Resource Sharing

By: Member Services

Summary:
This exchange features new career management resources every week so make sure to visit often to find the latest updates.

We would really like to hear from you. Please tell us about disability employment sites, blogs, tips, job leads or events. E-mail them to MemberServices@eSight.org

Updates for the week of October 19, 2009:

Job Alert: Mike Henderson informs us that CESSI, a division of Axiom Resource Management, Inc. is actively seeking an Account Manager with sales skills to provide recruitment and outreach on increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Account Manager's key role is to initiate contact with existing beneficiaries and organizations to support and promote Social Security's Ticket to Work Program. The Account Manager will be expected to consistently provide excellent customer service to accounts, as well as recognize the needs and goals within the organization to ensure quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
- Manage assigned accounts and regions;
- Call prospective organizations and beneficiaries and establish strong relationships Support team members with daily activities; and
- Proactively find new organizations to support the Ticket to Work initiative.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) in a professional manner when dealing with employees, vendors, and company contacts.
- Strong interpersonal skills are required to make contacts and build network of vocational providers and to encourage individuals with disabilities to explore work pportunities;
- High level of initiative and ability to work well in a team environment;
- High level of comfort with phone conversations;
- Extremely organized and proactive;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Security;
- Clearance Eligible; and
- Ability to travel - 20%
Education/Training/Experience:

Bachelor's degree required

Desired Experience:

Knowledge of disability issues and understanding incentives to work Knowledge of traditional/nontraditional providers who serve people with disabilities Multiple positions available. The position is located in the Washington, DC area.

Send resumes to personnel@cessi.net
Job Alert: VIPdesk Now Recruiting Home-Based Call Center Agents for Seasonal Holiday Customer Service Support.

Check out this FAQ to learn more about this kind of work.
Sally Gerity called to inform us Obama Seeks $250 Check for 57 million Social Security recipients, veterans and people with disabilities.
Mike Burks forwarded an e-mail from Curtis Chong, President of the National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science. It reads:

"The Open Braille API Initiative, the National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science, and Earle Harrison, President of Handy Tech North America have created and posted an online petition which expresses sharp opposition to Freedom Scientific's recently-announced Secure and Compatible Braille driver signing policy. The petition is self explanatory. If you wish to read the petition and possibly demonstrate your support, please point your browser to: http://www.petitiononline.com/brl4all/petition.html and express your view."

Updates for the week of October 12, 2009:

Michele Techman alerts us that there is still time to take part in the AbilityLinks.org, Virtual Job Fair.

This online online recruiting event is available 24/7 through Friday, October 16th.

Learn more about it at http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1659
Sherry DeFrancesco wants you to know that the Westchester Council of the Blind will hold their October meeting on Saturday, October 24, 2009. All are welcome.

TIME:
3-5PM DINNER: 5-7PM

WHERE:
Westchester Independent Living Center(WILC)
WILC conference room
200 Hamilton Avenue
White Plains, New York 10601
Federal Cyber Service: Scholarship For Service: The SFS program grants scholarships in exchange for government service in the information assurance field.
Michael Burks forwards job alert from UCLA. They are looking for a Web Developer / Adaptive Technology Consultant. This is a full-time one-year contract position.

For complete details, please read the job description in PDF, or job description in Word format.
DOL's ePolicyWorks. As part of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, ODEP will launch ePolicyWorks, a new collaborative, information-sharing initiative among national policymakers. This 21st century approach to policy development is designed to address specific barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities by leveraging resources, as well as by encouraging coordination and integration across systems. ODEP plans to distill this initiative into topic areas, such as health care, technology, and transportation.
Changes at the Ziegler. The Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind will cease publication of its braille, cassette and diskette editions after the November 2009 issue. The magazine will continue to be available by email and online at a new address: www.matildaziegler.com.

The Ziegler is now also using an RSS feed as well as Twitter and Facebook.

