Source: Bill Barker’s Braille Radio Reading Room – May 2012

Executive Director
Contra Costa Crisis Center

• A minimum of six years’ prior experience as an executive director of a social services  nonprofit with a budget of $3 million or more;
• Experience providing programs and services  to diverse community members in culturally appropriate ways;
• Success working with volunteers and managing programs that rely on volunteers for service delivery;
• Experience managing and sustaining successful public relations and marketing efforts;
• A track record of increasing donated income, including experience with major gifts;
• Experience reporting to and working closely with an effective board of directors;
• Prior experience in suicide prevention/crisis-intervention/grief or other counseling is preferred.

• Outstanding interpersonal communications skills, including the ability to speak well in public, write effectively for a variety of audiences, and to engage across differences in race, ethnicity, class and education;
• Well-developed business management skills including budgeting, operational planning,

• Demonstrated skill in building collaborative, successful teams;
• A high degree of comfort with fundraising; enjoyment of recruiting and stewarding individual and institutional donors;
• Comfort navigating public sector funding streams, an ability to maintain strong relations with multiple funding agencies.

• Understanding of nonprofit accounting practices and comfort working with multiple income streams to achieve financial sustainability;
• Background and training in team management; human resources best practices in hiring, managing and retention;
• Training in cultural competency, inclusion.

Source: Employment Opportunity: Executive Director Contra Costa Crisis Center

Please note, a link is provided, below, that will direct you to the career section of Office Depot.

Job Title: Customer Service

Job ID: 1088279

Location: Emeryville,CA

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office Depot Career Network

Responsibilities

The Customer Service Specialist (CSS) is responsible for providing an exceptional in-store customer service experience through proactively engaging with and working to make the customer satisfied in every interaction.

Utilizing Office Depot’s proven sales principles, the CSS must interact with every customer in their zone, and adjacent zones, as needed, to drive incremental sales opportunities and ensure every customer’s shopping needs are met.

Additionally, the CSS will be responsible for performing merchandise-related activities such as planogram, merchandise, and price changes as directed by the Sales leader.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent education preferred.

Other Information

• High school diploma or GED preferred

• No experience or training is necessary

• Previous sales/customer service experience is considered an asset

• Must possess ability to work with computers to process information/merchandise through POS register system.

• Must be able to read, count and write to accurately complete documentation, utilize training tools and serve customers at check-out.

• Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, which are necessary to establish a selling relationship with customers. Must possess an interest in continually developing personal selling skills and product knowledge.

• Must like to interact with people and be driven by sales goals.

• Ability to work a flexible work schedule as business dictates

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Office Depot offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunity to move and grow within our organization! For immediate consideration for this exciting position, please click the Apply Now button.

How To Apply

Click the link http://www.officedepot.com/companyinfo/careers/search.jsp?jobreqnbr=1088279

and click the APPPLY button, then follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the submit button.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Office Depot is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, veteran’s status, disability, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

Source: Employment Opportunity: Office Depot is looking for Customer Service Reps. in their Emeryville store

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), an enterprise department of the City and County of San Francisco, delivers world-class security and customer service in state-of-the-art facilities. SFO, the “gateway to the Pacific,” serves more than 41 million domestic and international passengers annually.

SFO was recently awarded the “Healthiest Place to Work in the Bay Area,” by the San Francisco Business Times. SFO continues to be committed to setting the standard for our industry.  SFO and its staff have been recognized as industry leaders in developing innovative programs and initiatives in the fields of security, the environment, customer service, concessions and business.  Leadership in each of these areas reflects SFO’s commitment to its mission “to provide an exceptional Airport in service to our communities.”

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) delivers world-class customer service in state-of-the-art facilities.  SFO and its staff have been recognized as industry leaders in developing innovative programs and initiatives in the fields of the environment, customer service, concessions, revenue development, and security.

As part of the Airport Commission’s commitment to provide qualified candidates with valuable work experience in a variety of operational administrative capacities, the Airport Commission is continuing its Management Intern Program that began in 1998. This one-year program provides comprehensive exposure to airport operations and can be extremely beneficial in preparing for a career in airport management or business planning for public government and transportation entities. In addition to learning about SFO’s organizational structure and its management culture, trainees will be expected to assist management and staff in performing certain regular tasks and special projects. This year, two internships will be offered.  Both internships will be rotational offering exposure to multiple sections.  Each selected intern will have customized rotations in several of the following participating sections:  Contracts Administration, Design and Construction, Landside, Noise Abatement, Planning, Safety and Health, Signage/Wayfinding, and Operations/TerminalSystems.

