GettingHired.com's Own, BusyBee's Blog

Assistant Secretary Martinez to be the Principal Guest Speaker at Disability Policy Forum

BusyBee — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:26:00 GMT

On Tuesday, November 17, from 10 AM to noon, Assistant Secretary Kathleen Martinez will be the principal guest speaker for an interactive forum to be held at the Cornell University Government Affairs Office in Washington, DC. The topic is “ODEP Update: New Directions for the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the Department of Labor.” Other panelist/reactors will be Kelly Buckland, E.D. of NCIL; Paul Tobin, President and CEO of United Spinal Association, and Lori Golden of Ernst & Young.

The Disability Policy Forums, sponsored by the Employment Policy RRTC in collaboration with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), are held quarterly in Washington, DC and are available on the web. To register or to read more about the forum, visit http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/p-eprrtc-policyforum.cfm

US Business Leadership Network Airs on Sky Radio Network

BusyBee — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:59:00 GMT

Interview promotes employment as part of the Campaign for Disability Employment

WASHINGTON, DC (November 11, 2009) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) today announced that its Executive Director & General Counsel, John D. Kemp, will be featured on the Sky Radio Network's upcoming edition of "Industry Innovators" airing worldwide on Delta Air Lines throughout November/December 2009. Kemp's radio interview calls attention to the high unemployment rate among people with disabilities.

The Campaign for Disability Employment, a collaborative effort which the USBLN is a founding member of, supported Mr. Kemp's three-minute interview about capitalizing on the talents and abilities of all employees - including people with disabilities - which will air on the Sky Radio Network. The interview will have a captive audience of over 10.1 million business travelers and frequent flyers. The high-quality business and lifestyle programming educates and entertains millions of airline passengers every month. "Industry Innovators" presents audio interviews that spotlight industry leaders and innovative business solutions. They focus on companies, both large and small, from a variety of industries.

"We're thankful for the opportunity to help raise awareness about disability diversity in the workplace, marketplace and supplier chain to over 10 million travelers," summarized Kemp about his interview on the Sky Radio Network. "It is my hope that the interview will share our message that at work, it's what people can do that matters...and, by capitalizing on everyone's talents and abilities at work - including people with disabilities - business can benefit; there's a great dividend to be realized by fully including people with disabilities."

The Sky Radio Network interview can be downloaded or read online at http://www.usbln.org/video_pop-up_05.html

About the US Business Leadership Network: The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) is the only national business organization currently representing 60 BLN affiliates and satellites in 36 states - including the District of Columbia - and more than 5000 employers using a "business to business" strategy to promote the business imperative of including people with disabilities. For additional information about the USBLN® and its 2009 Exceptional Leadership Awards, please contact Brandon M. Macsata by email at info@usbln.org.

About the Campaign for Disability Employment: The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) is a collaborative effort between several organizations 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. The Campaign is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), receives technical assistance from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) and is supported by the Disability Policy Research Center (DPRC) at West Virginia University.? To learn more about the Campaign, visit http://www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org.

For additional information about the USBLN® and its involvement in the Campaign for Disability Employment, please contact John D. Kemp by email at john.kemp@ppsv.com.

7 Strategies to get your resume noticed online

BusyBee — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:10:00 GMT

via JOBSEARCHINGSTRATEGIES.COM
by Cori
November 5, 2009

Sourcing is a term used for recruiters to find and uncover candidates and recruiters are getting more and more creative with their sourcing techniques. One creative sourcing technique being used today is going to Google or other search engines and putting in search strings filled with keywords and terms to generate resumes from all over the internet.

Since recruiters are getting creative with their sourcing techniques, job seekers should start getting creative with online exposure techniques.