Please note their new email address is editor@matildaziegler.com.
AFB has a new eLearning Center for professionals working with seniors with age-related eye conditions.
Tim O'Brien, is a blind photographer, pioneering a traditionally "sighted" only field. His story was just featured in the Chapel Hill News, "Through a lens darkly."

You can learn more about O'Brien on his webist,tim o'brien photos, A blind photographer's exploration of his vision through photography and accessibility.

Or visit his blog www.blindphotographers.org where visually impaired photographers discuss how they approach photography.

You can also follow members of this unique community on Twitter.
Encyclopaedia Britannica Grants Digital Rights to Bookshare -- Major Reference Collections Now Accessible for Individuals with Print Disabilities Worldwide.
Liz Seger recommends interview with Don Dew, President & Founder, ReachOut USA.
Also worth reading:

Updates for the week of October 5, 2009:

Lighthouse International is working in partnership with a variety of New York City based corporations to provide internships for college students who are visually impaired for the summer of 2010.

For early consideration, please submit your application on, or before, November 15, 2009.
Michael R. Burks alerts us that the Minnesota State Services for the Blind, SSB, has an immediate opening for an Assistive Technology Specialist
Workforce3 One Unveils a New Disability and Employment Resource Web Page

In connection with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Workforce3 One unveiled a new Disability and Employment Resource web page to provide employment-related resources for the workforce system.

The purposes of this page are to disseminate promising practices to promote the positive employment outcomes of people with disabilities and expand the capacity of the One-Stop Career Center system to serve customers with disabilities.

U.S. Department of Labor Steps Up Efforts to Serve Workers with Disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) joined President Obama today in underscoring the administration's commitment to serving every American worker, including the 54 million people across the nation living with disabilities.

U.S. Department of Labor Holds "National Listening Session" for Public Input on Reauthorization of Workforce Investment Act.

ODEP Assistant Kathy Martinez and Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates heard comments from workforce investment systems personnel, representatives of the disability community, leaders of nonprofit organizations, academic professionals and members of the general public. Approximately 700 people attended in person, by webinar and via conference call.

Updates for the week of September 27, 2009:

Congratulations, Albert Rizzi on receiving your official approval from the IRS, which gives you 501(c) 3 status for your new organization, "My Blind Spot"
Darrell Shandrow in his Blind Access Journal has posted a job for an Executive Director position in Spokane, Washington at the The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc, -- Inland Northwest Lighthouse.

Darrell quotes Kirk Adams, President, the Spokane Lighthouse for the Blind, who said,

"I am committed to having a blind person in the top leadership position at our Inland Northwest Lighthouse facility," said Adams. "This is an exceptional opportunity for the right person, and I am willing to take all the time necessary to find the right fit. Either a person with the skills and experience to step right in, or someone who can develop with training and mentoring."

Read full job description.

Updates for the week of September 21, 2009:

New volunteer opportunity available with
Hadley School for the Blind.

They are looking for volunteers who are comfortable speaking standard English (the kind that television broadcasters use) and who have an hour and a half once per month for an exciting volunteer opportunity.

The Hadley School for the Blind in Fuzhou, China, teaches the English language to over 1,000 students annually. Many of their Chinese students are keenly interested in improving their English. As native English speakers, you can help by chatting with Hadley-China students over the Internet.

Interested volunteers need:
- A high-speed internet connection;
- A microphone and speakers connected to your computer;
- The ability to communicate simply, to speak slowly, and to use jargon-free language;
- The ability to patiently listen to people with accents; and
- The ability to remain calm when communication breakdowns occur
The sessions take place on Friday nights from 8:00-9:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

If you are interested in applying for this volunteer opportunity, send email to feedback@hadley.edu. Tell them a little about yourself and that you learned about this opportunity on eSight. A Hadley representative will be in touch -- so make sure that you include your contact information.
New iPhone application in development by scientists at iVisit will use phone's camera to recognize a variety of everyday objects. Read "iPhone app acts as eyes for blind people" for more information.
Nokia launches Braille Reader app. to help the blind read texts on touch screen mobiles.
Section 508
- The IRS offers free training on Section 508 for Software Development.
Nan Hawthorne writes, "I just had two articles published on Chatel Village, a many faceted site done by Kim McDougall of, among other things, Blazing Trailers.

