September 2004
The articles published in the ALERT represent the opinions of the authors and are not an endorsement by the Association or necessarily representative of the views of the Association.
— From the President
— From the Editor
— Professional Development Calendar
— AHEAD 2005 - The Hidden Treasure
— AHEAD ByLaws Revisions
— AHEAD Awards
— New Resources Online
— NEADS Access Project
— International Careers
— Gilman International Scholarship
From the President
From the President’s Desk. AHEAD
President Jim Kessler provides updates on Board activities.
First things first - I cannot start this without
saying THANKS to:
· Grady Landrum (Wichita State U.) who for the past nine plus months has
served as President of AHEAD. Grady is (it doesn’t happen just in AHEAD)
a thoughtful and positive leader. Under his leadership we (the Board) developed
a new mission statement and strategic plan, that encompasses the proposal for
restructuring structuring the board into a team/committee working group.
· Dr. Joanie Friend (Metropolitan Community College [Kansas City, MO]– Director
of Communications – during Joanie’s leadership, AHEAD has a new Editor
(Keltie Jones, UC-Davis) for the ALERT which now appears six (6) time a year,
recruited Nicole Ofiesh (University of Arizona) and Jim McAfee (Pennsylvania
State University) as editors for the JPED. I am unable to tell all that Joanie
has done for AHEAD, but look later in this issue of the ALERT and you will see
a special mention about Joanie.
· Randy Borst (U.Buffalo) – after Randy had served his time as President-Elect,
President and Immediate Past President, he generously provided his assistance
to serve as Interim Secretary. Randy’s service to AHEAD has been invaluable,
and appreciated. However, due to the demands of work, he stepped down at the
end of conference leaving a one-(1) year vacancy for the position of interim
secretary.
To all of you, from the members of the Board who had the opportunity to work with you, to whom you will always be a friend and colleague, Thanks. We are a better organization because of you and your care and concern for the students, the profession and AHEAD.
We welcome Dr. Caroline Forsberg (SUNY) Director of Communications, and Jim Marks (U Montana) as Treasurer.
Interim Secretary – with the approval of the Board, I have appointed Mr. Vinson Ballard (Jackson State University) to serve as the Interim Secretary. Vinson is the ADA Coordinator at Jackson State and will complete the final year of the position.
Miami – Wow! What a conference! A special thanks to Jean McCormick and all of our great Florida hosts for everything. Thanks to Richard Allegra for a superb program, and to make everything just right – the staff at AHEAD (Stephan, Tri, Oanh, Neal, Michael, Wendy and not being able to attend, Jeanette). If you were unable to be with us this year, we certainly hope that you will “Meet” us next year in Milwaukee (August 2-6, 2005). Vicki Groser (U. Wisconsin, Milwaukee) and Colleen Barnett (Alverno College) are the Conference Co-Chairs and they already have most of their committees in place. You can expect and incredible time in Milwaukee, and it is a wonderful place to bring your family. You will be seeing a lot more information in the near future on the AHEAD website. David Sweeney (Texas A&M) is the program chair and one of the exciting aspect of next year’s conference is the inclusion of research. At the Washington DC conference, Dr. Sue Kroger (U. Arizona) noted that after 25 years, we (AHEAD) were now grown up. The field of service for students with disabilities has been around long enough of be the subject of very serious academic study and analysis. We need to be mindful of what the information tells us, about where we are and where we are going.. But don’t wait for Milwaukee, start looking at the JPED that AHEAD provides to you on a regular basis.
Things to be aware of:
You will notice that whenever I mention a person’s name in reference
to whatever they are doing, I will indicate the school or affiliation to which
they associate. I believe that it is important for several reasons. You may
find out about that someone is near (local/regional) you or in a similar situation
(Community College, Private School, etc…) that you feel may be an appropriate
contact. Not everyone has the same experiences or service demands. Secondly,
we are the representatives of those institutions, and last, we need to start
to learn about who makes up this organization.
The new AHEAD website is up and running. One item that you will not see is the “LD Documentation Guidelines.” The Board, in the July meeting, determined that the “guidelines” were out of date (noting evaluative instruments that were no longer valid) and did not reflect current best practices. What was of particular concern was that too often the “guidelines” were used as a “standard” for documentation, rather than institutions using the information to develop their own policies. In the meantime, Carol Funckes, President-Elect (U. Arizona) is convening a committee to develop documentation guidelines, not solely for Learning Disabilities but for all disability types.
E-Text – if anyone has been reading the major disability listserve, this past year, there has been an on-going discussion about electronic text (scanning) and all associated aspects of the practice. E-text and scanning (after functional screen readers) is perhaps the single most significant issue in respect to access to printed information since equal access was legislated in 1973. It is a direct by-product of the technology explosion of the 90’s, but also creates unique problems for the printing industry in addressing access while at the same time protecting their property. AHEAD has begun conversations with representatives of the major publishers and we are planning to be part of the problem solving and decision making at the national level to address immediate needs and long term (K-12) transition needs of future students.
FYI
At the conference in Miami, the Board presented to the membership the new Mission
Statement and the Strategic Plan. Please take some time and look at both
on the AHEAD website. They are rather dynamic documents. The Mission Statement
is not idealistic, but realistic and necessary. It is what we are supposed
to be. The Strategic Plan outlines items that are critical to the future
of the organization and will require a significant contribution from the
membership. If there is any part that you believe that you have an interest
in and wish to contribute to, please know that your participation is not
only welcomed, but appreciated.
The people who are currently serving on the Board are talented, committed and as unique as every other member of AHEAD. Having worked with a majority of them during the past three years, I look forward to working with them this next year, as we will be taking on some rather interesting challenges. If you have any questions, concerns, suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact any of all of us at anytime. You can find us on the website.
The next Board will be November 4-7, 2004 (check website for location as it is open to all). If you are unable to attend, please feel to contact me at jrkessle@email.unc.edu if there are questions, issues that you would like to Board to consider.
