proving that anything is possible and, in fact, the “Sky’s the Limit” for persons living with disabilities, EmpowerTech, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, will host day of skydiving in Lake Elsinore, CA on April 30, 2011.
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.
Joan Anderson, Executive Director of EmpowerTech commented, “The theme of this year’s event is “Free Falling for the independence and freedom for individuals with disabilities.” This captures the essence of what goes on every day at EmpowerTech—talented individuals pushing the limit and overcoming obstacles and fears to achieve their full potential.”
“Sky’s the Limit” will consist of jumps throughout the day at Lake Elsinore Skydive in Lake Elsinore, CA. 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.
Two members of the EmpowerTech Board of Directors, Keith and Ravi, will lead the procession of jumpers and kick off the day’s events. Keith is a graduate of the agency’s Blind and Low Vision program and is back at work as one of LA’s premier radio DJ’s. He will be raising funds to assist current and future students. Ravi Rajan is also raising funds for Empowertech, both through this jump and through his participation in the upcoming Boston Marathon.
Anderson stated, “Anyone who is surprised when they first hear about “Sky’s the Limit” does not know our students and staff—they don’t back down from a challenge and they live to conquer obstacles. This is all in a day’s work for them. “Sky’s the Limit” represents a tremendous opportunity not only to demonstrate what extraordinary people are capable of, but to give our supporters in the community the chance to interact with our students and staff on the world’s most level playing field—a 120 mile per hour, 60 second free fall from an airplane!”
Monday, October 4, 2010
Tesitmonial Success Story...
It is a pleasure to announce to the community the positive outcomes for our client/student Paul R. from Santa Monica High School Young Adult Transition Services Program.
Paul R. is highly motivated to continue his training with EmpowerTech. He recognizes the advancement in his skills and is proud to demonstrate his proficiencies to others. This morning, Paul interviewed with the Silver Crest Senior Living Community in Santa Monica. The interview team was impressed with his manner, polish and clarity inviting Paul to return for a second level interview. He was asked to submit his resume and letter of interest to the main headquarters for Silver Crest's program, The Salvation Army of Santa Monica.
As you may know, securing a second level interview with the Salvation Army is a cu do for Paul! The Army is seeking only the best and Paul is approaching the grade.
Needless to say, Paul was delighted! He immediately proceeded to the public library and prepared his resume. The skill set required to produce the document was clearly the result of his training with EmpowerTech.
Eric, you and the devoted friends of Empower Tech are to be congratulated on your contribution to this young adult's adjustment to the world of work.
I am looking forward to referring additional clients to your program and sharing in their successes with your organization.
All Non-Profit organizations need full community support to continue their tremendous contributions. On behalf of our shared customers, please ask me to assist in fund raising activities sponsored by Empower Tech. My team and I at SAMOHI want to see EmpowerTech thrive not merely survive.
With sincerity,
Carol
Carol Gassman-Proud
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Transition Specialist Young Adult Program
Santa Monica High School
Paul R. is highly motivated to continue his training with EmpowerTech. He recognizes the advancement in his skills and is proud to demonstrate his proficiencies to others. This morning, Paul interviewed with the Silver Crest Senior Living Community in Santa Monica. The interview team was impressed with his manner, polish and clarity inviting Paul to return for a second level interview. He was asked to submit his resume and letter of interest to the main headquarters for Silver Crest's program, The Salvation Army of Santa Monica.
As you may know, securing a second level interview with the Salvation Army is a cu do for Paul! The Army is seeking only the best and Paul is approaching the grade.
Needless to say, Paul was delighted! He immediately proceeded to the public library and prepared his resume. The skill set required to produce the document was clearly the result of his training with EmpowerTech.
Eric, you and the devoted friends of Empower Tech are to be congratulated on your contribution to this young adult's adjustment to the world of work.
I am looking forward to referring additional clients to your program and sharing in their successes with your organization.
All Non-Profit organizations need full community support to continue their tremendous contributions. On behalf of our shared customers, please ask me to assist in fund raising activities sponsored by Empower Tech. My team and I at SAMOHI want to see EmpowerTech thrive not merely survive.
With sincerity,
Carol
Carol Gassman-Proud
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Transition Specialist Young Adult Program
Santa Monica High School
Friday, September 4, 2009
Student Comment about our TRADE Program
In each quarterly TRADE progress report is a section for students to provide input. Some of the student comments are quite moving - such as the one in the report I am currently writing. The student is Christine - the tiny woman we often undoubtedly hear squealing with excitement when she experiences a success.
I think the class is fantastic. I'd love to continue as long as it takes me. As long as I will have my computer I will still come to class on Tuesdays. It will make me very smart!
I think the class is fantastic. I'd love to continue as long as it takes me. As long as I will have my computer I will still come to class on Tuesdays. It will make me very smart!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Joan's Personal Thank You
The first letter that any new Executive Director writes is always the hardest. The reasons are many: will they like my writing style without placing too much emphasis on the grammatical, will my words convey what I want to express without upsetting anyone, and will they even read my words. Here’s what I think, words matter. I think that we are as a nation fumbling for the language of the current times, but I have the perfect two little words. Thank You. If I were asked last year about becoming the leader of a team of assistive technology professionals my first word would be, what? I had no idea what assistive technology was. But I do now. And for this I say thank you to my team. Thank you Ally, for taking a chance with me and seeing what I saw in our student’s eyes, what an amazing development department we now have. Thank you Judy, for your passion, your strength to set out into our community with your lessons; touching not only our preschoolers every day but their parents as well. Thank you Eric for your endurance, patience and familiarity with your students that you see every day during TRADE, you have taught not only them but me as well. Thank you Bruce and Tom for always amazing me that even without full eyesight you have taught your students through touch to see the world differently, completely. Thank you Melody, for your guidance that you give our preschool students through your body language, I have learned much through shadowing you, I have never met anyone who can teach so well without words. Thank you, Chris for accepting a new challenge and jumping in so quickly to our daily routine, the students have taken to you very quickly. Thank you Joanne, for your knowledge, your compassion, being the overall keeper of the mission of EmpowerTech, it is true without you my words would not be on the page right now.
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