7 strategies to get your resume noticed online:

Create a career blog: Start a blog that focuses on your career industry and include tips, articles, news, and industry related topics. You don’t have to be a writer to create a blog. You can link to other articles and news about that industry topic and add comments showing your industry knowledge. Also, set up a page on the blog for your resume, where you are highlighting your industry knowledge, experience, and expertise. You can easily set up a blog for free using programs such as blogger.com or wordpress.com
Use free document sharing websites: There are a number of free file sharing websites that can help you gain more resume exposure online. Save your document in different forms such as DOC and PDF so your resume shows up under those search terms. Yes, recruiters will search for resumes using words such as pdf, rtf, doc, and cv. You can even save your resume as a powerpoint presentation! Here are few free sites to check out: keepandshare.com, slideshare.net, Google docs

The Washington State Business Leadership Network wishes you a Happy National Employment of People with Disabilities Awareness Month!

BusyBee — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:37:00 GMT

An announcement from The Washington State Business Leadership Network:

Hello Everyone,

The Washington State Business Leadership Network wishes you a Happy National Employment of People with Disabilities Awareness Month!

President Obama Announces New Initiatives 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."

Just a reminder that you are invited to attend the next Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN) Meeting:

When: Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Where: The SeaTac Marriott Hotel, Salon E

3201 S. 176th Street, Seattle, WA 98188

(Please find attached the SeaTac Marriott Directions/Map Information)

Cost: This meeting is complimentary (no charge).

Marriott is also providing complimentary coffee, tea, water and assorted pastries for your enjoyment.

Please RSVP with your Name, Company/Organization, Email Address and Phone Number to karenwalters@att.net to reserve your seat.

Please find attached the September 9th Meeting Minutes and the October 14th Meeting Agenda attached. Be sure to bring some business cards with you for our networking time.

We are very excited to have Deborah Carnett, M.ED, M.S., LMHC; Carnett Consulting coming to present: Autism & Asperger's in the Workplace during our educational session. Deborah has worked with at-risk populations for over 20 years in the fields of special education, mental health and social work. Her education includes Master's Degrees in Special Education and Counseling/Psychology and she currently has a private practice in Olympia, WA. She specializes in Anxiety Disorders (PTSD related to sexual abuse and other trauma, OCD, general anxiety) and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She grows lavender organically and uses aromatherapy in her counseling practice to help clients reduce anxiety and ward off panic attacks.

Thank you,

Karen

Karen Walters, CEO/Executive Director

Washington State Business Leadership Network

Phone: 206-427-7675

Email: karenwalters@wsbln.org

Email2: karenwalters@att.net

Website: www.wsbln.org

"People with Disabilities at Work!"

About the WSBLN: We are an organization of businesses, employers and community partners who support and educate other businesses to recruit, hire, retain, promote and increase customer service for people with disabilities. We provide opportunities for education, networking and sharing of best practices among our peers. We welcome employers of all sizes, industries and sectors to join in our mission. For more information please contact me or visit our website at www.wsbln.org.

New Assistant Secretary Joining U.S. Education Department

BusyBee — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

GettingHired.com congratulates Alexa E. Posny on her confirmation by the Senate as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). GettingHired.com looks forward to the opportunity to support the work of Assistant Secretary Posner and OSERS in reducing the employment participation gap for people with disabilities. Following is the press release received from Andrew J. Pepin, executive administrator of OSERS:

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan congratulated Alexa E. Posny for being confirmed by the Senate on Monday, Oct. 5 as assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services.

Posny comes to the department from Kansas where she served as commissioner of education for the state. As commissioner, Posny was responsible for helping over 450,000 students meet or exceed high academic standards, licensing over 45,000 teachers and overseeing a state education budget of more than $4.5 billion. Prior to her work as commissioner, Posny served as the director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) for the U.S. Department of Education, a position in which she assisted state and local efforts to effectively educate all children and youth with disabilities. Posny has also served as the Kansas deputy commissioner of education, Kansas state director of special education, director of special education for the Shawnee Mission School District, director of the Curriculum and Instruction Specialty Option as part of the Title I Technical Assistance Center (TAC) network of TACs across the United States, and a senior research associate at Research and Training Associates in Overland Park, Kan. Posny earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, a master's degree in behavioral disabilities and a doctorate in educational administration both from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Posny has also served on the Board of Directors for the Chief State School Officers, the National Council for Learning Disabilities, and chaired the National Assessment Governing Board's Special Education Task Force. Posny has also been a teacher at the elementary, middle school, high school and university levels.