Have a good semester!
Jim
From the Editor
Hello Everyone,
I hope you are all weathering the fall rush well, enjoying meeting all the new students, each with an interesting story to tell. With the changing of the season, this issue of the ALERT highlights some changes at AHEAD. There is the first letter from our new President, Jim Kessler, which provides his perspective on how AHEAD is moving forward. This issue also includes information about the proposed changes in the AHEAD Bylaws. I hope you will all take some time to read them and provide input.
Please keep sending me articles and event information to include in future issues. I hope you continue to enjoy the ALERT, and if you have any suggestions or comments, please be sure to contact me at kejones@ucdavis.edu.
Keltie Jones
ALERT Editor
Professional Development Calendar
Professional Development. Take advantage of these upcoming events, conferences, and other opportunities to increase and share your knowledge.
Calls for Presentations and Articles:
Submissions Due: |
Publication Date: |
October 8, 2004 |
November 5, 2004 |
December 10, 2004 |
January 7, 2005 |
February 4, 2005 |
March 4, 2005 |
April 8, 2005 |
May 6, 2005 |
June 10, 2005 |
July 8, 2005 |
AHEAD and Affiliate Events:
NC Ahead will hold its 8th Annual Fall Conference October 8th and 9th at the
University of North Carolina At Willmington, featuring keynote speaker Dr.
Arthur D. Anastopoulos. Dr. Anastopoulos currently is a Professor in the
Department of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro,
where he serves as Director of Clinical Training and also directs an AD/HD
Specialty Clinic for children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to his appointment
at UNCG, Dr. Anastopoulos held a joint appointment for nine years in the
Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts
Medical Center, where he also served as Chief of the AD/HD Clinic. An active
researcher, Dr. Anastopoulos has been an investigator on several federally
funded research grants, including a recently awarded 5-year grant to study
the genetic basis of AD/HD in collaboration with researchers at Duke University.
He regularly presents his findings at national and international scientific
meetings. He has authored more than 40 articles and book chapters on the
topics of AD/HD and is also first author on recently published text, entitled
Assessing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Dr. Anastopoulos has
also given more than 170 invited AD/HD presentations to various parent groups
and educators, as well as medical and mental health professionals.
Other Upcoming Conferences and Expositions:
Check out these offerings from our colleagues in the fields of disability and
higher education:
Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) Summit - Winnipeg: September 8th - 10th 2004. DPI's world summit will be an opportunity for national assemblies, disability organizations, NGOs, international development agencies as well as goods and services providers in the disability field to discuss and share information. A major objective for DPI is the promotion of equality and diversity within DPI. The theme for the Summit will be diversity of people and their cultures and will focus on women, youth and indigenous and Arab people. At the Summit workshops, DPI will share collective and individual struggles for social and economic inclusion in civil society. For more information or to register, visit: www.dpi.org
ILSADE, the IL state chapter of NADE, will hold
its annual conference on
Sept. 30 and Oct 1,2004 at Heartland Community College in Normal, IL. The topic
is "Technology for Developmental Students: High and Low Tech." The
keynote speaker is David Caverly from Texas State University. For more information
and registration, contact Annabelle Rhoades at arhoades@elgin.edu.
Assistive Technology and Accessible Media
Conference, November 9-12, 2004 at CU-Boulder, University
Memorial Center. In collaboration with EASI, AHEAD & others,
CU – Boulder will be sponsoring the seventh annual Assistive
Technology and Accessible Media in Higher Education Conference,
featuring Keynote Speaker Kathy Martinez, Deputy Director -
World Institute on Disabilities. Session highlights include:
- Creating eBooks using Adobe PDF, Microsoft LIT and Daisy Format
- Aligning the Pieces: A UDL Approach to Online Learning for All
- Achieving Web Accessibility with Section 508
- Digital Collections of Historical Documents and Accessibility
- Assistive Technology: The Key to Learner Centered Teaching
- Evaluating Text to Speech Software for College Students with Learning Disabilities
For more information, go to www.colorado.edu/Atconference
Phone: 303-492-8671 (V/TTY)
E-mail: dsinfo@colorado.edu
National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) Conference 2004: "Right On!" at the Delta Hotel and Suites, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on November 13th to 14th, 2004. Detailed information on themes can be found on the Conference Site located at www.neads.ca/conference2004. Any questions can be directed to Jason Mitschele, Conference 2004 Chair at conference2004@neads.ca
7th National Pathways Conference, Australia.
The Gathering of a Nation – Red Centre Summit. Alice Springs
Convention Centre, November 30th to December 3rd, 2004. The central
Australian location of Alice Springs will provide the ambience
and atmosphere to enhance and explore the conference theme, “Inspire,
Include, Increase”. The conference will feature a variety
of speakers, including Dr. Timothy Butler King, Director of the
Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at the University
of Arkansas; Yami Lester OAM, a prominent
Aboriginal spokesman and author; Micheline Yoke Yean Lee, a senior lawyer who
specializes in human rights advocacy, Francis Vicary, President of Queenslanders
with Disability Network; and Kevin Coombs, OAM, a foundation member of Paravics/Wheelchair
Sports Victoria. For registration details, visit their website at http://student.admin.utas.edu.au/services/equity_resources/Pathways7_Conference/
3rd Annual Hawaii International Conference
on Education, January 4 - 7, 2005, Sheraton Waikiki
Hotel, Honolulu Hawaii, USA
The conference will provide many opportunities for academicians and professionals
from education and related fields to interact with members inside and outside
their own particular disciplines. For more information see: www.hiceducation.org/cfp_edu.htm
AHEAD 2005 - The Hidden Treasure
AHEAD HAS DISCOVERED A HIDDEN TREASURE!
Milwaukee, host city for AHEAD 2005, August 2 – 6,
is an amazing city! On the shore of Lake Michigan, just a little
over an hour north of Chicago – this incredible Midwestern
city will be the perfect location for our summer conference next
year. After visiting the city, and discovering this hidden gem – we
thought it would be good to start sharing information with AHEAD
members early so that you can start planning for next summer.
