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Archive for August, 2010

Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program Seeks Senior Citizen Community Representative

August 31, 2010

The Equipment Program Advisory Committee (EPAC), of the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP) is now accepting applications for one Senior Citizen Community Representative.  Committee members play an important role in providing valuable input from a diverse group of California citizens by working with the DDTP and the State of California.

For more information please visit http://ddtp.cpuc.ca.gov/default.aspx?id=1075

Attached is a flyer announcing the Committee seat vacancy and the application.  Alternate formats of the flyer or application can be requested by contacting the Committee Coordinator at Voice (510) 302-1110, TTY: (510) 302-1150, VP (510) 545-4791 or send an e-mail to karen@ddtp.org

Application deadline: Friday, September 24, 2010.

ACCESS ADVISORS Open House and Disability Arts Festival at the de Young Museum

August 30, 2010

ACCESS ADVISORS Open House and Disability Arts Festivalat the de Young Museum.

Golden Gate Park

Saturday, October 2, 2010 10:00am–3:00pm

• Museum Tours

• Art Demos/Art-making Activities

• Art Slam 2010

• Performances

• Disability Culture Presentation

Sign language interpreters provided

Extra blue spaces for parking.

Requests for accommodations made by September 24 will help to ensure availability. Attendance to festival activities is free. Museum admission free with RSVP by September 27.

Information or RSVP: tbrown@famsf.org or 415-750-7645

Love to Read? Grab a Victor Reader Stream and Go!

August 27, 2010

This fall, the LightHouse will offer training on using the Victor Reader Stream for adults 55 and over. The Victor Reader Stream is a portable, handheld device that provides the user with access to downloadable books, including those from National Library Service (NLS); audio files (music, podcasts, etc.) and the ability to record messages. Participants who successfully complete this class will have automatic access to a Victor Reader Stream for personal use. Says instructor Leah Gardner, “If you’re an avid reader and want to increase your access to audio and text materials, this comprehensive class will insure you do so efficiently and effectively.”

Victor Reader Stream 101
First offering: October 11-22
Second offering: November 29–December 10
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
(with a break for lunch).
Contact: Leah Gardner, 415-431-1481 for participation eligibility and registration.

Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing August 27

August 27, 2010

If you do not receive this listing in your inbox every Thursday, join the distribution list by emailing bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org.

This listing is compiled by the Information Resource Center at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is compiled weekly as a service to the blind and visually impaired community of Northern California. If you have a meeting or event information that would be appropriate for inclusion in this list, please email info@lighthouse-sf.org. This list will be updated every Thursday. Information for each Thursday’s listing must be submitted by the Tuesday prior to publication.

Download the event listing:

Northern CA Entertainment and Recreation list Aug 27

Voice Your Concerns to the Federal Communications Commission about Cell Phone Accessibility

August 26, 2010

Making your voice heard by the FCC is the topic of the next SeroTalk Tech Chat on September 3, 2010. Darren Burton and Paul Schroeder from the American Foundation for the Blind will share important information about an opportunity for US residents to bring their concerns about cell phone accessibility directly to the FCC. They will share their perspectives and all the information needed to file comments directly with the Commission. The program airs live on Friday, September 3 at 01:00. Go to http://www.serotalk.com

List of Resource Centers for Parents

August 25, 2010

Back-to-school time brings about a new phase in kids’ lives and, if you are a parent of a visually impaired child or a child with any disability, the start of the school year might mean you have to do your homework! If you are searching for new opportunities and solutions for your child, this list of resource centers for kids with disabilities and their parents will lead you to support groups, trainings on Individual Education Plans, public policy updates, disability rights action items, social networks, education scholarships, adaptive tech grants and more.

Visit the organizations in your area and sign up for email newsletters for centers in other areas. to maximize the info you receive. There are many programs and services that parents do not know about–get in the loop so it it becomes easier to know where to look and what to ask for!
Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California (RFENC) www.EmpowerYourFamily.org

Matrix Parent Network & Resource Center

Parents Helping Parents (PHP)

Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

Family Voices of California

Exceptional Parents Unlimited

Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)

The Family Resource Centers Network of California

California Association of Family Empowerment Centers

Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers

BART Stairwell Closure at 8th and Market, San Francisco.

August 23, 2010

Beginning August 18, 2010, contractors will close one stairwell at Civic Center Station for about four weeks. The contractors will close the stairwell at 8th and Market (near the Hotel Whitcomb) to replace a granite wall with a steel railing. This work is being done at the request of the City of San Francisco. The contractor expects to finish the project by September 15, 2010. During the construction, the contractor will erect temporary chain link fences and temporary lighting. BART apologizes for any inconvenience this project may cause.

Parents, Speak Up about the Special Education System!

August 23, 2010

On September 27, the U.S. Department of Education will be visiting the California Department of Education, Special Programs Division, to look at California’s compliance with IDEA Part B. Part B is the section of IDEA (Individual with Disabilities Education Act) that serves children ages 3-26.

The U.S. Dept. of Education has asked us to survey parents about their experiences and knowledge of special education in California. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to provide input and a great opportunity to contribute to improving the system for children in California.

About taking the survey:

— If you have more than one child, you can do a survey for each child if you want.

— Spouses and family members can also complete the survey.

— Skip questions you are not sure about.

— The information is ANONYMOUS. Only a summary of all of the answers will be given to the US Department of Education, not individual responses.

The whole survey will take about 10 minutes.

Survey link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YPF2BG6

If you have any questions, please contact  1-877-227-3741.

Jobs Available at FEMA Offices Across the Country

August 20, 2010

The LightHouse was recently contacted by the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, Department of Homeland Security/ Federal Emergency Management Agency. A representative from this office wanted us to let blind and visually impaired job seekers in our community know that there are manye Disability Integration Specialist opportunities at FEMA.

These positions will lead, support and facilitate FEMA’s commitment to inclusive emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation:

Positions are open in all ten FEMA regions:

Philadelphia, PA

Atlanta, GA

Chicago, IL

Denver, CO

Oakland, CA

Boston, MA

New York City, NY

Denton, TX

Kansas City, MO

Bothell, WA

Please forward these announcements to your networks and be sure to also view the other great FEMA employment opportunities on http://www.usajobs.govwww.usajobs.gov.

NOTE: POSITIONS CLOSE ON 8/31/10 and 9/1/10.

Job Opportunities at Silicon Valley Independent Living Center

August 20, 2010

SVILC is a cross-disability, intergenerational and multicultural disability justice organization that creates fully inclusive communities that value the dignity, equality, freedom and worth of every human being.

SVILC now has the following job openings. Applicant deadlines for some openings are as soon as next week, so act fast!

POSITION #1: Program Director

POSITION #2: Senior Accountant/Accounting Manager

POSITION #3: Assistive Technology Coordinator

POSITION #4: South County Satellite Services Coordinator

POSITION #5: Housing/Personal Assistance Services Specialist

POSITION #6: Benefits Specialist

POSITION #7: Emerging Youth Leader

POSITION #8: Development Grant Writer

Interested candidates should visit the SVILC website at www.svilc.org or call 408-894-9041 for position descriptions.

SVILC is an equal opportunity employer. People with disabilities, members of other marginalized communities and those with personal experience with disability are highly encouraged to apply.