One is "Some of the Most Voracious Readers Can't See At All!"

Not sure how accessible the site is.. but enjoy the content."
Jeremiah tells us that the Theatre Development Fund has announced they will offer Audio Described performances of WICKED on Wednesdays, November 4 & 11 at 2pm. TICKETS: $58.75 each, orchestra seating.
Direct all inquiries to tap@tdf.org
Congratulations, Faith on your new job. We all wish you the very best!
Michele Techman sent in a very practical and useful article by Alison Doyle, "Resume and Cover Letter Examples". It is well worth reading and bookmarking since it links to many free resources, samples and templates.

Updates for the week of September 14, 2009

Rita Pulsoni informs us that the National Council on Disability's next quarterly meeting will take place at the Holiday Inn Express, 920 Broadway, Nashville, TN, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2009, and ending at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2009.
Michael R. Burks forwards the following job lead form Peter Altschul.

Please distribute widely. Deadline is Monday, September, 21.

National Industries for the Blind is seeking two experienced, highly- motivated customer service representatives to provide telephone and email support in a commercial contact center located in Richardson, Texas as part of a 120-day pilot program.

Qualified candidates will respond to inbound account related questions and issues, complete customer correspondence via e-mail and regular mail, and process inventory reports daily. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Required skills and experience:
- High School degree or GED equivalent required (Some college preferred)
- Previous Call Center/customer service experience a must;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills (bi-lingual Spanish a plus);
- Punctual and reliable
- Proficient with data entry;
- Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute with 80 percent accuracy;
- Proficient with basic Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word, and Excel;
- Proficient with basic and advanced functionality of assistive technology, specifically JAWS and/or Zoomtext;
- Positive attitude with a pleasant and clear phone demeanor; and
- Works well with team members and other departments.
Please note: This project is set to run from October 15, 2009 through January, 2010. Upon completion of the pilot phase, it is our intent that the two customer service positions will become permanent as will more customer service positions. Relocation assistance is available.

If you wish to be considered for these positions, please send your resume and three professional references to sschraven@nib.org no later than Monday, September 21.
Read about KAREN PETROU, Managing partner of Federal Financial Analytics in Not Just 'That Blind Person'
James J. Elekes forwards, "A New Job, a Tweet Away" by Sarah E. Needleman.

Ms. Needleman tells us how companies are using Twitter to post jobs and how job seekers are researching prospective employers via Twitter.
How LinkedIn and Twitter Are Helping Job Searches
T. V. Raman who will be the keynote speaker at the Accessing Higher Ground Conference in Colorado Nov. 10-14 2009

EASI's podcast series offers an interview with T.V. Raman who is part of the Google Team.
Michael R. Burks also tells us about BlindAid: Virtual Maps For The Blind.

Dr. Lahav of Tel Aviv University describes it as "a computerized "white cane" for the blind."
Albert J. Rizzi, CEO/Founder My Blind Spot informs us that, Groundbreaking Nationwide Agreement With Hsbc Credit Card To Deliver Services To Customers With Disabilities

Updates for the week of August 31, 2009

Seminars@Hadley Presents: The Braille Literacy Crisis

Date: Friday, September 11, 2009
Time: 11:00 PM CDT, 16:00 GMT

Description: This seminar will discuss the importance of learning braille for both children and adults, including information on the value of using braille at school, home, and in the workplace.

Topics include:
1. Definition of literacy
2. 3 levels of literacy
3. Braille literacy crisis
4. Why learn braille?
5. Reasons to teach braille to children
6. Braille and employment
7. Uncontracted or contracted braille?
8. The benefits of braille and auditory learning
9. Learning braille with residual vision
10. Promoting braille
Join Hadley instructors Debbie Siegel and Susan Fisher in this frank and informative discussion. This 60 minute seminar will allow ample time for questions and answers. Dawn Turco, senior vice president at Hadley, will moderate.