Maybe a perfect time to tack on a vacation to the AHEAD Conference. In future
ALERT’s we’ll be sure to provide more information about the destination,
and the conference… but here is an overview of some highlights to get
you started.
MILWAUKEE: THE GENUINE AMERICAN GETAWAY
Bold, beautiful and spectacularly progressive - the perfect summation of what
Milwaukee is today. Yet the city remains as genuine as ever. It's still the
place where you can best experience the very spirit and values America is
built on. Our traditions of family values, ethnic heritage, diverse culture,
and warm hospitality make Milwaukee the Genuine American City.
NATIVE AMERICAN INFLUENCE
Long before the first settlers came to this area, the Algonkian Indians had
a special name for the land: Millioki, which means "gathering place
by the waters." The Indians may have picked the name because they used
the area for tribal gatherings or because they observed how three rivers
(the Menomonee, the Kinnickinnic and the Milwaukee) met before flowing into
the waters of Lake Mie-sit-gan (Michigan).
MILWAUKEE TODAY
Asian Moon Festival, Polish Fest, RiverSplash!, Lakefront Festival of Arts,
Bavarian VolksFest, Bastille Days, CajunFest, Festa Italiana, German Fest,
African World Festival, PrideFest, Irish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, Labor Fest,
Oktoberfest, Russian Festival International, Indian Summer Festival and the
Holiday Folk Fair are all colorful tributes to a cherished past.
In addition to the ethnic festivals, Milwaukee is home to the nationally-acclaimed Summerfest, the world's biggest festival.
ARCHITECTURE
Milwaukee boasts a wide range of historical and architectural landmarks including
the magnificent Captain
Frederick Pabst Mansion, home of one of the city fathers and beer barons;
the St.
Joan of Arc Chapel, originally built during the 15th century in Lyon,
France; the Charles
Allis Art Museum, the English Tudor mansion of the first president of
Allis-Chalmers Company; The Kilbourntown House, an excellent example of Greek
Revival architecture, listed in the National Register of Historic Places;
Milwaukee's City Hall, a landmark of Flemish Renaissance design built in
1895; Basilica
of St. Josaphat's, an architectural masterpiece and the first Polish
basilica in North America.
The Milwaukee Art Museum's $100 million expansion designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava has added a signature masterpiece to Milwaukee's lakefront. Described as a moving sunscreen with a span larger than a Boeing 747, the wing-like brise soleil gives Milwaukee's skyline a signature masterpiece. Our city has bragging rights! People magazine named the Museum among three "New American Beauties" in 2003, Conde Nast Traveler magazine recognized the Museum among the new wonders of the world for 2002 and Time magazine called it the "Best Design of 2001."
All these landmarks are just an example of the vast array of splendid architecture to be seen in Milwaukee.
PERFORMING ARTS
One of the top cities in the nation for donations raised per capita for the
arts, Milwaukee offers audiences the world's most acclaimed performers and
visual artists. From the symphony, ballet and opera to Broadway shows and
theater, Milwaukee's performing arts are second to none!
Milwaukee's Third Ward Arts Association features the fabulous Broadway Theater where guests enjoy companies such as the Chamber Theater, noted as Milwaukee's "enterprising theatre" company for world and Midwest premier production and for producing America's only annual Shaw Festival, the Skylight Opera Theatre, housed in a 18th century replica of an Italian Baroque opera house, and Theater X.
The Downtown Theater District offers audiences the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. The Center hosts celebrated performing organizations such as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Florentine Opera, Wisconsin's only fully professional grand opera company, First Stage Children's Theater and the Milwaukee Ballet. Also located in this district are the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the Pabst Theater a lavishly renovated historical landmark, Renaissance Theaterworks, the Riverside Theater, the nationally celebrated African dance company, Ko-Thi, and the new Milwaukee Theatre.
MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
A multitude of museums awaits the eager visitor. Adorning Milwaukee's lakefront
is the Milwaukee Art Museum's expansion designed by world-renowned architect
Santiago Calatrava.
The expansion features dramatic new gallery space, a lake-view restaurant, a 300-seat auditorium, museum store and elegant public gardens.
The Milwaukee Public Museum, Discovery World and the Humphrey IMAX Dome theater are all part the Museum Center Complex located downtown; the Betty Brinn Children's Museum, located on Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront, provides interactive, hands-on fun and learning for children ages 1-10. Visit the William F. Eisner Museum of Advertising and Design, the only museum in the country that explores advertising, design and our culture. Record a radio commercial; enjoy changing exhibits and see history in a new way.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Milwaukee County Parks offer nearly 15,000 acres of recreation enjoyment. The
Milwaukee County Park System offers year-round activities, including 16 outdoor
and indoor pools, five beaches, nine community and recreation centers, 122
tennis courts, two family aquatic centers and over 200 athletic fields for
every sport including baseball, softball, rugby, soccer and volleyball. The
Park System also includes the Oak Leaf Trail. The 90-mile trail is used for
biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, running and walking.
Milwaukee's lakefront is a haven for fishing, boating and water sports. Sailing enthusiasts and windsurfers spend afternoons on the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan. Fully-equipped fishing charters provide the opportunity to catch perch, salmon, bass and trout. Lake Michigan has the largest sport fishery on the Great Lakes; Over 100 species of fish have been recorded in the lake.
According to the Rand McNally Places Rated Almanac, Milwaukee has more acres of parkland per person than anywhere else in the country.
SHOPPING
Stroll the Riverwalk along the bustling Milwaukee River, complete with restaurants
and eclectic retail shops. The Historic
Third Ward, a restored warehouse district that features art galleries,
the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, restaurants, antiques and the
Broadway Theater Center. Brady
Street, lined with 100-year-old buildings from its days as Milwaukee's
Italian neighborhood, boasts authentic Italian restaurants, markets and bakeries
along with the "coffee house crowd" of students, artists and musicians. Old
World Third Street captures the flavor of the "Streets of Old Milwaukee" with
cobblestone intersections and famous landmarks such as Usinger's Sausage
and Mader's German Restaurant. The two-block area offers specialty shops
featuring Wisconsin's finest cheeses, chocolates, spices and more.
