NTAC e.News — May 15, 2005

Announcements: Local

NEW! Workforce Job Fair

May 24, 2005: Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, HI
Over 150 employers will be represented at the Job Fair, which will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Job Quest and WorkForce job fairs are Hawaii‘s oldest and largest career events! Job Fairs are held each January, May and September at the Neal Blaisdell Center and feature exhibitors from financial services, healthcare, food service, retail, government and non-profit agencies. Job Quest & WorkForce job fairs offer job seekers a chance to make initial contact, apply for open positions, exchange information and interview at the event. Job positions vary from entry-level to management, and some companies have hired qualified candidates on the spot. For registration information, click on http://www.jobsurveys.com/workforce.

NEW! Meet Dr. Jean Johnson at NAAPE conference in San Francisco!

Dr. Jean Johnson will be representing NTAC-AAPI at the National Association for Asian and Pacific American Education (NAAPE) conference in San Francisco on May 19th-21st. One of the objectives of the conference is to address the educational needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), and Dr. Johnson’s session will focus on disparities in education, as well as in health and employment, for AAPIs with disabilities. NAAPAE has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Education to design and implement several national studies of interest to Asian and Pacific American education.

NEW! Free Online Course on AAPI Culture!

NTAC-AAPI invites you to take our free online course for VR professionals. We are very close to offering this course with a target date of late May 2005. It will be a web-based, continuing education credit, distance-learning course offered through the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Professor, Dr. Paul Leung of the Department of Rehabilitation, Social Work and Addictions, at the University of North Texas and Associate Professor, Dr. Nanzhang Hampton, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, at the University of Massachusetts-Boston will be conducting the course. Approximately, 10 hours of Certified Rehabilitation Continuing Education Credits will be offered. For more information please contact Amy Nawatani, Training Coordinator at amy.nawatani@cds.hawaii.edu.

Announcements: National and International

NEW! May is National Asian-Pacific American Heritage month!

This year’s National Theme is “Liberty and Freedom for All,” and the events of the month will focus on providing awareness about APA issues through community fesitvals, government-sponsored activities, and educational activities throughout the United States. The commemorative design for this year was created by Kaz Aizawa, who graduated from the Art Center of Design in Pasadena, California. The drawing shows a dove holding flags of various Asian countries, including Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Phillippines, Malaysia, Laos, Burma, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China and the United States. The border is an Ancient Asian Peace Symbol. For more information about the events of APA Heritage month, click on http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050503-6.html and http://www.cr.nps.gov/NR/feature/asia/.

NEW! AFB CareerConnect Scholarships

AFB CareerConnect is announcing a variety of scholarships for high school and college students that are currently available-deadlines are fast approaching! Click here to find out about these unique and interesting opportunities and how to apply. http://www.afb.org/careerconnect/users/opportunitiesMay2005.asp

A Pre-Conference White House Event: “The Voice of Business on the Mature Workforce”

On June 15, 2005, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) will hold a one-day forum, entitled, “The Voice of Business on the Mature Workforce.” It is a White House designated pre-conference to the White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA) in October 2005, a national symposium that occurs once every ten years. This year, the White House has asked the Center for Workforce Preparation and the Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits Divisions of the U.S. Chamber to present CEO’s the opportunity to provide policy recommendations at the WHCoA. This forum ensures the business community’s voice is heard when shaping new policy for the hiring, training, retaining, and advancing of older workers. Participants will develop 4 policy recommendations which the U.S. Chamber will put forth to the White House. http://www.uschamber.com/cwp/events/whitehouseagingevent.htm

EN Recruitment Forum - Register Now!