As always, listening to the seminar remains free of charge. There is a US $25 fee associated with completing the seminar for credit (1 CE hour). Professionals interested in receiving continuing education credit will be required to successfully complete a quiz and brief survey before a certificate is issued. (ACVREP approval pending)

Read more and register for this seminar

Mike Burks informs us about two interesting jobs:

Below are links to two Accessibility Analyst positions that will help Minnesota implement its accessibility laws. Both postings last through Friday, September 11, and can be extended if necessary.

Project Consultant Sr 1

Project Consultant Sr 2

Michele Techman has forwarded,Social Media and Your Personal Brand: Five Steps to Building Your Brand in Bits and Bytes

You can access the closed caption video archive from the The Syracuse Entrepreneur's BootCamp.

It offers the following advice on:
- How to Get More Out of a Business Plan
- What You Need to Know About the Numbers
- How to Finance your Business with a SBA Loan
- Ask the Lawyers
- Customers Drive the Business
- The F's have It: Fundamentals That Matter
- Technology to Manage and Grow your Business

Updates for the week of August 24, 2009

The IRS is using Twitter to recruit for jobs.

Follow jobdog59 to start receiving updates.

Here is an example of one of jobs which was posted on this account:

JOB TITLE:
REVENUE OFFICER

SALARY RANGE:
38,117.00 - 49,533.00 USD /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Monday, August 10, 2009
to Thursday, September 10, 2009

SERIES & GRADE:
GS-1169-07/07

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full Time, Permanent, Day Shift Career Conditional Appointment

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
09

DUTY LOCATIONS:

vacancy(s) in one of the following locations: many vacancies - Throughout the Nation

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
ALL U.S. CITIZENS

SALARY:
The starting salary varies by geographic area based on cost-of-living adjustments.

These positions are located throughout the United States. The anticipated start date is February 1, 2010.
You can get Real-time results for #jobs on Twitter/Search.

Tip: refresh your screen often since new jobs are constantly being added.
Want to know more about how to get a job at the IRS? They have a new FAQ that can help you learn more about their hiring process.
Mike Henderson forwards timely information from Rima McCoy, Voting Rights Coordinator Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY).

Rima McCoy writes, "The Campaign Finance Board will mail a print copy of the NYC Voter Guide to all registered voters two weeks before the September 15th primary and November 3rd general elections.

Arrangements have to be made several weeks in advance for accessible copies.

To request the NYC Voter Guide in an alternative format, call 212-306-7100.

The NYC Voter Guide will also be available on the Campaign Finance Board website at: www.nyccfb.info
Michele Techman points us to a post by Alison Doyle, which tells us more about jobs in the federal government.

Alison Doyle writes, "The Federal Government is the largest employer in the United States and most government jobs aren't located in Washington, DC." Alison also provides links to investigate jobs in a variety of government agencies and to tips and instructions on how to apply for a government job.
Michele's must read list for the week includes:
Albert J. Rizzi forwards JENNIFER 8. LEE's blog posting, "Quick Aid for a Heat-Stricken Seeing Eye Dog" which has links to very helpful and practical information.
Luda Demikhovskaya informs us that NTIA is seeking experienced professionals to help review applications.

She tells us that CNCS staff has asked that we post the following message from NTIA.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is seeking experienced professionals to help review applications to the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). NTIA is looking for reviewers with significant expertise and experience in at least one of the following areas:
1. the design, funding, construction, and operation of broadband networks or public computer centers;
2. broadband-related outreach, training, or education; or
3. innovative programs to increase the demand for broadband services.
NTIA is seeking reviewers from diverse backgrounds and areas of the country.

The time commitment is about 20/25:
- a 90 minute training session/webinar;
- 10 applications, each at 60-90 minutes, and
- a 2 hour wrap up conference call with the three panellists for those 10 applications.
  Training for the first round of applications will begin next week and be repeated the following week.
  
