Archive for July, 2011

Jobsite Conversation Series – Sign Up for Next Wednesday’s Visit!

The next installment of our Jobsite Conversation Series will take place on Wednesday, August 3. We will visit Anita Aaron, who is the Executive Director of the World Institute on Disability (WID).

WID strives to eliminate barriers to full social integration and increase employment, economic security and health care for persons with disabilities. WID creates innovative programs and tools; conducts research, public education, training and advocacy campaigns; and provides technical assistance.

Ms. Aaron has been a resident of California for over thirty years and active in disability concerns at both the local and state level. She has published several articles in professional journals on the role of organizations serving individuals who are blind and visually impaired. As a visually impaired person, Ms. Aaron is both personally and professionally committed to the inclusion of all people with disabilities into mainstream society.

Prior to assuming the Directorship of the World Institute on Disability, Ms. Aaron served as Executive Director/CEO of the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco. In addition to her duties as Executive Director at the LightHouse, she served on the San Francisco Commission on Aging and Adult Services, the San Francisco In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority, the Curry Senior Center Board of Directors and on the Executive Committee of California Agencies for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI).

As you all know, in recent weeks we have visited a blind scientist, a blind massage therapist, a blind city budget analyst, a blind student accessibility coordinator and a blind attorney. They have all been wonderful opportunities, and our time spent with Ms. Aaron will be no different.

Please RSVP to Rich Russo by August 2, as space is limited. Or talk to Rich about joining us for future visits. He can be reached at 415-694-7352 or rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org.

If you are a jobseeker and would like to meet and learn from some of the Bay Area’s most successful blind professionals, we invite you to come along with us on a visit. Please contact Rich Russo at 415-694-7352 or rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org.

Jobsite Conversation Series – RSVP Today for Tomorrow’s Visit

Our next visit will take place on Wednesday, July 27. We will visit Dr. Joshua Miele, who is an Associate Scientist at The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute’s Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center in San Francisco. He has made major contributions to tactile map technology, auditory/haptic display research, audio/tactile graphics techniques and Braille technologies.

Josh is an alumnus of the University of California at Berkeley, where he received his BA in physics and his Ph.D. in psychoacoustics. He is also an active member of the Bay Area disabled community. In addition to his current position as Vice President on the LightHouse Board of Directors, he has served on the boards of both the Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program and the Ed Roberts Campus. He has also been a member of the City of Berkeley’s Commission on Disability and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Elderly and Disabled Advisory Committee.

Please RSVP to Rich Russo today, as space is limited. Or talk to Rich about joining us for future visits. He can be reached at 415-694-7352 or rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org.

If you are a jobseeker and would like to meet and learn from some of the Bay Area’s most successful blind professionals, we invite you to come along with us on a visit. Please contact Rich Russo at 415-694-7352 or rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org.

Employment Opportunity – NOVATO LIBRARY BRANCH MANAGER

Opportuniity

Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

An equal opportunity employer. Apply on-line at: www.co.marin.ca.us/jobs

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE SALARY

Friday, August 5, 2011 $6,304 – $7,502 / Month

by 5:00pm Recruitment #0402-11-06

YOU ARE INVITED TO APPLY: The Marin County Human Resources Department and the Marin County Free Library are conducting a

recruitment for the position of Novato Branch Manager (Senior Librarian). Reporting to the Deputy Director of County Library Services, the Novato Branch Manager has high level responsibility for the day-to-day operations of both the Novato and South Novato branch libraries. The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and any future vacancies that may occur at other branch libraries while the list remains active. Eligible lists remain active for a minimum of six (6) months.

MARIN COUNTY FREE LIBRARY AND THE NOVATO BRANCH: With a mission to engage the community, provide innovative library services and foster lifelong learning, the Marin County Free Library (MCFL) serves the unincorporated areas of Marin County, as well as, the cities and towns of Corte Madera, Fairfax, Marin City, Ross, and Novato. Along with a dedicated share of a stable local property tax, the MCFL enjoys broad community support as shown by the recent passage of a supplemental parcel tax by more than 74%. Through the activities of the County’s ten-branch library system, the MCFL offers an expansive collection; digital content; public access computers; free wi-fi; AV and print resources; special programming for children, teens and seniors; literacy programs serving both families and individuals; and study space for students of all ages. At the heart of a multi-lingual community of over 50,000 residents, the Novato branches are MCFL’s busiest, checking out over 575,000 items (42% children and teen focused) to over 350,000 visitors annually. The Novato libraries serve a greater population of children and teens than other branches in the MCFL system, and the branch is committed to an active and diverse program of services to youth including early literacy programs and teen advisory committees. In addition, with Novato’s large Spanish speaking population, the Novato Branch provides numerous Spanish language resources and programs.