In order to attract, engage, and sustain local service provider and business interest, The National Alliance for Ticket to Work is partnering with local community leaders, offering public/private partnership development resources and technical assistance to organizations in five U.S. communities – New York, Miami, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Detroit, and the Los Angeles/San Diego area. http://www.yourtickettowork.com/en_recruitment_forum

Request for Proposals

The University of Colorado at Boulder invites speaker proposals for its 8th annual Accessing Higher Ground Conference. The conference, which takes place adjacent to the Boulder campus, focuses on the implementation and benefits of Assistive Technology in the university and college setting. Other topic areas cover legal and policy issues, including ADA and 508 compliance, and making campus media and information resources, including Web pages and library resources, accessible. http://www.colorado.edu/ATconference/invite.present2005.html

Online disability experts database help with compliance for disability access

Providing online access to a database of over 200 disability trainers, auditors and consultants who have an interest or experience in working with museums, galleries, libraries and archives, Disability Experts is the first database of its kind in the cultural sector – and the latest step towards reducing access barriers in our heritage organisations. http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op
=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2642

Advancing workplaces: Office gadgets aid people with disabilities

Armed with an arsenal of high-tech assistive technology, people with disabilities no longer have to be disadvantaged in the workplace. http://www.metronews.ca/worksmart_news.asp?id=7077

VSA Arts Juried Art Exhibit with Cash Awards

VSA arts, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the participation of people with disabilities in the arts, has announced "Shifting Gears," an annual call for art and juried exhibit made possible with the support of Volkswagen of America, Inc. Shifting Gears" challenges young artists with disabilities to reflect on a pivotal moment or event in their life that led them to a greater understanding of themselves in relation to their art and/or their disability. Artwork may illustrate actual aspects of the moment or event, such as the environment, physical manifestations, or personal discoveries. Abstract work that relates to the artist’s feelings or emotions is also encouraged. The finalists will receive their awards at a reception on Capitol Hill, and their artwork will be displayed in a nation-wide touring exhibit that debuts at the Smithsonian in the fall. The program is open to young artists between the ages of 16 and 25 living in the United States who have a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. A disability is defined as an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. Deadline: July 15, 2005. See the VSA arts website to download guidelines and an application form at http://www.vsarts.org/x267.xml.

Positions Available

California Projects Director

Starting Date: June 1, 2005 or as soon as possible
The California Projects Director will provide a wide range of integrated advocacy, training, and technical assistance services to Southeast Asian American (SEA) communities and organizations throughout the State of California. S/he will be a highly skilled professional with a wide range of community and technical skills. S/he will have primary responsibility for implementing SEARAC’s projects in the State of California, including HELP (SEA Healthy Elders Leadership Project; http://www.searac.org/help.html) and the California components of the VERB project (Values, Empowerment, Resources and Betterment). Beginning in 2005, this will entail the re-establishment of full-time staff presence in California for SEARAC, the initial implementation of the HELP project, and the provision of training and technical assistance services to SEA community organizations that are SEARAC subgrantees through the VERB project. In future years the California Projects Director will supervise additional SEARAC staff members in California, and participate in project development. Please e-mail, fax, and/or mail a resume, cover letter and two-page writing sample to: Doua Thor, Deputy Director, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), 1628 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, Fax: 202/667-6449, E-mail: doua@searac.org.

Director of Multicultural Student Affairs and Disability Services

Seeking a high energy individual with creativity who will be a student advocate that promotes diversity and academic success for racial and ethnic minorities, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender students, and students with disabilities. The successful candidate will create greater awareness of multicultural issues for the entire campus community. Responsible for programs that enhances student retention, supervision of part-time staff and students, development/management of office budgets, and facilitation of ongoing assessment. Apply: Dr. Daniel Starliper, Shepherd University, Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 3210, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, Phone: 304-876-5299, Fax: 304-876-5197, Email: dstarlip@shepherd.edu

Instructional Assistant

Mission College, located in the heart of Silicon Valley and serving a diverse student population is now accepting applications form dynamic and energetic applicants who are interested in a part-time, instructional Assistant position within a team-oriented environment. Under the direction of the college’s Dean of Community Education, the incumbent will assist instructors and/ or other academic staff assigned to serve in the Program for Students with Developmental Disabilities (PSDD). Human Resources, West Valley-Mission College District, 14000 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070-5698, Phone: 408-741-2415. http://www.wvmccd.cc.ca.us/wvmccd/hr

Resources

APCD Project

The “Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability” (APCD) Project is a technical cooperation project between the government of Japan and the government of Thailand. http://www.apcdproject.org

Disabled Peoples’ International, Asia-Pacific Regional Development Offices

Disabled Peoples’ International is a network of national organizations or assemblies of disabled people, established to promote human rights of disabled people through full participation, equalization of opportunity and development. http://www.dpiap.org

ABBYY

ABBYY is a world leader in development of document recognition, forms processing and linguistic technologies. ABBYY’s award-winning FineReader OCR software converts static paper documents and PDF files into manageable electronic data, saving you time and effort. ABBYY FormReader is a powerful data capture platform used by business users, large enterprises and governmental agencies to process thousands of forms daily. And ABBYY’s document recognition SDKs have won acclaim from software developers and VARs that have integrated ABBYY technologies into their own applications. http://www.abbyy.com

Institutes / Conferences

For a complete list of conferences, please visit the Conferences section of our Web site.