To view the full press release, please visit http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/10/10082009.html .

October 21 is 10th anniversary of Disability Mentoring Day

BusyBee — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:17:00 GMT

In honor of the 10th anniversary of Disability Mentoring Day on October 21st, GettingHired.com invites our Jobseekers and all networkers to find and connect with our GettingHired.com Mentors. Once you have registered as a GettingHired.com Jobseeker, simply go to the Make Connections tab and then click on Find Mentors. You will be connected to individuals who can provide advice on learning new ways of doing things, overcoming adversity, presenting yourself effectively, and many more topics.

We also invite our Jobseekers, Employer Partners, Service Providers, Advocacy Organization members, and anyone who has something positive to share with an individual with a disability who is searching for a job to volunteer and become a GettingHired.com Mentor yourself. If you can spare even a little time at your leisure to allow folks in our community to connect with you in our Mentor Directory via GettingHired.com messaging, you can make a difference in someone's life. Employers and Service Providers can sign up after logging in to their GettingHired.com Dashboards.

For more information or if you have questions about signing up, message me, BusyBee or contact us here.

Here's a related announcement from examiner.com:

By Susan Warner
September 9, 7:47pm
Minneapolis Disabilities Examiner

This year, October 21 marks the 10th anniversary of Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), a large-scale national effort coordinated by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through hands-on career exploration, on-site job shadowing, and ongoing mentoring leading to internship and employment opportunities.

GettingHired.com congratulates Mark G. Ackermann on being chosen as the new President and CEO of Lighthouse International.

BusyBee — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:15:00 GMT

September 8, 2009

GettingHired.com congratulates Mark G. Ackermann on being chosen as the new President and CEO of Lighthouse International. Mr. Ackermann brings considerable healthcare management expertise to his new role at the helm of Lighthouse International, a leader in vision healthcare, research, and services for the visually impaired. Lighthouse International is an Advocacy Organization partner and a member of GettingHired.com's Advisory Council.

Announcement: GettingHired.com joins with the community of people with disabilities in extending sympathy to the family and friends of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy

BusyBee — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:37:00 GMT

GettingHired.com joins with the community of people with disabilities in extending sympathy to the family and friends of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and mourning the loss of a great leader and advocate for the rights of all people, including people with disabilities. Please read the statements issued by the National Council on Independent Living and the American Association of People with Disabilitie, members of the GettingHired.com Advisory Council, on Senator Kennedy's passing. These statements describe well the significant accomplishments of Senator Kennedy on behalf of people with disabilities, including his leadership role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the sentiments of the community at GettingHired.com on his passing.

Full Statement from National Council on Independent Living:
August 26, 2009

Statement from the National Council on Independent Living on the Passing of Senator Ted Kennedy

August 26, 2009

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) extends its sympathy to the family of the late Senator Kennedy and joins them in mourning the loss of one of the greatest senators in our nation's history. Because the most fitting way to honor the Senator's memory is direct action, we shall pause momentarily to remember his remarkable accomplishments, which have paved the way for freedom and equality for people with disabilities, in order that we may draw inspiration to carry on his legacy and continue fighting for the fulfillment of his dream.

In 2008, NCIL recognized the achievements of Senator Kennedy by presenting him the Frank Harkin Memorial Award. Frank Harkin was a person with a disability who fought for his civil rights many years before the passage of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. His efforts taught his brother, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, about the discrimination faced by people with disabilities and the importance of civil rights. As the nation looks back on Senator Kennedy's accomplishments, NCIL is reflecting on his efforts to bring people with disabilities closer to being free and equal citizens. As you read through the following inventory of the achievements for which we are especially grateful, remember the words of Senator Harkin as he accepted on his colleague's behalf, "Senator Kennedy said one time to me, ‘We're never going to be a fully integrated society until we fully integrate every person with a disability into every aspect of our American life.'"