The
Shops of Grand Avenue is downtown Milwaukee's historic
four-block marketplace with over 130 specialty shops and stately,
turn-of-the century architecture and glass skywalks.
AHEAD ByLaws Revisions
AHEAD Seeks Comments on Bylaws Revisions.
Deadline for comments is --.
In February 2004, the Board of Directors (BOD)
met to develop a new Strategic Plan and Mission Statement for
AHEAD. During that meeting, as well as Board meetings in April
and July, and small group discussions, the Board developed a
plan for restructuring that addresses some specific concerns:
· Some director positions are no longer required, given that the AHEAD
office has assumed some of the work previously assigned to Board Positions.
· Important constituencies continue to be unrepresented in the election
process.
· A more flexible board structure is required to respond to the needs
of the organization.
This restructuring will reduce the BOD from 12 to 11 positions inclusive of
the Executive Director. The eliminated position is that of Immediate Past President
which no longer exists as of 2004.
The composition of the Board will be as follows:
· President
· President-Elect
· Secretary
· Treasurer
· 3 Directors - provides for the election of one Director from the membership
at-large (annually) without regard to a specific board title as in the past.
· 3 Directors - Appointed by President - These positions would be phased
in over a three-year period (one appointment per year) and will address issues
of representation (racial ethnic, cultural diversity; disability; community college,
private institutions) to ensure that the board is representative of the membership
of the Association.
· Executive Director (Ex Officio)
With this restructuring the Board of Directors will function within a team/committee infrastructure as determined by the need of the organization in relation to the strategic plan and immediate issues as they occur.
Some teams will be permanent and address ongoing
issues within the organization. Examples of permanent teams could
include:
· Personnel Team - President-Elect, Treasurer, Board member
· Finance Team (could be a training ground for Pres. Elect or a board
member who may want to run for the position in the future or who has skill in
this area.)
· Membership Team (SIG's, Affiliates, International and Member recruitment
and retention issues)
· External Relations - Legislative Team (Cooperative agreements with other
agencies-groups, Legislative issues) this may need to be two different committees
not quite sure of workload.
· Communications Team (ALERT, JPED consult with office on PR for members)
· Diversity Team (looks at issues concerning under represented populations
within the organization)
Teams/committees may also be formed for a short period of time and dispersed after their task is completed.
Teams will always be chaired by a member of the
BOD and will report directly to
the President.
Teams may have members not on the BOD.
Election Schedule (numbers in parentheses indicate term)
2005: Secretary (3yr), 1 At Large Member (3yr), 1 Presidential Appointee (3yr)
2006: President Elect (2yr), 1 At Large Member (3yr), 1 Presidential Appointee (3yr)
2007: Treasurer (3yr), 1 At Large Member (3yr), 1 Presidential Appointee (3yr)
2008: President Elect (2yr), Secretary (3yr), 1 At Large Member (3yr), 1 Presidential Appointee (3yr)
2009: 1 At Large Member (3yr), 1 Presidential Appointee (3yr)
2010: President Elect (2yr), Treasurer (3yr), 1 At Large Member (3yr), 1 Presidential Appointee (3yr)
2011: Secretary (3yr), 1 At Large Member (3yr), 1 Presidential Appointee (3yr)
By-law Changes:
In order to proceed with the restructuring, there are wording changes that need to be made in the Association By-Laws. By clicking on the following links you can see the changes as they apply to specific sections/paragraphs of the By-laws.
View just the changed sections with changes noted and explained
View the entire Bylaws document with changes in place
Process:
Changes in the By-laws require a thirty (30) day
period of notice and call for comments. Any and all comments
can be made to Jim Kessler, AHEAD President at jrkessle@email.unc.edu.
After the notice and comment period, there will be a thirty (30)
period for voting. If approved by a majority of the voting members,
the proposed changes will go into effect with the election of
Officers (Secretary) and Directors in the Spring of 2005.
AHEAD Awards
Four AHEAD members receive awards at Banquet in Miami. AHEAD honored Mary Cheng, Barbara Judy, Carol Funckes, and Joanie Friend for their many contributions to our organization and profession.
The AHEAD Professional Recognition Award was presented
to Mary Cheng, Student Disability Resource Center Director at
California State University at Hayward for her leadership in
developing the Center for Alternative Media for the 23 campuses
of the California State University System. California State Assembly
Bill 422 requires publishers to supply electronic versions of
textbooks for students with disabilities. The CSU state system
has over 11,000 students with disabilities and had no centralized
process to respond to the needs of students with disabilities
for textbooks in alternative media.
Mary Cheng took the lead in an ongoing process to articulate system wide standards
for the production of alternate media, to track responses from publishers for
electronic text requests, and to establish a centralized database for materials
produced by the CSU campuses. Mary formed a team that requested and received
two TIGER grants from the CSU Chancellor’s office to support this effort.
As a result of Mary’s creativity, diligence and collaborative efforts
within the California State University system, the Center for Alternative Media
now acts as a clearinghouse for requests to publishers and provides a database
of alternate media holding on each campus.
Mary was also recognized for her service on the system wide Technology Access Committee formed to formulate guidelines for full implementation of Section 508 requirements within the California State System. In addition to the contributions Mary has made to the CSU System, she continues to serve over 400 students with disabilities as Director at California State University at Hayward. Thanks to Mary for her contributions to California State University students with disabilities.
Mary Cheng recieves recognition from Grady Landrum AHEAD president.