This program is limited to one year.  We encourage interns to apply to other positions at SFO after the internship, but there is no guarantee of employment transition.

Working Condition
One-year internship. Employees shall work for no more than 77 hours bi-weekly for FY12-13. These positions may require occasional work during evenings and weekends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Possession of a Master’s Degree awarded 2007 to June 30, 2012 in one of the following subjects:  Architecture, Aviation, Business, Design, Finance, Occupational Safety, Public Administration, Public Policy, Planning, or related field.  Applicants failing to meet the requirement by the stipulated date will be subject to separation from employment.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to work in a standard office environment which may involve prolonged sitting, bending and operation of typing, word processing and other office equipment; and ability to work evening meetings.

HOW TO APPLY:
File immediately.  Applications will be available beginning Wednesday, May 9, 2012.  This recruitment process will be open at least through Monday, July 2, 2012 at 5:00 pm.  Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are being accepted through an online process.  Visit www.jobaps.com/sf to register an account (if you have not already done so) and begin the application process.

* Select 9910 Public Service Trainee – Management Intern Program (PEX-9910-058898 announcement)
* Select “Apply” and read and acknowledge the information
* Select either “I am a New User” if you have not previously registered, or “I have Registered Previously”
* Follow instructions on the screen

Interested applicants must submit all of the  following supporting documents to www.jobaps.com/sf. Applicants must specifically indicate the type and date of Master’s Degree awarded or anticipated on letter of interest and/or comprehensive resume:

1. Letter of interest: outlining skills, background experience and training related to the position. (copy and paste when prompted; you will also have the option to upload to “letter of interest” option)
2. Comprehensive resume: (copy and paste when prompted, you will also have the option to upload to “resume” option)
3. Position Paper on the following topic. (Position Paper should be no longer than three typed, double spaced pages) (copy and paste when prompted; you will also have the option to upload to “writing sample” as well).

Position Paper Topic:
Airport Capacity and Long-term Growth – SFO is a very land-constrained Airport located 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County between U.S. Highway 101 and San Francisco Bay.  The Airport has two sets of closely spaced parallel runways.  In poor weather, the Airport’s capacity declines to approximately half of its good weather capacity.

The San Francisco Airport Commission does not currently plan to expand SFO’s airfield capacity given the financial cost and environmental considerations associated with new or reconfigured runways, which would require significant Bay fill and environmental mitigation.  The Airport’s current approach to managing demand and making the most efficient use of its limited capacity is to (1) promote the use and development of regional airport capacity to better serve the Greater Bay Area’s air transportation needs, (2) evaluate and implement advanced aviation technology to increase airfield capacity during poor weather and (3) assess and implement demand management measures to encourage the use of larger aircraft and reduce airline scheduling in peak periods.  What ideas do you have for addressing the Airport and the region’s long-term aviation demands and capacity constraints at SFO? 

File immediately: Computer kiosks are available for the public (from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of Department of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA or Airport Commission Human Resources at 710 N. McDonnell Road, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94128.

Applicants may be contacted by email about this announcement and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date.  Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter.  To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com).

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file.  Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records.  Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline.  Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst, Charlotte Wu at 650-821-2025 or via e-mail at charlotte.wu@flysfo.com.

Resumes may be attached to the application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Note:
Make sure your application and any attachments to the application submitted at the time of filing are complete and accurate and include details on all experience, education, training and other information that qualifies you for this recruitment. Failure to submit a complete and accurate application at the time of filing may result in your ineligibility for this recruitment.  Only the most qualified applicants will continue on in the selection process.

VERIFICATION:
All applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point in the application and/or departmental selection process.  Verification of qualifying experience, when requested, must be documented on the employer’s business letterhead and must include the name of the applicant, job title(s), dates of employment, description of job duties performed, and signature of the employer or the employer’s authorized representative.  Experience claimed in self-employment will only be accepted if supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license and experience comparable to minimum qualifications above.  Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupation and total earnings must be submitted.  Employees of the City and County of San Francisco may submit performance evaluations showing duties performed to verify qualifying City experience. City employees will receive credit for the duties of the class to which appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside of the employee’s class will be allowed only if recorded in accordance with the provisions of Civil Service Commission Rules.  Verification may be waived if impossible to obtain. The applicant must submit a signed statement explaining why verification cannot be obtained. Waiver requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Failure to provide the required verification, or request for waiver when requested may result in rejection of application.