THE POSITION: The Novato Branch Manager will supervise a staff of 6 full-time and 10 part-time employees to develop a state-of-the art facility and meet the strategic goals for both the Novato and South Novato Branches. In addition to overseeing the operations of both branches, the manager will serve as an integral member of the Library Administration Management Team with the opportunity to assist in the design and implementation of a new library service model which will be implemented at the Novato Branch.

Key projects include:

• Increasing community outreach with a special focus on early literacy, teens, and underserved populations

• Developing and employ social media efforts to strengthen community presence and enhance the delivery of library services

• Redesigning physical library space to better serve community needs and improve customer experience

IDEAL CANDIDATE: The ideal candidate will thrive working in a fast-paced environment with the freedom to create and innovate at a branch level, lead by example to motivate and inspire staff, utilize social media technology to modernize library services, research trends impacting the library and community, implement creative solutions to address the community’s needs, have proven success implementing dynamic and non-traditional community outreach programs, and possess excellent interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to provide the highest level of library services possible.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Employment Standards): Equivalent to an American Library Association approved Master’s degree in Library Science, Library and Information Services or similar curriculum and three years of experience as a professional librarian. Overall work experience must include two years of supervisory experience which may be obtained in a position other than a professional librarian.

Experience in a public library setting is highly desirable.

TENTATIVE EXAM SCHEDULE: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination process may consist of a supplemental application screening, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates’ names will be placed on the eligible list.

PREVISOR ONLINE ASSESSMENT: THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011

ORAL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION: THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

(Tentative Hiring Interview Date by Library Department: Wednesday, September 14, 2011)

SPECIAL REQUIRMENTS: Must be willing to work evenings, weekends and at any branch as assigned.

ONLINE APPLICATION: You may apply online at: www.co.marin.ca.us/Jobs

HOW TO APPLY

Obtain the necessary application materials for the desired position from the Marin County Human Resources Department at the address below. You may apply online, or application materials may be picked up in person or requested by phone. If you have questions regarding Equal Employment, please contact the Equal Employment Officer at (415) 499-7398. For questions regarding the position announcement or examination, contact the Marin County

Human Resources Department. For a complete listing of all current opportunities, check the County’s recruitment website, or call the Marin County 24-Hour Job Line. The Job Line is updated every Friday afternoon.

MARIN COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

3501 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE  ROOM 415  SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903-4189

OFFICE PHONE (415) 499-6104  24-HOUR JOB LISTING (415) 499-7800

FAX (415) 499-3669  TTY (415) 473-5780

COUNTY OF MARIN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bill Barker’s Braille Radio Reading Room – July 2011

Bill Barker's Braille Radio Reading Room - July 2011 [ 32:40 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (400)

Claims Accepted in Wells Fargo Discrimination Settlement

On May 31, 2011, Wells Fargo entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

The agreement requires Wells Fargo to compensate certain individuals who experienced disability discrimination in violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when trying to call Wells Fargo or Wachovia, visit a Wells Fargo or Wachovia bank or retail store, or otherwise access Wells Fargo or Wachovia services before May 31, 2011.

Any person who experienced disability-based discrimination that happened before May 31, 2011 in violation of Title III of the ADA based on something Wells Fargo or Wachovia did or didn’t do may be eligible for compensation under this settlement agreement.

All types of disability discrimination can be claimed; for example, physical inaccessibility at bank branches, refusal by a bank branch to provide documents in alternate formats, policies that cause barriers to equal access by individuals with disabilities and refusal to accept relay calls.

The deadline to file a claim for compensation is January 29, 2012. If you or someone you know may be eligible, it is important to file a claim for compensation by that date.

Begin the process of filing a claim by sending your name, address, email address, and day and evening telephone numbers by email to WFclaims@usdoj.gov or by leaving a message at 866-708-1273 (voice mail) or 866-544-5309 (TTY).

This claims process also helps to identify ADA violations to be fixed by Wells Fargo (i.e., physical inaccessibility at retail stores and policies that cause barriers to equal access by individuals with disabilities). Please visit www.ada.gov/wells_fargo/ for more information about the settlement or the claims process.

SSI Benefits Seminar at Lions Center for the Blind in Oakland

 
If you are blind or visually impaired, it is possible for you to work and continue receiving your disability benefits. Please join the
Lions Center for the Blind and representatives from the Social Security Administration for a benefits seminar as
we address questions such as:

• How does SSI and SSDI work?
• What is a Trial Work Period, SGA or Extended Period of Eligibility?
• Can you keep your health Insurance benefit while you are working?
• How are your SSI/SSDI benefits affected if you’re employed?
• and many more.

 
Topics to be covered include Social Security’s “Ticket to Work” and other work incentive programs such as Impairment-Related
Work Expenses (IRWE), Blind Work Expenses (BWE), Plan for Achieving Self
Support (PASS) and Property Essential to Self Support (PESS), as well as
eligibility factors for entitlement, and the application and appeals process. Even if you don’t meet the criteria for legal blindness, you may still qualify for benefits if you have a visual impairment that prevents you from working. This seminar may provide you information to help you succeed on the job.