(Please click on the image to enlarge)
The AHEAD honor for Meritorious Contribution on behalf of People with Disabilities was presented to Barbara Judy. This award is to publicly acknowledge individuals and groups whose vision, values, efforts and/or accomplishments have lead to significant benefit or advances for people with disabilities. Barbara Judy, retired ADA Coordinator for West Virginia University was recognized for her four decades of service in rehabilitation, higher education and the impact she has had a national leader in the disability community. Barbara Judy’s work as founding director of the Job Accommodation Network has had a direct positive impact on the lives of thousands of persons with disabilities by providing vital information and resources that promote independence and employment. She also is a pioneer in the professional development and identification of the role of ADA coordinators in higher education. Our profession has benefited immeasurably from the leadership and commitment to persons with disabilities evidenced through the long career of Barbara Judy. Her extensive experience and impressive credentials include:
· Founding Project Manager of the Job Accommodation
Network (JAN) at WVU - this program’s mission since 1984
is to facilitate the employment and retention of workers with
disabilities by providing information on job accommodations,
self employment, small business opportunities and related subjects.
The number of individuals served annually by the program has
grown from 6,500 reached primarily by telephone in 1990 to about
40,000 individuals accessing information through the website
per year. JAN is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s
Office of Disability Employment Policy (formerly the Presidents
Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities).
· Director of ADA Compliance for West Virginia University since 1994 and
ADA Compliance Director for the State of West Virginia from 1999-2002. As one
of the few full time ADA Compliance Directors in the nation, Barbara has shared
her expertise as a pre-conference presenter for AHEAD since 1998 on the role
of the ADA Coordinator in higher education, she has also co authored the ADA
Coordinator’s Guide to Campus Compliance published in 2002 by LRP and she
led the National Association of ADA Coordinators as Vice President of the Colleges
and Universities Division from 1994 – 2001 and currently serves as President.
· Leadership in the disability community includes: President’s Committee
on Persons with Disabilities, West Virginia Governor’s Committee on Persons
with Disabilities, Mountainview Rehabilitation Hospital advisory board, West
Virginia Technology Assistance loan fund, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation
at Boston University advisory board, WV Division of Rehabilitation Services Consumer
Advisory Committee, International Center for Disability Information, North Central
West Virginia Independent Living Center Board.
· Teaching experience in the Department of Special Education and Counseling
Psychology and Rehabilitation at WVU. Editorial service to Andover Medical Publications,
Thompson Publishing and she has authored many publications on the topic of Job
Accommodations.
· Elected to the National Hall of Fame for Persons with Disabilities 1992,
designated as a “ Patriot from West Virginia”, by the President’s
Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
While Barbara has retired from higher education, she continues many board positions and works as an ADA consultant. Thank you Barb for your long productive career improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Two AHEAD board members receive the Ronald E. Blosser Dedicated service award. Carol Funckes, Associate Director of Disability Services for the University of Arizona, and President Elect of AHEAD and Joanie Friend, ADA Coordinator from the Metropolitan Community Colleges and former Communications Director for AHEAD were recognized for their contributions.
The Ronald E. Blosser Dedicated Service Award is established to publicly honor individual members who have given extraordinarily outstanding, selfless, and quality dedication and service to the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and whose service to the Association has consistently been of the utmost quality. The award is considered one of AHEAD's two highest honors, and it is the highest recognition of service to the Association.
Carol Funckes was recognized for her efforts to take on the invisible tasks that have moved this organization forward in the areas of financial management. Under Carol’s leadership as treasurer, AHEAD developed a system to invest student scholarship funds and award funds on an annual basis. After AHEAD moved from the University of Massachusetts, Carol worked with Executive Director Stephan Smith to develop a new fiscal record keeping system to keep AHEAD Board members informed on the fiscal status of the association. Carol also provided leadership throughout this transition to audit AHEAD’s books, bring our tax records up to date and to register as a not-for-profit in Massachusetts. In addition to Carol’s treasurer duties, she served to create consensus among board members during vigorous disagreements. Her contributions to our dialogue were always well thought out and reasoned. Carol’s unique ability to vision, envision, think beyond limits has had a significant impact on the progress of AHEAD. Thank you Carol, for your talent and often “under the radar” efforts. We look forward to your future leadership as president in 2005.
Joanie Friend’s service as an AHEAD member and Communications Director helped move the association forward in the last few years. As an AHEAD member, she played an active role planning and implementing the AHEAD conference in Kansas City in 2000. Joanie has been instrumental in developing and presenting the ADA Coordinator’s Pre-conference institute. This one-day training is one of the only courses availably that provides concise, practical information on how to serve as an ADA Coordinator. As Communications Director, Joanie recruited a new editor for the ALERT newsletter and helped expand the publication to six issues annually. Two new editors were recruited for the JPED, and Joanie ensured a smooth transition and the continued publication of our peer reviewed journal. In addition to her oversight of AHEAD’s newsletter and journal, Joanie led efforts to respond to legislative issues facing AHEAD’s membership. She drafted comments and appeared at a congressional hearing, providing important testimony about the needs of students with disabilities in higher education and the needs of the programs that serve them. As Dr. Friend completes her term as Director of Communications, her services to AHEAD will have a profound impact on our organization and profession.
(Please click on the image to enlarge)
New Resources Online
New Resources Available Online. Results of the 2004 Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilties and the updated Access Board guidelines for accessible design are now online.
National Organization on Disability (NOD)
releases results of 2004 Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities.
Americans with disabilities are at a critical disadvantage compared to other
Americans in ten key areas of life, according to the 2004 National Organization
on Disability/Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities, released in Washington
on June 24. Continuing a trend, the survey found slow and modest progress in
the indicators, which Harris has tracked since 1986. Executive summary of the
report is available at www.nod.org.
Access Board updates guidelines for Accessible Design
The Board’s guidelines detail how accessibility
is to be achieved in new construction and alterations and provide
specifications for various building elements and spaces, including
entrances, ramps, parking, restrooms, and telephones, among others.
The new design document is the culmination of a comprehensive,
decade-long review and update of the Board’s ADA Accessibility
Guidelines, which were first published in 1991. Revisions have
been made so that the guidelines continue to meet the needs of
people with disabilities and keep pace with technological innovations.