Note:
Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification from this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

SELECTION PROCEDURES:
Oral/Performance Evaluation:
Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skill and ability levels in job related areas. Candidates may be required to perform a written exercise as part of the oral/performance evaluation.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance:
Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening.  Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination.  Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

Reasonable Accommodation Request:
http://www.sfdhr.org/index.aspx?page=20#reasonableaccomodation
Applicants with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation for this selection process must contact the examination analyst, Charlotte Wu, by telephone at (650) 821-2025  or if hearing impaired (650) 821-2323 (TDD) or in writing to Charlotte Wu, San Francisco International Airport – Airport Commission Human Resources, P.O. Box 8097, San Francisco, CA 94128 as soon as possible (specify class 1052 IS Business Analyst in all correspondence).

Source: City & County of S.F. Hiring: 9910 Public Service Trainee – Management Intern Program

What’s this app all about?
Blindsight, a small R&D firm in Berkeley, is developing an iPhone application that can detect and speak out text – be it a sign around you, a handout or a product you need to identify. The application uses the built in camera to capture the area the phone is pointed at. Our patented text detection algorithm analyzes the video stream and tells you whether there is text or not. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and VoiceOver will do the rest and speak the text that was detected – all within seconds.

What you’ll get
Be the first to use text detection and recognition in your day-to-day life before anyone else!

What we’ll ask you to do
Be honest! – provide us feedback on functions, ease of use and the way you are using it in your life and you’ll be a part of making this app a useful tool and a delightful experience.

Interested?
Sign up for Beta Testing.

If you have further questions, please contact us at info@blindsight.com.

Source: Beta Testers Needed

When: Saturday June 9, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: California School for the Blind Theater, 500 Walnut Avenue, Fremont, CA 94536

For more information or to RSVP please contact Angela Fowler via email at: fowlers@syix.com or call 530-902-0987. Lunch will be provided. Childcare will not be provided.

For more information about the National Federation of the Blind of California please visit: www.nfbcal.org.

Source: Blind Parents: Be Empowered!

Brian H. Day
NASA LCROSS Mission E/PO Lead
Planners Collaborative
Mailstop 226-4
NASA Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000
650-604-2605
Brian.H.Day@nasa.gov

Source: NASA Seeks Amateur Radio Operators

The deadline for all applications is Wednesday, May 9th.

For more information contact:

Pam Grove
Public Information Officer
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
510.817.5706
PGrove@mtc.ca.gov

Source: Metropolitan Transportation Commission recruiting to fill Policy Advisory Council

Source: Attention Adult Campers! A Few Places Left for our Enchanted Hills Camp Adult Session

Please urge the Budget Subcommittees to amend this upcoming budget to include that matching fund money so that the library will not be threatened with dramatic service cuts. The Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 1 on Education Finance will hold a hearing covering library services on Thursday, May 3 at 9:30 a.m. or upon adjournment of the Senate, in Room 3191 of the State Capitol. A similar hearing will be held by the Assembly Subcommittee on Budget Education Finance on Wednesday, May 9 at 4:00 p.m. in Room 126 of the State Capitol.

Come to these hearings and make your feelings known. If you can’t, please contact the members of these subcommittees. The rosters are shown below.

Senate subcommittee:

Senator Carol Liu, Chair
Phone: 916-6514021
Email: carol.liu@sen.ca.gov

Senator Ted Gaines
Phone: 916-6514001
Email: ted.gaines@sen.ca.gov

Senator Rod Wright
Phone: 916-6514025
Email: roderick.wright@sen.ca.gov

Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance:

Susan Bonilla, Chair
Phone: 916-3192011
Email: susan.bonilla@asm.ca.gov

Assemblyman Bill Berryhill
Phone: 916-3192026
Email: bill.berryhill@asm.ca.gov

Assemblywoman Julia Brownley
Phone: 916-3192041
Email: Julia.brownley@asm.ca.gov

Assemblyman Brian Nestande
Phone: 916-3192064
Email: brian.nestande@asm.ca.gov

Assemblyman Sandre Swanson
Phone: 916-3192016
Email: sander.swanson@asm.ca.gov

Source: Urgent: The Braille and Talking Book Library Needs Your Help

This special group included some eager young people, members of Napa area Key Club International, the high school student organization sponsored by the Kiwanis. Theresa Comstock, the current president of Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa, supervised the youngsters in their work.

The energetic team dug in to protect our campground by clearing scotch broom, a tenacious weed that is a fire hazard. They also trimmed and re-positioned beloved blackberry bushes, the fruit of which will be used this summer for jam and blackberry pies. Volunteer Steve Erdmann and his group planted two new oak trees in lower camp while other projects included prepping recycled building supplies, repairing wooden fences, cleaning the pool and splitting wood for the campfires our campers enjoy so much.