2005 Irma International Conference

May 15-18, 2005: San Diego, California
IRMA is an international professional organization dedicated to furthering the professionalism of its members. IRMA brings together researchers, practitioners, academicians, and policy makers in information technology management. http://www.irma-international.org/conferences/2005/index.asp

National ADA Symposium and Expo

May 17-19, 2005: Kansas City-Overland Park Convention Center
A comprehensive training event on the Americans with Disabilities Act and related disability issues, including accessible information technology. Presenters are nationally recognized experts in their fields. http://www.adaupdate.org/Symposium.html

Respect-ABILITY Conference: “Building A Strong Future”

May 23-24, 2005; Pre-Conference Seminar May 22, 2005
In October 2003, the first Respect-ABILITY Conference brought together nearly 400 disability advocates to identify ten long-range goals of the California disability community. These goals have become the Disability Rights Agenda. We featured local and national leaders, including First Lady Sharon Davis, Congressperson Tony Coehlo, California Senators Sheila Kuehl and Wes Chesbro, former EEOC Commissioner Paul Miller, and American Association of People with Disabilities President Andy Imparato. The 2005 Conference will take the next steps to achieve the goals identified in the Disability Rights Agenda. We plan to focus on achieving our goals through: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Media and Communication, Legislative Advocacy,Legal Enforcement, Community Coalition Building and Mobilization. Register online at: http://wlcdr.everybody.org/RespectAbility/2005/reg2005.htm.

2005 American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association (ADARA) National Conference

May 26–29, 2005: Orlando, Florida
he biennial conference brings together a variety of professionals who seek to improve education, employment, mental health, and advocacy services for members of our community. The upcoming conference theme, Navigating the Course to Quality Services, emphasizes the commitment ADARA members share in striving for the highest quality services possible and the desire that ADARA members have to collaborate with others in their efforts. http://www.adara.org

Collaborative Assistive Technology Conference

June 9-11, 2005: Westminster, Colorado
Attendees will learn about local and national perspectives on state-of-the-art assistive technology devices and services. Don’t miss the largest assistive technology conference in the Rocky Mountain Region, with attendance estimated at over 600. With over 70 sessions geared toward every age and disability, there is something for everybody! Presenters are among the most respected in their fields. http://www.uchsc.edu/atp/conf2005/conf2005main.htm

VSA Arts In Education Conference

June 10-11, 2005: Washington, D.C.
The VSA arts in Education Conference is a unique opportunity to explore how to create and support inclusive learning environments that value the importance of arts in education. Through presentations on best practices from around the world, discover programs and research that provide students with disabilities unquestioned access to artistic, academic, and social growth. Learn about new ideas, resources, and tools that you can use to build and strengthen your work, school, and community. http://www.vsartsfestival.org

National Leadership Summit On Improving Results: Policy And Practice Implications For Secondary And Postseconday Education And Employment For Youth With Disabilities

June 14-15, 2005: Washington, DC.
The 2005 National Leadership Summit brings together state teams of leaders and policymakers to strengthen the capacity of states to scale up policy and practices for improved high school experiences and postschool outcomes for all youth. The 2005 National Leadership Summit will feature nationally recognized researchers and practitioners in two rounds of concurrent sessions which will be held on June 14 from 1:15-2:30 p.m. and 2:45-4:00 p.m. http://www.ncset.org/summit05

