October 19, 2009
Invitation to participate in a Google Usability Study
Help Google test the accessibility of their products, for people with impaired vision, by registering to participate in an upcoming user study.
Learn about Google’s commitment to accessibility.
Please note: If you are using JAWS you will have to turn on the "Forms Mode."
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 01:49 PM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2009
Eric Damery Vice President of Software Management unveils Jaws 11
On Monday, October 19th, Eric Damery will take the Tek Talk audience on a tour of Jaws 11. For the first time, this exciting software release will be distributed on a DVD providing the user with additional helpful materials, as well as a free DAISY player; FS Reader. You won't want to miss Eric's demonstration of the new robust features included in the release of Jaws 11 as well as his discussion of several important enhancements. Here are a few examples of these powerful new features.
Research it is a new feature that provides quick access to information while also making it easy to return to your primary task. Use just a few keystrokes to look up information and display salient data in the Virtual Viewer. When you have finished researching, press another keystroke to return to the task you were performing before the research started.
Eric will demonstrate the new Word Index feature. This generates a list of words that frequently appear on a document or web page. The words are sorted and appear in the list based on the number of occurrences, with the highest number placed first, and the remaining words alphabetized.
You won't want to miss Eric Damery showcasing all of the innovations packed into this robust screen reading software, so be sure to mark your calendar and save the date.
Date: Monday, October 19th, 2009.
Time: 5:00 p.m. PDT, 6:00 p.m. MDT, 7:00 p.m. CDT, and 8:00 p.m. EDT and elsewhere in the world Tuesday 0:00 GMT
Approximately 15 minutes prior to the event start time; go to The Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room
Or, alternatively.
Select The Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room
Enter your first and last names on the sign-in screen.
If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on every entry screen to the Accessible World rooms
All online interactive programs require no password, are free of charge, and open to anyone worldwide having an Internet connection, a computer, speakers, and a sound card. Those with microphones can interact audibly with the presenters and others in the virtual audience. To speak to us, hold down the control key and let up to listen. If a microphone is not available, you may text chat with the attendees.
All Tek Talk events are recorded and archived. If you are unable to participate live at the above time, then you may download the presentation or podcast from the Accessible World Recent Additions at: http://www.accessibleworld.org
Previous Tek Talk programs are available by selecting Tek Talk Archives at the same website.
Accessible World uses News Wires, like this one, to inform people of the topic and times for the many Discussion Groups on Accessible World. The lists are announce only to keep the traffic to a minimum. You can join the Accessible World Announce List, the Tek Talk Announce List or the Sports Talk Announce List by completing the form at: http://www.accessibleworld.org/mailinglists
Accessible World also provides a Tek Talk Discussion List. This list is intended to give you an opportunity to ask computer related questions, suggest topics to be used in the weekly Monday training programs, or just to interact with others interested in using assistive devices to access computers. You may sign up for this list by selecting the Tek Talk Discussion link on the same page and completing the form.
Accessible World Contacts:
Robert Acosta, Chair Accessible World 818-998-0044 Email: boacosta@pacbell.net Web: >http://www.helpinghands4theblind.org
Joann Becker, Events Coordinator Accessible World 617-969-1213 Email: joannbecker@pcomcast.net
George Buys, CEO. Talking Communities Email: buys@talkingcommunities.com
The Accessible World, a division of Helping Hands For The Blind, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, seeks to educate the general public, the disabled community and the professionals who serve them by providing highly relevant information about new products, services, and training opportunities designed specifically to eliminate geographic and access barriers that adversely affect them
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 08:30 PM | Comments (0)
October 15, 2009
Prompt Passage of Economic Recovery Act Payment for 2010 Needed
Law Does Not Provide for a Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2010
With consumer prices down over the past year, monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 57 million Americans will not automatically increase in 2010. This will be the first year without an automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) since they went into effect in 1975.
"Social Security is doing its job helping Americans maintain their standard of living," Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security said. "Last year when consumer prices spiked, largely as a result of higher gas prices, beneficiaries received a 5.8 percent COLA, the largest increase since 1982. This year, in light of the human need, we need to support President Obama's call for us to make another $250 recovery payment for 57 million Americans."
The Social Security Act provides that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits increase automatically each year if there is an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the last year to the third quarter of the current year. This year there was no increase in the CPI-W from the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. In addition, because there was no increase in the CPI-W this year, under the law the starting point for determinations regarding a possible 2011 COLA will remain the third quarter of 2008.