Upon arrival, staff and volunteers were treated with homemade scones and fresh coffee. Later staff members James Griel and Natalie Davis provided a delicious sandwich bar luncheon. Camp Director Tony Fletcher said, “Volunteer workdays allow us to accomplish so many tasks that we normally don’t have the people-power to accomplish. Even more important is that we end up making connections with our volunteers who then come up with ideas for improvements and innovations that will help us all year-round.”

Source: Getting Ready for Summer – Volunteer Day at Enchanted Hills

His widow Marsha regaled this writer with happy memories about their life together. Much of what she said made me smile and wish I had known James better, while the love they had for each other stood out as an overriding theme and an example to all married couples. Marsha said, “We made a commitment from day one not to divorce. We swore to work things out. [We always said] if we tended to the garden then we could keep the weeds out.”

Speaking of tending gardens, Marsha talked at length about James’ enthusiasm for gardening. Each week he participated in the LightHouse Gardening Program, nurturing the growing plants and making good use of the harvest when they were ready. According to Marsha, he relished using flowers from the garden to make beautiful flower arrangements and was equally interested in using the vegetables he helped to grow in delicious home-cooked meals.

Although not an early adopter, James was very open to the way in which accessible technology could enhance and fit into his life. He also loved to read braille; so much that he considered himself an “advocate” for the use of braille. When introducing himself to a group, he liked to declare, “My name is James Macchi. I’m a braille-a-holic and proud to be a braille-a-holic.” (As an avid braille reader myself, I say that anyone who claims to be a braille-a-holic is pretty cool in my book.)

James passing was unexpected and he will be sorely missed by all of us at the LightHouse. Here’s what a few staffers had to say about him:

Community Services Program Coordinator Molly Irish said, “He made friends very easily. He hung out with Don Lewinski and Barney Howell mostly and they talked about anything and everything. It was fun listening to them and sometimes you just had to laugh with them. James could also sing; he had a nice singing voice. He would sing with the band. He enjoyed life to its fullest.”

Beth Berenson, coordinator of our Technology Seminar series, said, “I could count on James to get excited about our tech seminars – he was always one of the first to sign up. But more than anything, I always noticed the love between him and Marsha – they were devoted to each other.”

Social Worker Jeff Carlson said, “It was my privilege to have James as one of my longest running LightHouse clients. Above all, James was a kind and gentle man who was respectful toward his fellow clients and LightHouse staff. James worked hard to do the right thing.”

And from LightHouse CEO Bryan Bashin, “James was an articulate and longtime member of many of our senior programs, and his passing leaves a big gap. James attended every Dialogue with the Director meeting since I have been at the LightHouse, and was a loving advocate and kind friend to me personally. In our last meeting James told me about his working at LightHouse Industries at least back into the 1970s and I marveled that the LightHouse and James had touched each other’s lives for forty years and more. James has many friends and it is hard to imagine senior activities here without him.”

Source: A Tribute to James Macchi

Amy’s interest in going to these meetings was like a lot of other blind jobseekers. She generally knew what she wanted to do with her next employment step, but somehow she thought she might learn a little something extra by getting a direct personal connection with successful blind peers. The beauty of the Jobsite Conversation Series has been to show, in concrete form, how blind jobseekers with vague or unrealized dreams of employment can actually achieve those goals.

“I was thinking about starting my own business but I was also ready to settle for a more stable position in customer service with the IRS,” Gac says. “I was also considering taking an admin position in construction since I worked in Purchasing and Estimating for many years.”

But that fateful day in November brought Amy in contact with current LightHouse Board member Gena Harper, who is a financial advisor with MorganStanley SmithBarney. While talking with Gena, Amy found a focus for her ambition. She zeroed in on becoming a financial advisor. “I have always been interested in starting my own business and I knew that MorganStanley SmithBarney has a fantastic training program. I saw Gena, who is a very happy, confident, and capable woman, as a role model. And the [potential income] didn’t hurt either.”

Things moved rapidly from there. Says Amy, “I made a follow-up call to Gena the next day, and we met for lunch the following week. Then Gena arranged for me to meet her boss. [Finally], after a career suitability test and a series of interviews, I received a job offer to become a financial advisor.”

Passing the Series 7 exam will allow Amy to legally trade securities on behalf of her employer. She is confident she will pass the exam and thinks she will do well in her new job. “Cold calling doesn’t make me nervous and I enjoy working with numbers.” Once she passes the exam, she figures the hardest aspect of the job will be making sales goals. As she launches into her new career, Amy has many resources at her fingertips. Along with the coaching and mentoring she has been getting from her trainers, she uses adaptive equipment such as ZoomText and magnification to get the job done.