The Rehabilitation Services Administration National Transition Conference

June 16 - 17, 2005: Washington, DC.
The conference will be designed to improve individual and group services being provided to youth with disabilities, such as coordination and collaboration, consultation and technical assistance, vocational assessments, career exploration, mentoring, work experiences, techniques that foster student self determination, informed choice and self advocacy skills and career placement. This groundbreaking conference will be the first of its kind for RSA. It will provide two levels of learning experiences. The first tier will concentrate on techniques and practices aimed at improving direct services to youth with disabilities. The second tier will provide technical assistance to VR and special education administrators to help them identify model methods of administration that can be jointly employed to increase collaboration and infuse innovative practices within a school system or VR agency to improve performance and increase successful outcomes. The conference is designed to immediately follow the National 2005 Leadership Summit conducted by the Office of Special Education Programs and the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition. This design is intended to foster continued collaboration and learning opportunities among school and VR personnel. Five hundred participants are expected. For more information, contact Melodie P. Johnson with RSA at Melodie.Johnson@ed.gov.

Focusing the Future: Realizing Multicultural Rehabilitation Outcomes

July 20-24, 2005: San Antonio, Texas
There will be ample time not only for learning, but for networking. Our keynoters will be representatives of the Rehabilitation Services Administration funded Technical Assistance Centers focusing on Latino/as, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and the Howard University Rehabilitation Research & Training Center focusing on African Americans. Send Reg & Fees Ms. Felicia Hunter, Chief Operating Officer, 19380 Magnolia, Southfield, MI 48075, Phone: (313) 964-3900, X-312 or FAX: (313) 964-399, Email: fhunter@goodwilldetroit.org.

RESNA’s 28th International Conference on Technology & Disability

June 23–27, 2005: Atlanta, Georgia
RESNA takes the 2005 Conference to Atlanta, GA, where assistive technology’s leading researchers, renowned clinicians, and policy experts will create a conference program with unmatched levels of knowledge and expertise. RESNA will again offer a packed Exhibit Hall, Product Demonstrations and Training sessions, two days of Pre-Conference Instructional Courses, and 3 full days of Workshops, Interactive Poster Sessions, Themed Paper Sessions, and distinguished speakers. http://www.resna.org

5th Annual MERLOT International Conference

July 25 – 28, 2005: Nashville, Tennessee
Our goal is to engage you in preparing for what lies beyond the horizon with the globalization of digital teaching and learning through pre-conference workshops, concurrent sessions, round tables, hands-on workshops, panel sessions in addition to our thought-provoking keynote addresses by world renowned leaders in higher education and technology. http://conference.merlot.org/conference/2005

Deaf Women United: 10th National Conference

June 25-29, 2005: Ellicott City, MD
Deaf Women United conference is a first class event for every deaf and hard of hearing women to benefit! Understanding what DWU offers as well as your role in participating is the key to success. http://www.dwu.org/conference/2005

Instructional Technology and Education of the Deaf, An International Symposium

June 27–30, 2005
Rochester, New York
The program will focus on the education of deaf students in K-12 and postsecondary environments using technology from around the world. Among international participants, there will be representation from five international postsecondary programs serving deaf students. These professionals will present and discuss issues related to technology and education. http://www.rit.edu/%7Etechsym

ICORR 2005: 9th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics—Frontiers of the Human-Machine Interface

June 28 - July 1, 2005: Chicago, Illinois
ICORR highlights the most recent advances in the basic sciences of rehabilitation robotics. This conference will focus on a number of topics, including the themes of: Assistive Robotics, Therapeutic robotics, Brain-machine interfaces for rehabilitation, Robotics in Prosthetics and Orthotics, Hardware and control developments for rehabilitation, Evaluation Methods and Clinical Experience, Biorobotics and Biomimetics, Basic Science and Sensory/Motor Control Learning. http://www.smpp.northwestern.edu/ICORR2005/index.htm

National Federation of the Blind Conventions 2005 National Convention

July 2-8, 2005: Louiseville, KY
NFB conventions give government representatives, agency administrators, and leaders in politics, business, and industry the opportunity to address and respond to a large nationwide audience primarily of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The topics of interest include: relevant civil rights issues; rehabilitation of the blind for competitive employment; the operation of vending facilities by blind persons on public property; specialized library services for the blind; Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs; advancements in technology; the organization and funding of federal programs; and other timely topics. Legislative proposals, new laws, administrative policy, and program changes are all considered during the convention. http://www.nfb.org/convent/convens2.htm