  Applications will be distributed after the training.
  
  Training will be provided during the course of the three rounds of funding. There is no financial remuneration for reviewers.
  
  For more information contact (888) 861-5509 or BTOPreviewer@ntia.doc.gov

Updated for the week of August 17, 2009

Michael Henderson alerts us that the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind has an opening for a Regional Team Leader (Program Specialist 5).

Details for this permanent, full-time position include:
You can find the full job description online as both a PDF File and/or as a Word document.
Michael also informs us that the Long Island Community Foundation is seeking an Executive Director.
Pace University in lower Manhattan has an opening for an experienced Coordinator of Disability Services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Evaluate requests for accommodations from undergraduate, graduate, professional, and nontraditional students with disabilities.
  1. Review disability documentation provided by students.
  2. Conduct in-person disability screening interviews with students.
  3. Determine reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities, appropriate to specific disability and consistent with disability law and standard practice in higher education.
- Meet with students to discuss and review services, accommodations, policies, procedures, rights and responsibilities, self- advocacy, and other student management tasks.
- Provide individualized assistance to students with disabilities and serve as an advocate in resolving issues and concerns.
- Develop and coordinate outreach and consultation to the University Community on issues related to working with students with disabilities and maintaining compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Maintain confidential records and statistical profiles/data of students with disabilities.
- Maintain membership in professional associations and currency in the field of disability services.
- Participate in special projects, committees, and other work related to the greater University Community.
- Collaborate with the Counseling Center on a variety of education and prevention initiatives
  
  Qualifications:
  - Required
  - Master's degree in special education, higher education, educational psychology, or related discipline.
  - Experience in a college, university, or community college setting.
  - Ability to interpret psychoeducational and neuropsychological reports.
  - Ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
  - Effective written and oral communication skills.
  - Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, and electronic mail software, preferably Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer.
- Preferred
- Experience working with individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including but not limited to: mobility impairments, chronic health conditions, psychiatric conditions, ADHD, sensory impairments, and learning disabilities.
To apply, please go to www.pace.edu/hr/ and click on "Careers@Pace" and click on the Staff Positions link. Submit cover letter, resume, and three references.

Pace University is committed to achieving full equal opportunity in all aspects of University life. Pursuant to this commitment, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or veteran status.
Nancy Schuman, who writes for the Long Island Press, reminds us the career services centers at universities offer a wealth of employment resources.

Ms. Schuman writes, "If you've recently been laid off or need to change your job situation, one of your first priorities should be relationship-building with your alma mater and reaching out to the career center. Learn what is available to you both in person and online. You should also check external social networking sources like Linkedin and Facebook to see if your school has an alumni group you can join. Find out if there is a live, active membership group or club in a city near you."

See, Alumni&Give It The Old College Try!
Women For Hire has produced a series of videos highlighting a variety of direct sales opportunities. While it's not for everyone, check it out to learn more and to see if it's right for you.
The Second Annual Lighthouse International Technology Expo in NYC offers a unique opportunity to experience the latest developments in specialized and mainstream technology products that make life easier for individuals who are visually impaired.

Date:
Thursday, September 17, 2009

Time:
9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Location
Lighthouse International
111 East 59th St.
New York City

See demonstrations, ask questions and get the latest information from more than 25 exhibitors showcasing their products and services for people with vision loss, including:
Sign-up for the LITE email list to be kept up-to-date on new event information, presentation schedules, etc.

This event is proudly sponsored by CTECH and Optilec Tieman Group.
The American Staffing Association offers "Tips for Job Seekers"

Updated: for the week of August 10, 2009
1. Thank you, Michael Henderson for informing us that the Board of Elections has set up demonstrations of devices to help people get comfortable with the new accessible voting machines.
  