Senator Harkin continued: "Talking about Ted Kennedy and his achievements, you kind of quickly exhaust the superlatives. He is the most effective and accomplished senator of the last half century, no doubt about it. He has been known as the lion of the Senate and in particular he has been a lion in his advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. Ted's sister, Rosemary, lived 86 years with an intellectual disability and the entire Kennedy family is well acquainted with the joys and struggles of those with disabilities."

It is that fundamental belief in equality and opportunity that made Senator Kennedy a leader in the Senate on so many disability issues. Here are a few of the accomplishments that have had a lasting impact on people with disabilities:

In 1975 Senator Kennedy helped to pass the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA).

In 1978 he passed legislation expanding the jurisdiction of the Civil Rights Commission to protect people from discrimination on the basis of disability.
In 1980, he introduced the Civil Rights for Institutionalized Persons Act protecting the rights of people in government institutions, including seniors and people with intellectual and mental disabilities.
In 1990, Senator Kennedy was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The New York Times wrote: "Perhaps his greatest success on civil rights came in 1990 with passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which required employers and public facilities to make "reasonable accommodation" for the disabled. When the law was finally passed, Mr. Kennedy and others told how their views on the bill had been shaped by having relatives with disabilities. Mr. Kennedy cited his mentally disabled sister, Rosemary, and his son who had lost a leg to cancer."
And in 2009, his personal contribution to the healthcare reform legislation, the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS Act) was included in House legislation, as well as the Senate draft.

NCIL's Executive Director, Kelly Buckland, recalls his experience working on healthcare reform, twenty years prior to the battle being waged now. "Senator Kennedy flew me out to Washington to testify. He wanted me to talk about the difficulty people in small companies, especially people with disabilities, had getting health insurance. This truly was the ‘Cause of his life.'" As Kelly described his work with the Senator a generation ago, a personally signed note from the Senator, thanking him for his testimony, hung on the wall of his office.

Finally, NCIL would like to reflect on some of the words that Senator Kennedy shared at some major moments in his life. As he conceded the Democratic Nomination for President at the 1980 Democratic Convention, he stated, "Circumstances may change, but the work of compassion must continue. It is surely correct that we cannot solve problems by throwing money at them, but it is also correct that we dare not throw out our national problems onto a scrap heap of inattention and indifference. The poor may be out of political fashion, but they are not without human needs... For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on. The work continues, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."

NCIL shares the vision that the cause must endure, the hope must live and dreams must never die, and we pledge to continue our fight to ensure the social justice and rights of people with disabilities throughout our nation.

From the National Council on Independent Living, and people with disabilities throughout the country, thank you Senator Kennedy.

Full Statement from American Association of People with Disabilities:
August 26, 2009

AAPD's Statement on the Passing of Senator Ted Kennedy

WASHINGTON, DC - August 26, 2009 - The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country's largest cross-disability membership organization, released a statement following the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy, an unequaled champion for civil rights in the United States Senate for half a century:

"Ted Kennedy understood better than anyone how the struggle for equal opportunity for disabled Americans was an essential part of this nation's broader commitment to civil and human rights," said Tony Coelho, Chair of AAPD. "I have never worked with a more effective legislator, and I am deeply saddened to have lost a good friend," Coelho continued.

"AAPD joins our colleagues throughout the civil rights movement in mourning the loss of one our most effective champions," said Andrew Imparato, AAPD President and CEO. "His legacy will be felt for generations to come, as millions of Americans with disabilities and our families recommit ourselves to his vision of equality and full citizenship for all people."

For more on the disability community's reaction to the passing of Sen. Kennedy, please visit www.aapd.com.