For example, new provisions for ATMs specify audible output so
that people with vision impairments are provided equal access,
and reach ranges have been lowered to better serve people who
use wheelchairs and persons of short stature. The guidelines
also feature a new format and organization and have been extensively
edited for greater clarity. “This new version of the guidelines
will not only improve access, but will also enhance compliance
by making it easier to achieve,” said Tuck. The new guidelines
are available at www.accessboard.gov
NEADS Access Project
Access to Academic Materials for Print-Disabled Post-Secondary Students. The Canadian-based National Educational Association of Disabled Students is working on a program to improve post-secondary access.
The National Educational Association of Disabled
Students (NEADS), a Canadian-based student organization, is working
on a project entitled "Access to Academic Materials for
Print-Disabled Post-Secondary Students: A Partnership of Users
and Service Providers." This sixteen month project is funded
in part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships
Program.
Access to information is a fundamental right of all Canadians. Since only three
percent of the world's literature is converted into multiple formats, post-secondary
students with print-disabilities are dependent on programs, service providers
and librarians to obtain the information and materials they need to meet their
course requirements.
Program completion at the post-secondary level is the most direct way to ensure employability and integration for people with disabilities into the economic and social mainstream of Canadian society. Thus, it is critical that service delivery models in this area be enhanced to support post-secondary students with disabilities to access academic materials in formats of choice.
The project was developed as a partnership between the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), the Council on Access to Information for Print-Disabled Canadians and the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC). NEADS is the lead organization and the association will implement the objectives, manage the project and produce the reports. The overall goal is to provide French and English post-secondary students, who cannot access academic materials using conventional print formats, with the information, services and materials they need to meet their education and career goals.
The project is being guided by a Steering Committee which includes the following representatives:
· Louis Chabot, Vice-President External,
Association québécoises des étudiants ayants
des incapacités au postsecondaire (AQEIPS)
· Robin Drodge, Newfoundland Rep. NEADS
· Mary Anne Epp, Director, Library Contract Services, Langara College
· Catherine Fichten, Co-Director, Adaptech (Dawson College)
· Leo Bissonnette, Member, Alternate Format Committee, Canadian Association
of Disability Service Providers in Post-Secondary Education (Coordinator, Office
for Disability Issues, Concordia University)
· Gladys Loewen, President, Canadian Association of Disability Service
Providers in Post-Secondary Education
·
Pauline Mantha, Executive Director, Learning Disabilities Association
of Canada
· Rachael Ross, President and British Columbia Rep, NEADS
· Jutta Treviranus, Director, Resource Centre for Academic Technology,
University of Toronto
· Elizabeth Walcot-Gayda, Member, Council on Access to Information for
Print Disabled Canadians
· Trisha Lucy, Librarian, Library and Archives Canada (Project Support)
The project's consultations will include meetings with the Steering Committee and a workshop held in conjunction with the November 2004 NEADS national conference. The conference, called Right On!, will be held in Ottawa from November 12-14, 2004. Jason Mitschele, NEADS' Ontario Rep. and member on the Council of Canadians With Disabilities' national Council, is the Chairperson of our 2004 conference.
There will be a number of deliverables of the Access to Academic Materials project. A detailed report will address (a) how the services and materials may be better coordinated and used; (b) the identification of significant gaps in the process of supporting the academic materials requirements of post-secondary students with print-disabilities and (c) recommendations of next steps that will be identified and put into context. Project reports and information will be made available through a Web site developed by the NEADS Web team with links to the Council and LDAC web sites and to many important stakeholders including publishers. An online directory will be developed featuring effective models of service delivery, categories of materials that can be shared, and best practices related to training materials and methods available in Canada.
For further information on the project contact
the NEADS office: National Educational Association of Disabled
Students, Rm. 426 Unicentre, Carleton Unicentre, Ottawa, Ontario,
K1S 5B6, tel: (613) 526-8008, info@neads.ca ; www.neads.ca
International Careers
Wanted: Students with Disabilities to Pursue their Dreams of International Careers. Michele Scheib, Project Initiatives Specialist for the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, Mobility International USA, writes about encouraging students with disabilities to pursue international careers.
Andrea Shettle, who is Deaf and also has attention
deficit disorder, read a report at age 19 from World Federation
of the Deaf about the widespread lack of access to education
and employment for Deaf people in other countries. This realization
would eventually lead Andrea to a position at the World Bank
almost fifteen years later.
When asked, “What do you want to do in your future?” few young
adults who are Deaf or have disabilities think to say, “An international
career.” Yet, there is a whole world of opportunities open in the international
affairs, development and exchange fields. This can include working in U.S.
embassies overseas or the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. It can
mean working in an international consulting firm, college or university study
abroad office or international refugee organization either in the United States
or abroad.
For Shettle, her career took a round-a-bout path. She describes her earlier college years, “My problem was that I had no clue how on earth I could get involved. I had zero contacts in the international community at that point. I had never heard that there was a field called ‘international development’ that so perfectly captured the kind of work I wanted to do, even though I had not quite yet narrowed down my interests to a more specific sphere of tasks.”
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) / National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (www.miusa.org), sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, is creating a pamphlet and online resource to be published this fall for young adults with international interests to head in the right direction from the start. Many pathways exist for fulfilling international career aspirations, and this resource will help in exploring some of the possibilities. It highlights different types of international occupations, tips to prepare for an international career, insights from role models and emerging leaders with disabilities in these fields, and the international exchange and fellowship programs they participated in to get them where they are today.
Career Prospects
Even in difficult economic climates, international affairs graduates can find
exciting careers because of the strength and versatility of this type of
degree. As the Association of Professional Schools in International Affairs
2002 graduates reported, 88% found work within six months after graduation,
which is a competitive placement rate in comparison to professional degrees
in law or business. The largest percentage of graduates (42%) found work
in the public sector with about a quarter each working in the nonprofit and
private sectors.