  Michael tells us that the Board of Elections wants you to know the following:
  
  "When we go to our poll sites to vote, we now have the option of using a machine called a Ballot Marking Device (BMD), which has accessible features that allow voters with disabilities to make their choices privately and independently. People who have difficulty standing, reaching and operating the levers, or reading the candidate's names will find that the BMDs offer a more comfortable voting experience.
  
  "Although the BMDs have been available at every polling place in NYC since the fall 2008 elections, many people shied away from trying them during the high stakes setting of a poll site. Now, the Board of Elections is hosting BMD Learning Centers several weeks before the September primary. (see the schedule).
  
  "This means you have the opportunity to get comfortable using the machines before an election. Organize a field trip with a group of friends at one of the locations listed below and find out for yourself how the Ballot Marking Device works."
2. United Cerebral Palsy Texas is actively recruiting Americorps members for service assignments with ASSET, an innovative education-based program promoting the independence of people with disabilities.
  
  ASSET Americorps members begin 11-month terms Oct. 1, 2009 at select community-based agencies around Texas. Full-time members receive a living allowance of $11,400, health care benefits, child care (if eligible), student loan forbearance, and will be eligible for an education award in the amount of $4,725.
  
  If you are interested in being a Navigator in one of our Texas community locations, please see the ASSET Navigator Position Description (pdf) and how to apply
3. James J. Elekes informs us that the report, "Deaf-Friendly Cities in the U.S." is now available online.
4. Luda reminds us that DisabilityInfo.gov is now Disability.gov. The redesigned site includes new social media tools that will enable you to more easily share, organize and receive important disability-related information, as well as suggest new resources to add to Disability.gov. Visit How to Use this Site for an overview of what Disability.gov now offers.
5. Albert Rizzi drove in a race at Riverhead Raceway. Albert is blind. All of the other drivers had bags over their heads so they couldn't see either. He drove yellow car number 11 and came in 2nd place!
  
  Congratulations, Albert!
  
  Albert explained how it worked, "Each driver has a passenger who shouts directions. No one got hurt."
  
  "I took 2nd place in the race. It was fantastic and I had a great time. I was in the lead for most of the race. I am talking to the raceway owners about doing this race with nothing but blind and visually impaired drivers as a possible annual event. I am in the yellow car number 11.
  
  " Check it out on YouTube -- the Blindfolded taxi race at Riverhead Raceway."
  
  Albert was also interviewed by Michael Coleman of News 12 and that the interview, as well as the race, will be aired over a two day period -- August 26th and 27th.
6. Michele Techman sent in the following 3 articles this week:
  1. Deceptive Targets in the Job Hunt Deceptive Targets in the Job Hunt
  2. Interview Insights: 10 Ways to Make the Most of the First 10 MinutesInterview Insights: 10 Ways to Make the Most of the First 10 Minutes
  3. The Job Hunt: Shifting Careers? Here Are Some Tips For Making the Jump
Updated: for the week of August 02, 2009:
1. Michael Burks forwarded an email from Everett that may be of interest to people with a technological background who also enjoy writing.
  
  Subject: [Jobs] ToMuse.com seeks bloggers $25 per post
  
  Any writers here? Better yet, any writers here who blog, who are also tech geeks? This isn't exactly a 'job' but it is a regularly paying gig for writers. $25 per 400 word posts isn't so bad.
  
  Write Away, Right Away!
  Everett
  
  See the ToMuse website for all details
  
  Original posting found in the Writing-World.com e-zine
2. James J. Elekes sent us following notices:
  
  1. Health: Eye Disease: Three More Countries Reach Goal on Limiting Blinding Trachoma as a Threat By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
  Three nations are the latest to declare that they have eliminated blinding trachoma as a public health problem in their countries.
  
  Blindness/Low Vision, Sight Preservation & Restoration
  
  2. Business: House Panel Approves Executive Pay Restraints By STEPHEN LABATON A committee approved legislation closely resembling President Obama's proposal for executive pay limits.
  
  Careers, Employment, Business Management
  
  3. Unemployment may play a bigger role in determining the timing and shape of recovery from the current U.S. downturn
3. The latest issue of the Proyecto Vision newsletter is now available online.
  