Announcement: Help FEMA Include People with Disabilities When Planning for and Responding to Emergencies

BusyBee — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:55:00 GMT

We are pleased to share this announcement and survey from Marcie Roth, Senior Advisor, Disability Issues
Department of Homeland Security. With hurricane season bearing down upon us, this seems a particularly appropriate time for us to encourage your participation in FEMA's information accumulation efforts.

Ms. Roth writes:

Greetings-

In my role as Senior Advisor, Disability Issues at FEMA I am developing a comprehensive database of people involved in both emergency management and disability
issues. This will be used to share information, develop and maintain relationships in advance and then locate and communicate with partners at the local,
state, regional, national and international levels when needed before, during and after emergencies and disasters.

If you want to be included in this database, please complete the information below and return via email to
mailto:Marcie.roth@dhs.gov :
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Information Requested:

Name:

Title:

Affiliation:

Please briefly describe any current specific responsibility related to emergency management for children and adults with disabilities:

Please briefly describe any previous experience specific to the emergency management needs of children and adults with disabilities:

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Preferred phone number in an emergency:

Other phone numbers:

Preferred email address in an emergency:

Other email addresses:

Website:

Does this website contain any information about emergency management topics (preparedness, response, recovery or mitigation)?

Is this website updated to address specific emergencies and disasters as they occur?

Is this website accessible to people with disabilities?

Please forward this request widely to everyone who might want to be included on this database

Please keep me posted on all disability related emergency management information by adding me to mailing lists and copying me on information that will help
fill out a clear national picture of what is happening in the areas of preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation as they relate to children and adults
with disabilities.

Thanks!

Marcie Roth
Senior Advisor, Disability Issues
Department of Homeland Security/ FEMA

Assistive Technology Industry Association Expands Educational Offerings

BusyBee — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:02:00 GMT

Chicago, IL
July 24, 2009
via ATIA

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) has expanded the reach of its educational offerings with the introduction of the ATIA Webinar Series. The series complements ATIAs conferences and leadership forums, which have distinguished ATIA as a leading association dedicated to education related to Assistive Technology. With the introduction of the ATIA Webinar Series, ATIA hopes to further increase awareness of the innovative assistive technologies and services that enhance learning, working, and independence for people with disabilities.

The goal of the ATIA Webinar Series is to broaden knowledge of assistive technology and the evaluation skills to assess assistive technology products. For a full listing of the ATIA Webinar Series go to www.atia.org/webinars.

The overarching goal of ATIA is to provide enhanced benefits and opportunities to people with disabilities, and education is the fir stand very key step in that process, says David Dikter, Executive Director of ATIA. Since our inception 10 years ago, ATIA has continually expanded the number of educational seminars at our annual conferences and leadership forums. With the addition of webinars we can reach a much wider audience and can do so throughout the year.

This year ATIA will offer more than 500 educational opportunities that provide education and communication to 1) professional practitioners serving those with disabilities (teachers, occupational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, physicians, psychologists, etc.), 2) individuals with disabilities and their families, 3) assistive technology specialists, 4) educational institutions, and 5) corporations and government agencies. These offerings cover all aspects of the assistive technology spectrum, including: augmentative and alternative communication; blind/low vision; computer access; Web accessibility; K-12 and higher education technology; and deaf and hard-of-hearing. ATIAs next conference and leadership event is ATIA Chicago 2009, October 28-31, 2009, www.atia.org/chicagoeducation.

Assistive Technology (AT) is defined as any item, piece of equipment, product or system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.