Telecommunications for the Deaf Conference

July 11-13, 2005: New Orleans, LA
TDI (also known as Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.) was established in 1968 originally to promote further distribution of TTYs in the deaf community and to publish an annual national directory of TTY numbers. Today, it is an active national advocacy organization focusing its energies and resources to address equal access issues in telecommunications and media for four constituencies in deafness and hearing loss, specifically people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, or deaf-blind. http://www.tdi-online.org

12th World Conference of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)

July 16 - 21 2006: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) is a global association of individuals and organisations that promotes equal access to appropriate education for all visually impaired children and youth so that they may achieve their full potential. http://www.icevi.org

“Strengthening Transition: Achieving Results” 2005 Pa Community On Transition Conference

July 20-22, 2005: State College, PA.
The primary purpose of this conference is to expand the capacity of community partners in promoting the successful transition of youth/young adults with disabilities to postschool outcomes of employment, post-secondary education and training, community, participation and healthy lifestyles. Participants will have the opportunity to learn new information about successful practices to assist youth/young adults with disabilities in achieving successful post-school outcomes. In addition, participants will obtain new ideas from other practices, and have the opportunity to listen, share information, and network. A feature of this year’s conference will be the inclusion of youth/young adults with disabilities and/or families/caregivers, highlighting current or past transition experiences. http://www.paproviders.org/Pages/General_News_Archive/
Transition_Conference_Call_021605.pdf

The National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC) Annual Training Conference - Focusing the Future: Realizing Multicultural Rehabilitation Outcomes

July 20-24, 2005: San Antonio, Texas
We hope you will be able to join us and be a part of the NAMRC family. There will be ample time not only for learning, but for networking. Our keynoters will be representatives of the Rehabilitation Services Administration funded Technical Assistance Centers focusing on Latino/as, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and the Howard University Rehabilitation Research & Training Center focusing on African Americans. http://www.rcepv.siu.edu/namrc/conference2004.htm

HCI International 2005

July 22-27, 2005: Las Vegas, NV
The conference objective is to provide an international forum for the dissemination and exchange of scientific information on theoretical, generic, and applied areas of HCI, usability, internationalization, virtual reality, universal access and cognitive ergonomics. http://www.hci-international.org/index.asp

“Navigating The Way” 16th Annual Apse Conference

July 24 - 27, 2005: Mobile, AL
The Alabama Association for Persons in Supported Employment conference will be held at the Mobile Convention Center, a premier meeting and convention facility. The Convention Center is a remarkable structure, featuring an award winning design and state-of-the-art equipment and services. http://www.al-apse.org/calendar.htm

AHEAD 2005 “Meeting the Profession”

August 2-6, 2005: Milwaukee, WI
The annual international AHEAD conference brings together professionals in the fields of higher education and disability for a week of information-sharing, networking and theoretical and practical training. http://www.ahead.org/training/conference/index.htm

8th Annual RSA Project Director’s Conference

August 8-10, 2005: Washington, DC
This is the 8th Annual RSA Conference, centering on the following theme: “Customer Satisfaction: Paving the Way to Success.” Attendees will hear the latest updates on project outcomes, impacts, and products from Project Officers across the country. Presentations will describe effective practices and progress from RSA-funded projects on the following topics: building effective relationships with clients, creating a welcoming atmosphere and encouraging success, measuring customer satisfaction, and techniques and tools that work. The RSA Conference is a great opportunity to network, collaborate, and partner. For conference registration information, call Gayle Lawler at 1-800-444-4406, or FAX 315-451-4676.

Accessible Design in the Digital World Conference 2005

August 23-25, 2005: Dundee, Scotland
The conference will explore the frontiers of inclusive design in the real world. It will examine some of the challenges in implementing the numerous guidelines and meeting legal responsibilities. There will be opportunities for discussion and debate among those at the front- line of design and development work and those providing guidance regarding accessible and inclusive design. http://www.accessinthedigitalworld.org

2005 International College Teaching Methods & Styles (CTMS) Conference

September 19-21, 2005: Reno, Nevada
The CTMS Conference gives those in the profession of teaching a forum for discussion by faculty about all areas affecting teaching and learning, gives faculty the opportunity to share proven, innovative pedagogies and thoughtful, inspirational insights about teaching. The main goal of the conference is to provide an opportunity for academics to come together and share ideas for different teaching methods and styles. http://www.ctmsconference.com

