Archive for January, 2011

Bill Barker’s Braille Radio Reading Room – February 2011

Bill Barker’s Braille Radio Reading Room – February 2011.

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Language People Inc. is Hiring Interpreters for many languages

Posting Date: January 7, 2011 Start Date: January 17^th, 2011

Job Title: ASL Interpreter

Number of openings:    10

Work Location (City): Fremont, Hayward, Union City, Santa Clara

Starting Salary:  $40-50 per hour DOE

Schedule: Flexible

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Full/Part Time: Part Time

Benefits? Mileage reimbursement

JOB DESCRIPTION AND DUTIES:

Language People Inc.is seeking professionals who have an interest and/or experience in working as a professional ASL interpreter both on-site and video relay. These are part-time, independent contractor positions with flexible hours and virtual work opportunities.

If you strive for excellence in your professional work, enjoy helping people and are seeking a way of using your language skills, please contact us. We offer competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth and training.

All applicants that successfully complete the application process will need to submit to a background check, drug testing and must meet certain medical requirements, such as a negative TB, to be cleared for work.

Qualification and special skills:

All applicants must be over 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.

Certificate in ASL Interpreting is a plus but not required.

Previous experience interpreting in professional settings is a must.

How to apply: Send resume to Processing Dept.

Call: 707-538-8900 Ext 1029

Fax: 707-540-6264

Email: cdavenport@languagepeople.com

Contact name & title: Candice Davenport,

The Social Security Administration’s Selective Placement Program is Hiring….

• Interviewing the general public and provide service regarding SSA programs.
• Gathering and analyzing facts and evidence to establish eligibility for benefits.
• Making critical decisions to determine the amount of benefits paid to individuals.
• Resolving complex problems and communicating important information concerning benefits.
• Speaking with beneficiaries about their rights under the Social Security laws.
• Using state-of-the-art computer technology to access and update information about claims.

California Foundation for Independent Living Centers is HIRING a Project Coordinator….

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

The AT Network is a project that promotes the use of assistive technology throughout California. Assistive Technology (AT) devices help people with disabilities perform activities of daily living that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to perform. Examples of AT include: ramps, canes, reaching tools, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, screen reading software and modified vehicles.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

Under the direction of the Director of Programs, the Project Coordinator is a new position responsible for coordinating the AT Network’s Alternative Financing Program (AFP) and AT Reuse activities. This position staffs both the AFP Committee and the AT Reuse committee. The Project Coordinator processes all financing and reuse paperwork accurately and in a timely fashion. This non-exempt, full-time position is based in Sacramento, CA. Telecommuting is not an option. Occasional travel within the state of California. Salary range: $33,000 – $35,000 annually. This position is open until filled.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Staff and support the Alternative Finance Program and AT Reuse Committees, including preparing agendas, facilitating meetings and organizing travel logistics;
• Process Alternative Financing program applications and work as the liaison with the program’s lending partner;
• Implement AT Reuse activities as recommended by the AT Reuse Committee;
• Process requests for AT Reuse funds;
• Communicate and collaborate with current AT Reuse centers around the state;
• Identify other organizations engaging in AT Reuse activities and encourage them to get involved in the statewide AT Reuse effort;
• Provide technical assistance to AT Reuse centers throughout California;
• Collect data and prepare quarterly reports;
• Provide content for the AT Network website, including writing AT-related articles;
• High-level use of computer software, including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint);
• Add resources to the AT Exchange and AT Network Services directory;
• Answer the AT Information and Referral line as needed;
• Work in collaborative office environment with multicultural, disability diverse, intergenerational staff;
• Engage in outreach activities to promote AT Reuse and the Alternative Financing Program;
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree AND one year project coordination experience OR three years of project coordination experience in a nonprofit organization;
• Ability to facilitate teleconference and in-person meetings effectively;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to function effectively in Microsoft computing environment, including the use of MS Access, Word, and Excel;
• Ability to research and write reports;
• Strong organizational skills and extreme attention to detail;
• Ability to communicate clearly and positively with members of the AT Network, allies and committee members;
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of multiple teams;
• Ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands;
• Ability to arrange necessary transportation must be maintained throughout employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• General knowledge of assistive technology;
• Experience working with people with disabilities;
• Familiarity with disability issues regarding accommodations;
• Knowledge of concepts and philosophy of independent living and consumer empowerment;

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources
Email Address: jobs@cfilc.org

Please title the email subject line: Project Coordinator

No phone calls or faxes will be accepted.

CFILC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. CFILC provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.

Global Network for Entrepreneurs

Are you a small business owner or are you considering becoming a business owner? Check out what the Global Network for Entrepreneurs can offer you as a disabled entrepreneur:

The Global Network for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, has been formed to support the growth of self-employment as a viable option for people with disabilities. Founded by a group of successful entrepreneurs with disabilities from across the globe (including at least one member of this discussion group, the new organization seeks to be “the foremost global resource to which business owners and  entrepreneurs as well as potential business owners with disability can turn at any stage of their business journeys; a place to build community, dignity, and self-determination through a market place for disabled and non-disabled business people to connect and collaborate for mutual benefit.”

Visit the Website:
http://entrepreneurswithdisabilities.org/

Text to Speech Study

Have you ever wished that you could change the text-to-speech you are forced to listen to everyday and make it sound better? Here is your opportunity to weigh in on matters concerning text-to-speech:

AT&T Labs – Research, with the cooperation of the standards committee on text-to-speech synthesis systems of the Acoustical Society of America, is running a web-based experiment to evaluate the intelligibility of synthesized speech for people who have been legally blind from six years of age or younger. This experiment includes most of the text-to-speech engines on the market today, and the results will be used to improve the usability of text-to-speech for people with visual disabilities.