GettingHired.com's Thomas Capato and Abilicorp's Neil Jacobson to Speak at US Business Leadership Network Conference on Technologies and Strategies for Finding Qualified Job Candidates with Disabilities

BusyBee — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:16:00 GMT

An informative, interactive break-out session scheduled for the September USBLN® Annual Conference at the National Harbor near Washington, DC, will focus on innovative and effective approaches to finding qualified workers. Presenters Thomas Capato, co-founder and CEO of Gettinghired.com, the largest employment and networking portal for people with disabilities on the internet, and Neil Jacobson, founder and CEO of Abilicorp, a company that facilitates career opportunities for people with disabilities by matching their skills with client needs, will address the challenges employers face in hiring people with disabilities, including identifying job requirements, finding qualified candidates, understanding costs of workplace accommodations, and retaining employees with disabilities. The session, titled "Making Qualified Connections to Job Seekers with Disabilities," will highlight some of the challenges and concerns noted in ODEP's November 2008 "Survey of Employer Perspectives on the Employment of People with Disabilities" and will identify some associated strategies and solutions while answering the following questions:

Where can employers find a pool of qualified job seekers?
How can an employer identify service providers who can offer informed professional help?
What role do mentors and counselors play in smoothing and strengthening connections among employers , seasoned staff members, and employees with disabilities?
What technologies are available to employers for finding qualified job seekers?

About the Presenters:

A seasoned executive with more than 25 years of executive management and business development experience, Thomas Capato has been with GettingHired.com from the company's inception and oversees all company strategic and tactical operations. Before joining Gettinghired.com in 2004, Capato was Senior Vice President of North America Sales for 24/7 Real Media, a public organization focused on interactive media & technology solutions and providing best-in-class customer service. Before joining 24/7 Real Media, Capato was Director of Strategic Accounts at CompuCom Systems.

Gettinghired.com is a leading employment and social networking portal which is totally accessible to people with disabilities. The company's mission is to create sustainable employment growth and opportunities for people with disabilities, while assisting employers to meet their need for a qualified and diverse work force, and facilitating connections among job seekers with disabilities, service providers, mentors, advocacy organizations, college and university disability services and career services departments, and businesses.

Over the past 35 years, Neil Jacobson has been an advocate and change agent for the economic development of people with disabilities. In 1975, he co-founded the CIL Computer Training Program, a nationally recognized training curriculum and course which enabled people with significant disabilities to become computer programmers, and served as Chair until 1994, having seen more than 300 students graduate, 92 percent of whom found competitive employment. Jacobson has served as a board member and Chair of the World Institute on Disability (WID), and he served as Vice-Chair of the President's Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities during the Clinton Administration. Before founding Abilicorp in 2008, Jacobson served as a Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Bank, most recently in charge of its System Automation Management and Wireless Technology Divisions, and previously as Chief Systems Architect for the retail business.

Abilicorp's mission is to provide competitive employment and career opportunities to people with disabilities by matching their skills with client needs. Abilicorp has a commitment to achieve superior client satisfaction, focus on the success of people with disabilities and maximize the shareholders return. To achieve these goals, Abilicorp matches individuals with disabilities with the jobs that best utilize their skills, they obtain professional client contracts only from companies they know to be in good standing so as to guarantee high quality placements, and once individuals are placed, Abilicorp follows up with support services, mentoring, and a network of organizations centered on improving the lives of people with disabilities.

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) is the national business organization currently representing 55 BLN affiliates in 32 states including the District of Columbia and more than 5,000 employers using a "business to business" strategy to promote the business imperative of including people with disabilities in the workforce. The US Business Leadership Network's 12th Annual Conference and National Career Fair will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD, from September 15-18, 2009. For more information visit: http://www.newworkforceconference.org/

•	Press Contacts
	GettingHired.com	Abilicorp
	Jim Lunny	Bruce Potterton
	Vice President	Chief Operating Officer
	(908) 212-3617	(888) 766-6530
	Jim.Lunny@gettinghired.com	Bruce.Potterton@abilicorp.com

Governor's Committee on Disability Seeks Nominations for Employer Awards

BusyBee — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:02:00 GMT

19th Annual Governor's Employer Awards Event to be held in October

The Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment and the Washington State Business Leadership Network are calling for nominations of employers who deserve recognition for their achievements in providing employment for people with disabilities. The Governor's Employer Awards Program honors private and public sector employers of all sizes. This year's event will be hosted by Microsoft, a previous recipient, and held in October on the Redmond Campus. Nominations can be made at http://tinyurl.com/gov-nom, until August 21^st. Self nominations are encouraged.