Some other changes that would normally take effect in January 2010 based on the increase in average wages also will not take effect, even though average wages did increase. Since there is no COLA, the statute prohibits an increase in the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax as well as the retirement earnings test exempt amounts. These amounts will remain unchanged in 2010. The attached fact sheet provides more information on 2010 Social Security changes.
Information about Medicare changes for 2010, when available, will be found at www.Medicare.gov. The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet announced if there will be any Medicare premium changes for 2010. Should there be an increase in the Medicare Part B premium, the law contains a "hold harmless" provision that protects about 93 percent of Social Security beneficiaries from paying a higher Part B premium, in order to avoid reducing their net Social Security benefit. Those not protected include higher income beneficiaries subject to an income-adjusted Part B premium and beneficiaries newly entitled to Part B in 2010. On September 24th, the House passed legislation by 406-18 that would, on a fully paid-for basis, prevent abnormally large premium increases. The President is calling on the Senate to enact this legislation before it becomes too late for the Social Security Administration to update its computer systems to implement this needed change.
For additional information about the 2010 COLA, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.
Posted by Jim Hasse at 06:06 PM | Comments (0)
Workshop NYC: "The Accessible Mac"
The Computer Center for Visually Impaired People at Baruch College invites you to come take a look at the growing selection of Apple products that have accessibility features built in to them.
See how they function and how they can work for you. The Mac Book, the iPod and the iPhone will all be presented and discussed.
Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Location: Baruch College, 17 Lexington Avenue (between 22nd and 23rd Streets, on the east side of Lexington Avenue), Room 1220
Reservations: Call 646-312-1420
Posted by Jim Hasse at 01:23 PM | Comments (0)
October 12, 2009
Virtual Job Fair at AbilityLinks.org
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and AbilityLinks is honoring NDEAM by hosting their virtual job fair October 12th through the 16th.
This week-long online recruiting event will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free to both job seekers and employers. Opportunities are available for employers to become Featured Employers or for non-exhibiting companies to sponsor the event. Further information is available online.
Exhibiting employers will receive a virtual booth, company profile page and unlimited job postings with links to their preferred online application page, as well as an opportunity to participate in a webinar to showcase their company and job openings. Job seekers will be able to post various styles of their resume, tailoring them to specific areas of interest, listen to employer webinars to learn more about available opportunities, and submit their resumes directly to employers. Because the career fair is online, it's convenient for both employers and job seekers to attend by eliminating any costs, hardships and additional time associated with traveling to in-person job fairs.
"I've always felt that it's not enough to just provide physical rehabilitation and education to persons with disabilities, but to ensure access to meaningful job opportunities as well," notes Kathleen Yosko, President & CEO, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and AbilityLinks Steering Committee Co-Chair. "That's why I am excited about this event. It's just another way that AbilityLinks is working to connect individuals with disabilities with businesses who have open positions to fill."
Job seekers and employers that are interested in exhibiting at or sponsoring the AbilityLinks job fair may register by clicking on the Virtual Job Fair link on www.abilitylinks.org.
About AbilityLinks
Every day, thousands of individuals join America's fastest growing labor pool - Persons with Disabilities. AbilityLinks, a free, nationwide program of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, works each day to match qualified individuals to employers that embrace diversity. They have assisted over 200 of these individuals with finding employment since 2001. Embrace diversity. Employ persons with disabilities.
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 06:54 PM | Comments (0)
October 09, 2009
The Campaign For Disability Employment: It's what you CAN do that matters!
The Campaign for Disability Employment is a collaborative effort to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities by encouraging employers and others to recognize the value and talent they bring to the workplace.
This PSA video shows a store manager, teacher, communications manager, landscaper, corporate policy director, public relations manager and veteran at work. Listen to their message to employers on the You Tube video below.
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 12:06 PM | Comments (0)
Statement by U.S. Education Secretary Duncan on National Disability Employment Awareness Month
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today issued the following statement in support of President Obama's proclamation of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month:
"President Obama and I recognize the critical role that education plays in empowering the next generation of Americans with disabilities. Through education, we can help people with disabilities build a strong foundation of knowledge and marketable skills with expectations for employment and the ability to give back to others in their communities. Stimulus funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act represents an unprecedented investment in students with disabilities and demonstrates the administration's commitment to helping all Americans achieve success in school and work. We are proud of the many projects underway at the Department of Education to assist children and adults with disabilities in acquiring the tools they need to achieve their dreams," Secretary Duncan said.
To celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is highlighting projects and initiatives funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitative Research (NIDRR) that improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities, including transition-aged youth.
All month, OSERS will feature innovative, employment-based projects and individual success stories online.
In addition, the office will join the Department of Labor, Social Security Administration and other federal agencies for a celebration sponsored by the American Association of People with Disabilities Oct. 12-13 in Duluth, Minn., highlighting the importance of exposing youth with disabilities to work-based learning and job shadowing opportunities. OSERS staff will be gathering input in coming weeks from parents, educators, students with disabilities and others to inform work on upcoming legislative reauthorizations and issues of importance to students with disabilities.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month dates to 1945 when Congress passed Public Law 176, designating the first week in October as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." The name of the month was changed by Congress in 1988.
Contact:
Jim Bradshaw
(202) 401-2310 or
jim.bradshaw@ed.gov
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 11:57 AM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2009
Workforce3 One Unveils New Disability & Employment Resource
Workforce3 One has released a new disability and employment resource page to make employment-related information and promising practices available to the workforce system. This new disability and employment community of practice will help promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities and expand the capacity of the One-Stop Career Center system to serve customers with disabilities. The new resource also has information to help the business community understand disability employment-related topics such as tax incentives and recruiting and accommodating employees with disabilities.
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 05:07 PM | Comments (0)
Get Your Benefit Verification Before the Chill Sets In
It’s that time of year again – when people in many parts of the country feel a new chill in the air each morning, and put an extra quilt or blanket on the bed.
It’s also the time of year when many states offer energy assistance to people who have low income and resources. Under the energy assistance program, your state may help with the cost of heating your home during the winter. But to get it, in most cases, you’ll need to provide proof of your income. If you get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you can get proof of the amount of your benefit quickly and easily by going online. Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
There are a number of reasons you may need written verification of your benefit amount, besides energy assistance programs. Perhaps you’re ready to make a major purchase and you’re trying to get a loan from a bank or financial institution. Or maybe you’re applying for state benefits or moving into a new apartment or home.
Whatever your reason, Social Security makes it easy for you to get the written verification you need at www.socialsecurity.gov. Just look in the left column under “What you can do online,” expand the “If you get benefits” section, and select the “Request a Proof of Income letter” link.
The letter can be used for any reason that someone requires proof of your income. In addition to offering proof of your income, the letter is an official document that verifies your Medicare coverage, retirement or disability status, and age. The letter does not include your Social Security number.
From the time that you complete the online request, it will take about 10 days for you to receive the proof of income letter in the mail. If you need one sooner, you’ll want to call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office.
But for most people, simply requesting the proof of income online is the most convenient way to get what you need. Get your benefit verification by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.
Contact:
Everett M. Lo
Regional Public Affairs Office
Social Security Administration - New York Region
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 03:18 PM | Comments (0)
Social Security Hearings Backlog Down for First Time in Decade
Productivity and Processing Times Also Improve
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that for the first time since 1999, the agency has ended the year with fewer disability hearings pending than in the prior year. Social Security ended fiscal year (FY) 2009 with 722,822 hearings pending compared to 760,813 hearings pending at the start of the year, a reduction of more than 37,000 cases. Over the same period, the average processing time for these cases improved from 514 days in FY 2008 to 491 in FY 2009.
"Our backlog reduction plan is working, and progress is accelerating," Commissioner Astrue said. "Even in the face of a significant increase in our workloads as a result of the worst recession since the Great Depression, we have reduced the hearings backlog for nine consecutive months. Thanks to the efforts of thousands of hardworking Social Security employees and the additional funding we received from President Obama and the Congress, we have exceeded our backlog reduction goal for this year."
To achieve its backlog reduction goals, the agency has embarked on the largest expansion in decades of its capacity to hear disability appeals. This year, the agency hired 147 new Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and 850 support staff and plans to hire 226 additional ALJs plus support staff in FY 2010. To provide flexibility to assist the most backlogged hearing offices, the agency opened three new National Hearing Centers (NHCs) in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Baltimore, Maryland; and Chicago, Illinois. The agency also has aggressive plans to open 14 new hearing offices and 4 satellite offices by the end of next year with the first of those new offices opening in Anchorage, Alaska in the next few months.