The experiment can be found at

http://dudley.research.att.com/tts/TESTS/TTSfasterRateIntelligibility/html/

2011 Through the Looking Glass Scholarship

Through the Looking Glass and its National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families are pleased to announce new scholarships specifically for high school seniors or college students who have parents with disabilities.  A total of ten $1000 scholarships will be given out Fall 2011.  These scholarships are part of Through the Looking Glass’ National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families.  There are separate eligibility requirements for high school seniors and for college students:

1. High School Seniors. To be eligible, a student must be a high school graduate (or graduating senior) by Summer 2011, planning to attend a two-year or four-year college in Fall 2011 in pursuit of an AA, BA or BS degree, and have at least one parent with a disability.

2. College Students. To be eligible, a student must be currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college in Fall 2011 in pursuit of an AA, BA or BS degree, be 21 years of age or younger as of  March 1, 2011, and have at least one parent with a disability.

All application materials must be postmarked by March 1, 2011.  Individuals may submit only one application per award period.

Selection criteria for all scholarships include academic performance, community activities and service, letter of recommendation and an essay describing the experience of growing up with a parent with a disability.

Please go to our website: http://www.lookingglass.org for more information, including the application form, complete application directions and an FAQ page that answers many common questions as well as offers helpful suggestions.

Focus Groups on Accessibility of Conference Calls and Webinars

If you primarily or exclusively use screen magnification to access your computer and have experience participating in conference calls and webinars, please consider sharing your opinions and experiences in a focus group with the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Telecommunications Access.

The RERC on Telecommunications Access will be conducting focus group discussions via conference call on Thursday, January 27, 2011, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, for screen magnification users. All of these discussions will gather consumers’ opinions and recommendations regarding “telecollaboration,” or conference calls that are supported by shared media or other online support for the call. These may be group meetings or webinars.

The purpose of the study is to obtain up-to-date input from consumers about access barriers and solutions. This input will be used to guide our center’s development work and to educate companies that provide tools for telecollaboration.

Each participant will be compensated $30 for the two-hour focus group. The discussions will be conducted remotely.

The requirements for participation are:

• Have participated in at least two conference calls within the past year.

• Reside in the U.S.

• Be 18 years of age or older.

• Have a disability that may affect accessibility of conference calls and computer screen information.

• Have access to a telephone line to call into a toll-free conference for our focus group conference call.

• At the same location, have a computer and broadband connection active during the call.

• Have a Braille or speech output device/technology to allow you to use the phone and computer.

• Be available for 2 hours of discussion at a time to be arranged with the RERC staff.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Paula Tucker at paula.tucker@gallaudet.edu or 202-651-5049 for more information.

Early Detection of Glaucoma Key to Protecting Vision

Did you know that January is Glaucoma Awareness Month?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the optic nerve. The most common form is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). An estimated 2.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with POAG and an additional 2 million have glaucoma and don’t know it.

There are often no symptoms or pain associated with the onset of glaucoma. As it progresses, a person may notice his or her side vision decreasing. As the glaucoma worsens, the field of vision narrows and blindness may result.

Glaucoma can be detected through a dilated eye exam. A dilated eye exam allows an eye care professional to see inside the eye to check for signs of glaucoma and other vision problems. Treatment options for glaucoma include medicines, laser surgery, conventional surgery or a combination of any of these.

While anyone can get glaucoma, the National Eye Institute (NEI) encourages those at higher risk to get a dilated eye exam every one to two years. Individuals at higher risk include African Americans over age 40; everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans; and people with a family history of glaucoma.

To help spread the message about glaucoma, NEI has developed a series of e-cards that people can send as reminders about the importance of dilated eye exams in reducing the risk of vision loss. For more information about glaucoma or to send an e-card to family members or friends at risk for glaucoma, visit the NEI website at www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma.

The Department of Justice’s Changes to Audio Description and Movie Captioning: Hearing Highlights and More

By Brian McCallen, LightHouse guest blogger and volunteer

The Department of Justice (DOJ) just held three hearings on the Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRMs), containing changes to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) that call for upgrades in digital cinema equipment and increases in audio-described film offerings. According to published and broadcasted highlights, all three hearings in Chicago, Washington and San Francisco featured disability organizations, service providers and the general public.

At the San Francisco hearing, Marilyn Piepho, who spoke by phone, said that there are too few theaters in the country utilizing descriptive video service. Piepho recommended that the Department of Justice not only call for more movie theaters to add audio-described movies, but also use a test pattern with an audible tone to let people know that the film they’re watching has descriptions at the beginning of the show.

I tried to contact several small Northern California movie theaters, including Sierra Theaters in Grass Valley, about the possibility of their offering descriptive video service in the future. None of the theaters returned my emails or calls for comment.

Even though the hearings are over, you still have a chance to speak out about the proposed changes! The period for public comment continues until January 24th, 2011. To learn more, go to http://www.ada.gov/anprm2010/anprm2010_comment.htm. There, you’ll find the link “Movie Captioning and Audio Description.” Just click on the link, and type your name, address, email and comments inside the special box on the next page. You can upload a word processing document with your comments to the site as well.

So speak out and make your voice heard about these new and exciting changes to the ADA. And for all the information on the ANPRMs, log on to http://www.ada.gov/!