For those looking to work in the public sector, many opportunities exist. The US Department of State’s Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (www.careers.state.gov/student) attracts and refers talented students with disabilities to federal and private sector organizations for temporary and permanent employment. In addition, “because the Foreign Service represents the incredible, wonderful diversity of the United States and all of its people, we are doing everything we can to ensure that the Foreign Service looks like America as it goes about representing America,” notes Ambassador Ruth Davis in a School of Foreign Service report. Entry level for undergraduates can be $28,000 to $36,000 in the federal government with extensive benefits packages. This salary can double in 5-10 years with promotions. “A lot more people with disabilities and people of color need to get involved in foreign affairs. Take advantage of the various internship programs that the U.S. State Department and other federal departments and agencies have to offer while you are in college. There is an array of positions. Apply and apply again, the competition is stiff, so be qualified. Be willing to go through it and be clear on what your accommodation needs are,” says Deidre Davis, wheelchair user, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights for the U.S. Department of State.
Many people go into international affairs, development or exchange fields to make a difference in the world or explore other cultural perspectives. Most have had international experiences that made an impact on their own life choices. Since positions are low to middle range salaries until one increases to consulting or senior level positions and responsibilities, they find motivations other than money to attract them to this field of work. International travel will entice some students to international careers, although travel opportunities will vary with positions. Some positions involve administrative, research or policy level work, while others may be doing direct assistance, marketing or advising.
If students can dedicate themselves to learning a foreign language through an international exchange program, it will open more doors for them and get their foot in the door. “The U.S. government alone requires 34,000 employees with foreign language skills, and American business increasingly needs internationally and multi-culturally experienced employees to compete in a global economy and to manage a culturally diverse workforce,” reports the Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange.
While foreign language skills are required or helpful for some positions, they are not essential to finding a job in the international field. Especially for administrative positions in the United States, people can hold long careers without being proficient in a foreign language. If languages are not a student’s strength don’t discount international work as a potential career option, just know there will be some limits as what type of work and graduate programs they will qualify for.
Preparing for an International Career
The common element among people with disabilities who are employed in international
work is that they all participated in international exchange experiences.
Whether it is volunteering in Latin America, taking a foreign language course
in Europe for the summer or studying for a semester in Asia -- if your students
want to have both the qualifications and to learn whether or not this type
of work fits and motivates them, then an overseas program should be in their
plans. Research shows an international exchange experience also has other
benefits that impact students’ education, lives and work – increased
self-confidence, expanded worldview, improved independence and adaptability
skills, among others. Encourage your students to visit the study abroad office
on your campus to find out about these programs or visit websites, such as www.miusa.org, www.iiepassport.edu, www.goabroad.com,
or www.volunteerinternational.org.
MIUSA’s National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (www.miusa.org, 541-343-1284 tel/tty) can provide tips, resources and referrals to you, your students and the international program staff to plan for disability-related arrangements abroad. A brochure on our publications page explains how students can continue their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and use their vocational rehabilitation funds when studying abroad. Our publications – A World Awaits You and the upcoming Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities – share first-hand accounts from people with disabilities who have participated in international exchanges and field-tested strategies that can help your students in navigating places that are unfamiliar.
“As the Advisory on Disability and Development at the World Bank we are seeking to recruit interns, consultants and staff with disabilities. International experience is critical to working in the international development arena, so this Survival Strategies guide is useful [for people with disabilities],” says Judith Heumann, Advisor, World Bank
While a student, Shettle participated in an internship at her college’s global education office and then in an internship program to Costa Rica. “Partly I wanted to see if I really could do this kind of work in a way that would make a difference in the deaf community where I worked, and if I would find it as enjoyable and as rewarding as I hoped... I found I learned a great deal in the process of preparing for the internship, and then going to Costa Rica for those 11 weeks. I gained a lot of confidence in myself and my skills in giving leadership training to new up-and-coming deaf leaders. And it was tremendously rewarding,” says Shettle, who is currently employed as a research assistant at the World Bank.
While students can begin working in the international field with an undergraduate degree, for many to move up in their careers they will need a graduate degree. The Association of Professional Schools in International Affairs (www.apsia.org, (303) 871-4021) had almost 3000 students enrolled in its 29 U.S. graduate programs in International Affairs in 2003, with 20% being minority students. For undergraduates to both prepare for graduate school and an international career, the following programs have had students with disabilities participate and provide excellent opportunities for students to explore options and build skills to prepare them for the future.
Freeman Awards for Study in Asia
DEADLINE: March 4, April 1, October 15
This is designed to support college students with demonstrated financial need
who are planning on studying overseas in East or Southeast Asia. Students are
expected to share their experiences with their home campuses to encourage study
abroad in Asia by others, and to spread greater understanding of Asian peoples
and cultures within their home communities. The Freeman-Asia program awards
$3,000 to $7,000 fellowships. Undergraduates with little or no previous experience
in the country in which they plan to study can apply.
Tel: (212) 984-5542
E-mail: Freeman-ASIA@iie.org
Web: www.iie.org/Freeman-ASIA
Fulbright Fellowships
DEADLINE: Apply by October 21 for travel in following academic year
College seniors and graduate students can apply for the U.S. Student Program,
designed to give opportunities for personal development and international experience.
Most grantees plan their own program topics and logistics. Projects may include
university coursework, independent library or field research, special projects
in international affairs, or a combination. Fellowships cover expenses for
the nine-month duration.
Tel: (212) 883-8200 or (212) 984-5380
Web: www.iie.org/fulbright
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Program
DEADLINE – April 15 and September 22
The Gilman Scholarship Program offers grants for undergraduate students of
limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. The Gilman scholarship
aims to support students who have been traditionally underrepresented in study
abroad. Award recipients must use the award to defray eligible study abroad
costs. These costs include program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation,
insurance and international airfare. This congressionally funded program awards
up to $5000, and is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
of the U.S. Department of State and is administered by Institute on International
Education.
