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March 04, 2009
How Do I Track, Organize Information?
Sunday March 8 will be the 32nd celebration of the United Nations' declaration of International Women's Day.
It is a day when women celebrate the accomplishments of women around the globe and discuss the important issues women are still experiencing: domestic violence, education for women in the emerging economies, workers' rights, sexual abuse and equality.
In my particular little community, it’s a day when women of all ages come together to celebrate where women have been, where we are now and what we hope will happen in the future.
And, for women with disabilities, this is the one day once a year where we can discuss the particular issues we face.
We recently received a note from eSight member Brenda about questions she has in the light of the current employment situation she faces.
So, this week may be the opportune time, in the spirit of International Women’s Day, for us to collaborate online in the eSight Networking Forum to offer Brenda the advice she is seeking.
Brenda writes:
"I completed my second interview for a veterans counselor position (in the country in which I live). I already work within the court system for the same county, and the position was posted for internal candidates.
"I am hoping I will be offered the position. It is exactly what I have been looking for. It deals with working with clients (veterans) and assisting them in applying for veterans programs and services/benefits that they may be eligible for.
"It also deals with public relations in letting people what services the Veterans Affairs department offers.
"I am legally blind and have some vision in my right eye. I use microscopic lens (thick eye glasses) to read the computer screen, use a CCTV sometimes, and a 5X handheld magnifier.
"I am wondering if anyone knows a veterans counselor who is blind or has some visual limitations. I'd like to talk to someone and learn how he/she accesses and organizes all the information regarding veterans benefits, programs, and services.
"There is a 2,000-page reference book called "Veterans Benefits Manual 2008" that is updated each year or every other year. It appears it is also available on CD-ROM. I know there is much more reference material.
"There also is a week-long training, after which a test is taken. I need to pass the test in order to be an Accredited Veterans Counselor. Once I take the test and pass it, I would go to yearly training for continuing education but would not need to take the test.
"There are also many online resources, as you could imagine, and laws and processes are constantly changing.
"How do people organize the information?
"Also, what devices or systems have people used to organize their many contacts? E-mail address book, hand-held device, cellular phone? I have never owned a Blackberry-type device, so I don't know how helpful it would be to me.
"If anyone holds a similar position and could provide some advice, I would appreciate it."
Add your comments to this posting
Posted by Liz Seger at March 4, 2009 04:24 PM
Comments
Brenda, you might want to try a resource through the American Foundation for the Blind. You can go to www.careerconnect.org or www.afb.net. This will allow you to search through files to find people with a visual impairment who are doing the kind of work you are doing and you can have an email correspondence through their secure site. Then maybe you could become a mentor in this same program. best of luck!
Posted by: dael cohen at March 5, 2009 11:24 AM
Brenda, Most U.S. States have a Department of Veterans Affairs which is a free standing, self contained entity in the State government. Because of economic limitations, several States have placed the Veterans Affairs Department under the State's Adjutant General who is responsible for the National Guard in the particular State. Contact Information on these Division's of State governments can be obtained from U.S. Directory Assistance.
Located in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration Headquarters is a wealth of information on its services and programs. The Hq Main Telephone Number is 202.745-8236. the Website www.va.gov provides links to all Divisions including their Human Resources.
Finally, the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has a wealth of information on "best practices" related to seeking Federal Employment including access to all Job Descriptions and Certification information for positions. Their Website www.dol.gov/odep has information and resources related to the Federal Employment process.
Best Wishes for Success!
Posted by: James J. Elekes, M.Ed, MPA, CPM at March 5, 2009 02:49 PM
Hi Brenda. I am a totally blind counselor for the VA. You will definitely need computer access. There is a lot of material to read, so you might want to consider the use of a screen reader. We make heavy use of Microsoft Outlook, which contains Email, calendar, task list, contact list, etc. I can recommend 3 web sites that will provide most of the info that you will need. www.va.gov, www.disabilityinfo.gov, and www.benefitscheckup.org. Good luck.
Posted by: Andy Baracco at March 5, 2009 03:53 PM
Hi everyone, I was offered the Veterans Counselor position for my County government. I start in two weeks. Thank you for the ideas and advice!
Posted by: Brenda Henige at March 11, 2009 12:27 PM