Awards are for companies and organizations who have made extra efforts to include and support individuals with disabilities through recruitment, hiring, and job retention. Strong candidates for the Governor's Employer Awards demonstrate practices that make them role models to the broader community.

In 2008, Employer Award winners included: Coastal Candies and Gifts, The River Casino, Inc., Eurest Dining Services, Eastern Washington Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Skills, Inc., Clark County Government, and the WA State Department of Social & Health Services. The Carolyn Brown Governor's Trophy was presented to two individuals, Randy Revelle and Brenda Carlstrom, for their exceptional contributions that have led to the empowerment of people with disabilities in the community and the workforce.

The Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment advises the governor, legislature and other policy-makers on issues important to people who have disabilities. The Washington State Business Leadership Network is a business-to-business initiative providing education and support on hiring, retaining, and improving customer service for people with disabilities.

For more information about the Governor's Employer Awards Program contact Melinda Johnson at (509) 532-3148, FAX (509) 532-3110 or e-mail GCDEawards@comcast.net or Jan Peters at (360) 486-5896 or e-mail jpeters@esd.wa.gov.

Great News for Students with Print Disabilities: RFB&D Now Free for Individuals with Documented Print Disabilities

BusyBee — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Thanks to a grant from the U. S. Department of Education, membership in Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic is now free for individuals with documented print disabilities. No more pesky annual fees!

To be eligible for membership, a person must have a documented print disability, such as a learning disability, visual impairment or other physical disability. If you think you or your child might have a print disability and may benefit from the services of RFB&D, you need to provide certification of the disability.
How Does One Obtain Certification?

A qualified professional in the field of disability services, special education, medicine or psychology must attest to the physical basis of the visual, perceptual or other physical disability that limits the applicant's use of standard print.

Who is a Certifier?

Appropriate certifying experts may differ from disability to disability. The following lists examples of professionals who are qualified to certify an RFB&D applicant. It is in no way a comprehensive list. If you have any questions about who is a qualified certifying professional, call RFB&D's Member Services Department at 800-221-4792.

Blindness and visual impairments:

·        Physician
·        Ophthalmologist
·        Optometrist
·        Vocational rehabilitation counselor
Learning or perceptual disability:
·        Neurologist
·        Learning disability specialist
·        Psychologist with a background in learning disabilities
The following are NOT professionals typically qualified to certify, unless they have a background in one of the above areas of expertise:
·        Principals
·        Vice principals
·        Guidance counselors
·        General education teachers
·        Librarians

Website for Visually Impaired

BusyBee — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Are you following the issues surrounding digital publications, copyright protections, and making books and other media accessible to people with print and vision-related disabilities? Here's a web site we encourage you to visit regularly and frequently. Becoming well informed is a prerequisite for being well prepared to take action when opportunities present themselves.

WIPO Launches New Web Site for Visually Impaired Persons
via Kuna

GENEVA, July 13 (KUNA) -- World Property Organization (WIPO) Director General, Francis Gurry, announced Friday that in the framework of its visually impaired persons (VIP) initiative, WIPO will be launching a website - www.
visionip.org - dedicated to attracting support, exchanging views, and disseminating information to all interested parties.

Gettinghired.com Congratulates Newly Confirmed Associate Supreme Court Justice SONIA SOTOMAYOR

BusyBee — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:16:00 GMT

By Kate Cyrul and Bergen Kenny
via Iowapolitics.com
August 6th, 2009

HARKIN STATEMENT ON THE SENATE VOTE TO CONFIRM JUDGE SONIA SOTOMAYOR TO THE SUPREME COURT

Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) entered the following remarks into the Congressional Record today on his vote for Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Mr. President, I am proud to support the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the next Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

"Judge Sotomayor's story is proof of the central American promise: That any person, by sheer force of their talent, can rise from the humblest background to one of the highest offices in this country. Born to a Puerto Rican family, Judge Sotomayor grew up in public housing in the South Bronx. Her father, a tool-and-die worker with a third grade education, died when she was nine years old. Due to her mother's struggle and sacrifice, and Judge Sotomayor's tremendous ability and perseverance, she graduated valedictorian of her high school in New York, then graduated summa *** laude from Princeton University.