 
Date: Monday, August 22, 2011

Time: 10:00am -12:00pm

Location: Lions Center for the Blind

2115 Broadway

Oakland, CA 94612

 
Please RSVP via email to
ChristineKaiser@lbcenter.org.
or by phone at 510-450-1580 x238.

 
Deadline to RSVP is August 15, 2011.

 
Time will be allotted for questions and answers at the end of the session.

Financial Support Offered for Online Program in Visual Impairments

West Virginia University announces the nationwide availability of its online graduate program for teaching certification in visual impairments and/or a master’s degree in special education: low vision/blindness.

A federally funded project is now available to provide financial support for students who are completing requirements to become certified in visual impairments through reimbursement of all tuition and fees. To qualify, students must complete courses with a grade of A or B and promise to work in the field for two years for each year of program support upon completion.

WVU also offers TEACH grant loans for individuals who agree to work in a high-need school system for a period of four years after completion. Participants must apply for the program by the application deadline of August 1, 2011,

All courses in this program are offered entirely online through live, interactive class sessions, as well as other web-based learning activities. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the low resident tuition rates through a special agreement with the Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus.

All field and practicum experiences are completed in the student’s local community, in the job setting if s/he works with students with visual impairments or in an appropriate classroom, under the supervision of a qualified practitioner with online support from a university supervisor.

This program is tailored to the requirements for teaching certification in West Virginia, but it meets all national standards in this area of specialization. Individuals who work or plan to work in states other than WV should contact their state education agency to determine if this program will meet requirements for certification in visual impairments in that state.

WVU has over 25 years of excellence in preparing special education personnel, has earned national awards for its innovative uses of distance education technologies and is fully accredited by the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education.

WVU has a decade of experience in online course and program delivery and employs faculty specially selected for their content expertise and extensive classroom experience, as well as their effectiveness in supporting adult learning.

To request a brochure with detailed information about the program and an application form, please contact sped@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-7143.

Public Encouraged to Attend JetBlue Accessibility Hearing

On Friday, July 22, there will be a hearing on the disability access case against JetBlue Airways at the federal courthouse in San Francisco. The hearing is open to the public and will be held at 9:30 a.m. at 450 Golden Gate Avenue in courtroom A on the 15th floor.

Brought by the California Council of the Blind and three blind JetBlue customers, the case is about access barriers on JetBlue’s website and the inaccessibility of JetBlue’s airport check-in kiosks to people with visual impairments.

JetBlue has designed its website in a way that prevents blind customers from independently and privately accessing information and using the site’s features. JetBlue’s airport kiosks cannot be used by blind customers because the machines do not have audio output or an accessible means to input information.

JetBlue is asking United States District Court Magistrate Judge Joseph Spero to dismiss the case, arguing that California’s disability civil rights laws do not apply to JetBlue’s website or kiosks. According to JetBlue, only the United States Department of Transportation has jurisdiction to consider the access needs of blind JetBlue customers.

During the hearing, lawyers for CCB and the blind JetBlue customers will explain why California’s civil rights laws protect the state’s citizens with visual impairments from discrimination, including inaccessible airline websites and kiosks.

CCB and the individual JetBlue customers are being represented by Linda Dardarian of the Oakland civil rights firm Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen and Dardarian and the Law Office of Lainey Feingold. Linda will be presenting the argument to the court on July 22.

Those interested in attending the hearing can either go directly to the courthouse or meet at the Civic Center BART station at 8:30 a.m. Anyone who wants to meet at the BART station should send an email to LF@LFLegal.com. People can also contact Rachel Brill in Linda Dardarian’s office at 510-763-9800 for more information.

Additional details are available at http://lflegal.com/2011/06/jetblue-hearing.

This Wednesday – Jobsite Conversation Series

Join us this Wednesday, July 20, for the next visit in our Jobsite Conversation series. We will visit San Francisco City Hall and chat with Jonathan Lyens, who serves as a Fiscal & Policy Assistant in the Office of Public Policy and Finance for San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee.

Jonathan has also worked in the administration of former Mayor Gavin Newsom. He joined the Mayor’s office in December of 2007 after working for two years in the Bay Area non-profit sector. Jonathan has worked on numerous political campaigns at the local, state and federal levels. He serves on the board of directors of the Richmond District Neighborhood Center and is a member of the San Francisco FDR Democratic Club for people with disabilities. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration from East Carolina University.

Jonathan has also arranged a tour for us of City Hall with Ellen Schumer, long-time head of the City Hall docent program. Lunch will be provided.

Sign up now! Space is limited so please RSVP by Tuesday, July 19. Contact contact Rich Russo at 415-694-7352 or rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org.

If you are a jobseeker and would like to meet and learn from some of the Bay Area’s most successful blind professionals, we invite you to join us.  Please contact Rich Russo at 415-694-7352 or rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org.

Employment Opportunity: 1406 Senior Clerk, with the City & County of SF