Tel: (713) 621-6300, ext. 29
E-mail: gilman@iie.org
Web: www.iie.org/programs/gilman
International Institute on Public Policy (IIPP)
DEADLINE – March 1
IIPP was established to create a more diverse pool of professionals in U.S.
international affairs, and focuses its fellowships towards underrepresented
minorities. Sophomore college student can apply for funding to support summer
policy institutes, semester study abroad, international internships, graduate
school preparation courses and foreign language study throughout their undergraduate
years.
Tel: (800) 530-6232
E-mail: iipp@uncfsp.org
Web: www.uncfsp.org/iipp
Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA)
Fellowship Program
DEADLINE – March 1
PPIA seven-week summer fellowships prepare students, primarily from historically
underrepresented groups, for graduate studies and careers in public and/or
international affairs. This focus stems from a core belief that citizens are
best served by public managers, policy makers and community leaders who represent
the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of their constituencies. The program
focuses on economics, domestic/international policy issues and leadership topics
to sharpen quantitative, analytic and communication skills. Juniors can apply
for the fellowship that covers the summer course and part of graduate school
and/or internship fees.
Tel: (202) 496-0130
E-mail: ppia@ppiaprogram.org
Web: www.ppiaprogram.org
Rotary Foundation of Rotary International Ambassadorial
Scholarships
DEADLINE: Apply between January and July
Undergraduates and graduates can apply to their local Rotary club to receive
between $3000-$23,000 for university study or foreign language training in
another country for three months to two years. Recipients are expected to be
ambassadors of goodwill through appearances before Rotary clubs, schools, civic
organizations and other forums in the host country, and are expected to share
the experiences of understanding acquired during their period abroad with the
people of their home countries.
Tel: (847) 866-3000
E-mail: rotary@rotary.org
Web: www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/index.html
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic
Seminars
DEADLINE: November 15 for spring internships
Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability
Employment Policy, the Washington Center is working to help students develop
leadership skills and gain valuable work experience in public service and will
complement students' professional experience with academic training for credit.
The center will provide a total of fifty competitive scholarship awards in
the amount of $7,430 for students with disabilities interested in working in
the executive, judicial, or legislative branches of the federal government.
Interns interested in working in international divisions of these offices should
include this on their applications.
Tel: (202) 336-7600
E-mail: info@twc.edu
Web: www.twc.edu
Accessing Opportunities
Students do not have to have international relations degrees to find a job
or be accepted into a graduate school in an international field. If your
students have an interest in traveling, different cultures, foreign policies
or making a difference in the lives of people worldwide, then encourage them
to explore their options at the following events:
The Public Policy and International Affairs program (www.ppiaprogram.org, 202-496-0130) hosts free career and graduate school fairs in two cities each fall where colleges, universities, and governmental and nonprofit agencies exhibit. The dates for this year are November 4 at New York University and November 19 at the University of Chicago. Workshops will include young professionals and established executives giving an overview of particular fields in public service.
The Society for International Development (www.sidw.org, 202-884-8590) holds an Annual Career Conference in Washington, DC each spring geared toward those just beginning their careers in international development, mid-level professionals and foreign nationals. It includes panel discussions, a recruitment area, networking receptions and small group workshops. Registration costs are minimal (under $20).
NAFSA: Association of International Educators (www.nafsa.org, 202-737-3699) includes in its national conference each May, a job registry component where attendees can submit resumes and interview with study abroad, international student services or related offices during the conference. Attracting thousands of professionals in the international education field from the United States and abroad, the conference also provides exhibits on study abroad programs, professional development at sessions and mentoring opportunities for newcomers to the field. Students can register for half the regular cost (usually under $200 for students). The 2005 conference will be in Seattle.
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) also works to make those programs your students might want to travel with or get a job at someday, more aware about inclusion of people with disabilities as participants and staff. Through federal government funded projects, MIUSA provides technical assistance and training to international exchange and international development programs on including people with disabilities in their programs and on their staff. MIUSA also seeks to partner with organizations promoting and supporting underrepresented groups in gaining skills, degrees, and access to opportunities and networks necessary to enter international careers.
“Anything and everything else would have seemed ‘second best’ in comparison. I realized that finding a job in the international development field would let me follow my passion and help me manage my ADD because I was doing what I loved,” says Shettle. MIUSA and National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange encourages your students to pursue their international dreams, challenge themselves and change the world! ®
For more information, contact:
Mobility International USA/National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange
Tel/TTY: (541) 343-1284
Fax: (541) 343-6812
Email: clearinghouse@miusa.org
Website: www.miusa.org
Gilman International Scholarship
Gilman International Scholarship. An opportunity for students with disabilities to receive funding for study abroad.
The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides awards of up to $5,000 for U.S. citizen undergraduate students at two- and four-year institutions to pursue country-based undergraduate opportunities abroad of up to one academic year. To be eligible students must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application and cannot be studying abroad in a country currently under a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or in Cuba. For more information, full eligibility criteria and the online application please access the Gilman Program website at www.iie.org/gilman or contact the Gilman office directly.
Founded under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 this congressionally-funded program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education.
The Gilman Scholarship Program broadens the student population that studies abroad by supporting undergraduates who have been traditionally underrepresented in US study abroad and those with high financial need. The program aims to encourage students to choose nontraditional study abroad destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe and Australia and aims to support students who have been traditionally underrepresented in study abroad. This includes but is not limited to, students with high financial need, community college students, students in underrepresented fields such as the sciences and engineering, students with diverse ethnic backgrounds, students with disabilities, and students of nontraditional age. The program seeks to assist students from a diverse range and type of two-year and four-year public and private institutions from all 50 states.
Gilman International Scholarship Program
Institute of International Education - Houston
520 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 740
Houston, TX 77027
Toll Free: 888 887-5939
Phone: 713 621 6300
gilman@iie.org
www.iie.org/gilman