  Upcoming Opportunities:
  Proyecto Vision lists hundreds of opportunities for jobs, scholarships, internships, grants, awards, and other educational opportunities. Over the next month, many of these opportunities will have their application deadlines. Read more about upcoming opportunities
  
  The Proyecto Vision website is frequently updated with information about new scholarship opportunities, internship opportunities, employment opportunities, and resources that can help you learn more about how to proceed with your education, employment, and independent living goals.
  Read more about updates
Updated: for the week of July 27, 2009:
1. Michael Henderson wrote to tell us about a product called the ubiDuo that enables deaf and deaf blind users to communicate with hearing and or sighted colleagues.
  
  Learn more about UbiDuo at http://www.scommonline.com/
  Follow UbiDuo on Twitter at http://twitter.com/UbiDuo
2. Michele Techman sent in the following article, So You Want to Be a Teacher for America?
3. Selective Placement Program/Schedule A describes documentation you need and how to apply for SSA jobs.
4. AccessTech News, which discusses accessibility issues, advocacy, assistive technology and general technology news for people with disabilities, recently posted "Tips For The Newly Blind Diabetic."
5. Is your LinkedIn profile complete?
  How about your Google profile?
  Do you have a blog?
  
  If youre an early adapter to new technologies and have answered yes to all of these questions, congratulations! (You can probably stop reading now.)
  
  But if you get brain cramps even thinking about learning how to use Twitter, Facebook and all the other social networking sites that pop up daily, and think youre far too old and way too busy to learn these younger generation tools, here are a couple of good reasons why you may want to reconsider.
  
  Continue reading What Baby Boomers Need to Know about Social Media to Make it in Todays Marketplace
For the Week of July 20, 2009:
1. Eileen Garza informs us that Bookshare and Code Factory have announced a partnership.
2. Fernando Botelho alerts us that National Public Radio is looking for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to participate in listening tests of radio reading services.
  
  They will be holding these tests at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C. Participation will involve spending about 2 hours and will be asked to give their opinion on audio quality. They say, "It will be interesting and fun for you."
  
  They will compensate participants $50.00 for their time, along with a travel stipend.
  
  They will run these tests in early August. If you are interested in participating or want more details, please e-mail Dan Schwab dschwab@npr.org or call (202) 513-2466.
3. Michele Glaser points us to LinkUp, a job search engine that indexes job listings directly from company websites.
  
  Here is how they describe what they have to offer: "Since every job listing published on LinkUp is sourced directly from a company's website, the job listings are always current, often unadvertised, and never fake."
  
  Michele also found this article to be helpful, "Strategy For Contact Development an Important Job-Search Ingredient. "
4. Leading Blindness Organizations File Suit Against Arizona State University, Register Complaints with Civil Rights Divisions at Department of Education and Department of Justice, and Send Protests to Five Additional Institutions of Higher Education
5. Higher Education's Studied Indifference to People with Disabilities Reflects the "Rehab Model" Ad Nauseum
6. AT&T Announces Cell Phone Training Sessions for People with Vision Loss
7. Kathleen (Kathy) Martinez has been confirmed as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Ms. Martinez comes to ODEP with a background as an internationally recognized disability rights leader specializing in employment, asset building, independent living, international development, diversity and gender issues.
  
  You can read more about Assistant Secretary Martinez in the news:
8. Justice Department Releases New Fact Sheet on the Rights of Persons with HIV or AIDS to Obtain Occupational Training and State Licensing
For the week of July 13, 2009
1. Michele Techman tells us about a new trend, "Ditching the Job Fair for a Venting Opportunity."
  
  This is all part of "a growing movement of community-organized groups formed around the country aimed at helping the laid-off cope with the recession and get their careers back on track. Most were launched by people who lost jobs themselves and couldn't find the resources they needed to land new ones.
  