In addition to reducing the number of cases awaiting a hearing decision, the agency again targeted the oldest and most difficult cases for processing. Beginning in FY 2007 with 65,000 cases that were 1,000 days old or older, the agency has continually attacked its “aged” cases. This year, the agency targeted 166,838 cases that were 850 days or older and virtually eliminated this entire universe of cases. The goal in FY 2010 has been reset again to eliminate cases over 825 days old.
Social Security’s ALJs also continue to increase their productivity. The agency averaged 570 dispositions (2.28 per day) per available ALJ in FY 2009, an upward trend that has continued for the last three years.
For more information about Social Security’s hearings process and backlog reduction initiatives, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/appeals.
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 02:48 PM | Comments (0)
President Obama Announces New Initiatives During National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Washington, D.C. – President Obama today announced that his Administration is taking several steps to ensure that there is fair and equal access to employment for all Americans, particularly the 54 million people in this country living with disabilities. The announcement comes during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
"My Administration is committed to ensuring that all Americans have the chance to fulfill their potential and contribute to our nation," said President Obama. "Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work, and they should have access to the support and services they need to succeed. As the nation’s largest employer, the Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. We must also rededicate ourselves to fostering an inclusive work culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all qualified employees. That’s why I’ve asked the responsible agencies to develop new plans and policies to help increase employment across America for people with disabilities."
The following are some of the steps the Obama Administration will take:
- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) will collaborate to sponsor and organize a day long Federal Government-wide job fair for people with disabilities. The Fair will take place in early spring 2010. In addition to the Job Fair, OPM, ODEP, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Defense's office on Computer and Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) will provide workshops throughout the day on a variety of topics including the Schedule A hiring waiver and the right to the provision of reasonable accommodations including information on assistive and communications technology
- OPM will develop training on Schedule A for federal Human Resources specialists, hiring managers and selective placement coordinators that will be easily accessible and includes on line training.
- EEOC and the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division will hold four Town Hall meetings throughout the nation to share information about the ADA Amendments Act proposed regulations and to gather comments on them. All Town Hall meetings will consist of two sessions - one for disability advocates and one for the employer community. These sessions will be completed by November 20th. The four locations are Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and New Orleans.
- The Department of Justice will release a video that will identify and respond to a number of common myths held by employers about workers with disabilities.
- OPM will create and lead a task force comprised of representatives from key Federal Departments and Agencies that have developed and implemented model practices for recruiting, retaining and advancing employees with disabilities. The task force will report on the innovative practices agencies use to encourage the employment of individuals with disabilities. The report will identify and promote successful practices for conducting outreach, recruiting, hiring qualified candidates, successful accommodations, and providing opportunities for career advancement at all levels.
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 09:16 AM | Comments (0)
October 05, 2009
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH, 2009
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Fair access to employment is a fundamental right of every American, including the 54 million people in this country living with disabilities. A job can provide financial stability, help maximize our potential, and allow us to achieve our dreams. As Americans, we possess a range of vocational opportunities to make the most of our talents and succeed in a chosen career; those with disabilities are entitled to the same opportunities. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to implementing effective policies and practices that increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
In the past half-century, we have made great strides toward providing equal employment opportunities in America, but much work remains to be done. As part of that continuing effort, we must seek to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Only then can Americans with disabilities achieve full participation in the workforce and reach the height of their ambition.
My Administration is committed to promoting positive change for every American, including those with disabilities. The Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work. We must ensure they have access to the support and services they need to succeed.
Recognizing the need for equal employment opportunities, we must also strengthen and expand the educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and provided more than $500 million for vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, education, and placement. If we are to build a world free from unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination, we must ensure that every American receives an education that prepares him or her for future success.
Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical role in forging and shaping the identity of our Nation. Their contributions touch us all through personal experience or through that of a family member, neighbor, friend, or colleague. We grow stronger as a Nation when Americans feel the dignity conferred by having the ability to support themselves and their families through productive work. This month, we rededicate ourselves to fostering an inclusive work culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all qualified employees.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workplaces and communities, and to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities to create a better, more inclusive America, one in which every person is rightly recognized for his or her abilities and accomplishments.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 11:01 AM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2009
Applications Now Being Accepted for 2010 Summer Internships in New York City
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 early consideration, please submit your application on or before November 15, 2009.
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 06:44 PM | Comments (0)
September 2009 Disability Employment Statistics Released
In September 2009, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 22.0 compared with 70.5 for persons with no disability. The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 16.2 percent, compared with 9.2 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted.
Learn more about the September Disability Employment Statistics.
Posted by Nancy O'Connell at 10:15 AM | Comments (0)