"She went on to earn her law degree from Yale Law School, where she was editor of the Yale Law Journal. After law school, Judge Sotomayor served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York County for five years and then entered private practice as a corporate litigator. For the past 17 years, she has served as a Federal district and appellate court judge.

"Given her experiences and career, there is no doubt that Judge Sotomayor is immensely qualified to serve on our nation's highest court. What is clear from her 17-year judicial career, from my meeting with her, and from her confirmation hearing is that she is an unbiased, mainstream judge with a deep commitment to the rule of law and constitutional values. She has an exemplary record during her tenure on the bench, and every independent analysis has made clear that she is a judge who faithfully applies the law.

"Given her record, I am saddened that many Republicans have chosen to grossly distort her record, and have spent so much time focusing on a few out-of-context quotes and less than a handful of decisions. Putting rhetoric aside, she has participated in nearly 3,000 decisions and authored approximately 400 opinions. Her 17-year record overwhelmingly demonstrates that she is anything but a "judicial activist."

"Considering her outstanding intellect, credentials and judicial record, there simply is no doubt Judge Sotomayor should be confirmed. However, for me, there is another, equally important, consideration. I also firmly believe that Judge Sotomayor will be an important and needed voice on the Court to ensure proper effect is given to our most important statutes, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Civil Rights Act, and the Age Discrimination Employment Act (ADEA), so all Americans receive the fullest protections of the law.

"This is illustrated in an area of the law that I care deeply about - disabilities rights. Unfortunately, as many in Congress know, the Rehnquist Court repeatedly misread the ADA, ignored the intent of Congress and narrowed the scope of individuals deemed eligible for protection under the ADA. The result of these decisions was to eliminate protection for countless thousands of Americans with disabilities. These flawed, harmful decisions were reversed last year when Congress unanimously enacted the ADA Amendments Act.

"The contrast between the Rehnquist Court and Judge Sotomoyer is stark. In Bartlett v. New York State Board of Bar Examiners, Marilyn Bartlett had a PhD in educational administration and a law degree from Vermont Law School. She was also diagnosed with a disability that affected her reading speed and fluency. After completing law school, Ms. Bartlett worked as an associate and received excellent reviews. However, when she took the bar exam, she was denied accommodation for her reading impairment, such as extra time and permission to record her essays on tape. She failed the exam. The bar claimed that she did not have a disability because the examiners did not believe she was limited in the major life activities of reading or working.

"Judge Sotomoyer, however, ruled for Ms. Bartlett, holding that a student with learning disabilities was entitled to an accommodation while taking the bar exam. Understanding the true purposes of the ADA, she noted:

"For those of us for whom words sing, sentences paint pictures, and paragraphs create panoramic views of the world, the inability to identify and process words with ease would be crippling. Plaintiff, an obviously intelligent, highly articulate individual reads slowly, haltingly, and laboriously. She simply does not read in the manner of an average person. I reject the basic premise of defendants' experts that a learning disability in reading can be identified solely by a person's inability to decode, i.e., identify words, as measured by standardized tests, and I accept instead the basic premise of plaintiff's experts that a learning disability in reading has to be identified in the context of an individual's total processing difficulties."

"As the Congressional Research Service noted, "She anticipated the legislative discussions surrounding the ADA Amendments Act by finding the use of self accommodations did not mean that the plaintiff was not an individual with a disability."

"The contrast between Judge Sotomayor's approach to judging - with her respect for congressional intent and for long-standing precedent - and the current Court's activism is likewise illustrated by their respective treatment of so called "mixed motive" discrimination cases.