  The groups -- found both online and off -- do everything from hosting workshops to providing place where job seekers can vent and share stories."
2. The top 50 best job posting sites (job boards) for job-seekers from Quintessential Careers.
3. Unemployment Rescue: Five Part-Time Jobs You Can Get Now
4. Fredshead shared the following on Twitter:
5. MarketingSherpa's Career Classifieds lists 36 new marketing jobs this week.
6. Avoid the 4 Deadly Social-Networking Sins
7. 6 Tips for Twitter Job Hunting
8. Do You Pass the Social Media Recruitment Test?
Updated: July 10, 2009
Updated: July 9, 2009
Updated: July 8, 2009
1. Michele Techman points us to Alison Doyle's posting that shows you how to use Facebook as part of you professional networking.
2. Glenda Watson Hyatt, a.k.a. The Left Thumb Blogger is featured in the article, "Twitter: Remaking the Persona of the Physically Challenged"
3. "The cities with the biggest Twitter populations are New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, San Francisco, and Boston. Los Angeles is the fastest growing city on the list." Find out more in the posting, 10 Stunning (And Useful) Stats About Twitter
4. Attention aspiring filmmakers! The Campaign for Disability Employment, a newly-formed collaborative of leading disability organizations, is sponsoring the to promote the talent and skills that people with disabilities bring to America's workforce and economy. The contest is an opportunity for young - and young-at-heart - filmmakers to promote positive change by illustrating that at work, it's what people CAN do that matters. The Campaign is looking for creative, fun, compelling video public service announcements, of all genres, that will create positive images of people with disabilities at work and help viewers re-think their assumptions about people with disabilities and employment.
  
  The contest is being held as part of the Campaign for Disability Employment's soon-to-be-launched national effort to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Every day, people with disabilities can and do add value to America's workplaces and economy. However, in good times and bad, people with disabilities have fewer job opportunities than the general population. The Campaign for Disability Employment aims to confront this disparity.
  
  Contest entries must be 60 seconds or less and reflect one or more of the campaign's key themes. The winner will receive a prize worth $1,500. Several selected videos may also be showcased on the campaign's Web site.
  
  The deadline for entry is July 15, 2009.
  
  This information was forwarded by Luda Demikhovskaya.
Updated: July 7, 2009
1. GettingHired.com - Disability Employment Central provides you with a good overview of this site.
2. Visually Impaired Get A Taste Of Sight With New Device
Updated: July 6, 2009
1. John Gullo forwards a very helpful article, "The 10 Boilerplate Phrases That Kill Resumes." In it Liz Ryan, the Savvy Networker, shows you how to put a
  human-voiced back into your resume.
  
  She points out 10 phrases that make you sound "vocabulary challenged". Follow her advice when you are writing or updating your resume and you will not sound like your resume was written by a robot.
2. James J. Elekes tells us that in June 2009, the percent of people with disabilities in the labor force was 22.6 compared with 71.9 for persons with no disability.
  
  The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 14.3 percent, compared with 9.5 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted
  
  Read more about the June 2009 Disability Employment Statistics online.
Updated July 2, 2009
Updated July 1, 2009
1. This afternoon, President Obama will be hosting an online town hall where he will be taking your questions about health reform. The town hall meeting will begin at 1:15 PM EDT, and you can watch the event live by visiting http://www.healthreform.gov/.
2. Lester Marks tells us about the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009.
  
  He writes, "Legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives that would require all mobile devices and internet based telecommunications to be fully accessible for people with disabilities. This legislation, introduced by Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA), seeks to increase access to broadband technology for people with disabilities by ensuring universal access for all."
3. To read Lighthouse International's ongoing commentary on vision-friendly technology, please visit our newest blog titled, Dorrie's Sight .
4. Mary Ann writes, " CareerOneStop ReEmployment Portal.htm has a lot of useful information, whether an individual is just starting out or seeking re-employment after a lay-off. I encourage you to "explore and discover."
5. Michele Techman forwards this link, How to break into freelancing
6. The Top Jobs for 2009

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