“Many Voices, One Vision” Developmental Disabilities Summit

September 21-24, 2005: Washington D.C.
Alliance for Full Participation Summit 2005: Many Voices, One Vision, is an opportunity for all those committed to making the promises inherent in the Developmental Disabilities Act for Americans a reality to come together to dream, plan and organize around a common vision, to forge a common social reform action agenda that re-energizes disability advocates and establishes a set of shared action, program and policy goals for the decade ahead. http://www.allianceforfullparticipation.org/news/060604.asp

Alliance for Full Participation Summit

September 22-23, 2005: Washington, DC
The Alliance for Full Participation will host a 2005 Summit: Many Voices, One Vision to bring together those committed to making the promises inherent in the Developmental Disabilities Act for Americans a reality. Over twelve hundred individuals are expected to attend to help craft a new strategic policy and social agenda in support of full participation, and to carry that agenda forward in their communities following the Summit. http://www.allianceforfullparticipation.org/main

JAN Annual Conference

September 26-27, 2005: San Francisco, CA.

Job Accomodation Network staff and other experts will answer questions such as...

How does an employer recruit, hire, retain, promote, and accommodate employees with disabilities?
What strategies have employers implemented to facilitate successful and cost-effective accommodations?
What do laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) say about employing individuals with disabilities?

http://www.jan.wvu.edu/new/index.htm

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ LEAD Conference

September 29 & October 1, 2005: Scottsdale, AZ
Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) was established in 1999 to address the growing interests and need for information on accessibility. Accessibility has become a top priority for theaters, museums and other arts organizations that have dedicated themselves to making the arts accessible to all. For more information, contact Eileen Bagnall at ARTability (602) 757-8118 or (520) 631-6253.

11th Annual National Conference on Rural Independent Living

October 8-10, 2005: Honolulu, HI
The Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) is a national network of rural centers for independent living (CIL’s) and other organizations and individuals concerned with the unique aspects of rural independent living. APRIL is organized to promote independence and strive for full rights and benefits for individuals with disabilities living in rural environments. http://www.april-rural.org

8th Annual Accessing Higher Ground Conference: Assistive Technology and Accessible Media in Higher Education

November 8-11, 2005: Boulder, CO
Accessing Higher Ground focuses on the implementation and benefits of Assistive Technology in the university and college setting for sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Other topics include legal and policy issues, including ADA and 508 compliance, and making campus media and information resources - including Web pages and library resources - accessible. http://www.colorado.edu/ATconference

Research / Publications

NEW! American Foundation for the Blind’s AccessWorld

Be sure to sign up to receive AccessWorld Extra, the e-mail newsletter produced by AccessWorld staff in each of the six months when AccessWorld is not published. When you sign up for AccessWorld Extra, you are also added to the list of people who receive e-mail announcements when a new issue of AccessWorld is posted. Don’t forget about the printer-friendly format, E-mail to a friend, braille-ready file, and search links that follow each AccessWorld article. The May issue is available online at: http://www.afb.org/accessworld.

Federal Employment Initiative Helps People with Disabilities Transition into Workforce

In recent years, the topic of unemployment in this country has gained substantial exposure as statistics abound regarding the number of people seeking to enter the workforce. While the national percentage of unemployment currently remains at nearly 5.5 percent, an even more staggering figure has gone largely unnoticed among the general public: studies cite the national unemployment rate among individuals with disabilities to be hovering near 70 percent, despite the experience, education, and enthusiasm this untapped pool of workers has to offer to today’s workplace. http://www.hrms-netassets.net/templates/template.asp?articleid=858&zoneid=45

Learn How Your Colleagues in Workforce Development are Assisting Individuals with Disabilities

Workforce professionals from across the country are now partnering with the Ticket to Work Program to promote employment and training opportunities for over ten million individuals with disabilities nationwide. The Ticket Program has recently begun to collect Promising Practices from agencies that are currently working with Ticket-holders to share insight and experiences with others also considering serving in their communities. http://www.hrms-netassets.net/templates/template.asp?articleid=894&zoneid=45

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