We are so proud that our Jobsite Conversation Series provided Amy with such an important connection and we wish her the best of luck. If you or someone you know is interested in partnering with our Employment Immersion program to get to work, contact Kate Williams at kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7324.

Source: LightHouse Student Gets Opportunity of a Lifetime or How A Jobsite Conversation Turned into a Real Job

How the LightHouse found, secured and outfitted our new employment building is a study in collaboration and community connections. Over the last two years we identified an opportunity to expand our existing product line by collaborating with other partners, requiring a building quadruple the size of the one we’ve operated – and paid monthly rent for — in West Oakland for 23 years. We set competing teams of commercial real estate brokers scouring the East Bay looking for sites that were close to BART and AC transit and yet still in a 24-hour safe location.

For a year we found many good commercial buildings but none which were affordable and yet safe. Eventually Tim and David Tran, our commercial brokers from Fremont’s Ivy Group began literally knocking on doors of quality commercial buildings which weren’t even listed for sale. That’s when they met Charles Travers who owned the building we have just purchased at 14680 Washington Avenue in San Leandro. Mr. Travers bought the building with his father four decades ago and over the years has housed many light industrial tenants. One of the building’s claims to fame is that it was the site of the original Shakey’s Pizza restaurant.

Mr. Travers immediately saw the public spirit of our project – building a place where blind workers can perform on federal and private contracts with a wide variety of products and services. Before long he was visiting our existing West Oakland factory, armed with power meters to ensure that our machinery could operate on the electrical power of the proposed new building. It turns out that Mr. Travers is a lifelong philanthropist, serving on the UC Berkeley Foundation, the Commonwealth Club Board of Directors, and with deep interests in the SPCA and other worthy causes. As we got to know one another in the spirit of philanthropy, Mr. Travers made an outstanding tax-deductible charitable donation by lowering the purchase price of the building by $550,000. This was the first of a string of many of his kind contributions to our effort, from replacing a roll-up door to painting and repairing a myriad of small details – all without charge. This month we took possession of the building and moved our 23-year factory operations into it in record speed.

Help and donations from the wider community are now pouring in. As Levi-Strauss remodeled its San Francisco headquarters they donated about $100,000 worth of high-end office furniture to the new building, instantly outfitting a half-dozen offices, and the break room, conference center and file storage. The City of San Leandro is constructing an accessible pedestrian signal at a nearby corner to aid in crossing busy Washington Avenue. Various energy conservation organizations and contractors in San Leandro are interested in helping with energy-efficient lighting and installing additional skylights. And many business people have expressed interest in joining a new Community Advisory Council for the San Leandro employment center. Things have never looked so bright for such operations.

LightHouse staff planned, coordinated and executed to make the move possible. Plant manager Skip Foster devised innovative ways to move dozens of tons of machinery, raw materials and storage racks and place them in an efficient manner in the new location. LightHouse IT Manager Brian Hardy spent days wiring up telephone and internet connectivity in the half-acre building, consuming a half-mile of cable and mounting conduit and cable runs two stories in the air from the cab of a cherry picker. And LightHouse Chief Operating Officer Jerry Bernstein coordinated a small army of painters, carpet installers, locksmiths, plumbers, carpenters and others to do the initial build-out and habitability of the site. Congratulations to all who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in our first month of operation.

The new building is as long as two football fields and sports a unique Filipino restaurant at one end. On Friday and Saturday nights the place is full of people enjoying karaoke with its own dance floor, full bar and 260-seat capacity. Beyond the restaurant are a series of five large industrial bays, each one containing small business offices. The 26-foot high ceilings give the complex a lofty appearance and will be ideal for massive storage of raw materials and inventory.

So what’s the plan after our move-in is complete? Partnering, partnering, partnering. The LightHouse is in active planning with the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind to bring new types of manufacturing to San Leandro. Seattle Lighthouse has a half-century of experience with producing demanding products for the federal government, the Boeing Company and others and will share its industrial development and management with us in San Leandro. The National Industries for the Blind (NIB) organization is also exploring ways it can support new government and private contracts in our space. We’re also partnering with other private firms and organizations to bring an accessible contact center to the building. And we may find new opportunities to connect with Bay Area high-tech firms to jointly produce goods or services direct from our new location. That connectivity will be a hallmark of our San Leandro operation, and if you know of a business opportunity please don’t hesitate to contact us directly to make the connection.

The vast space will also make possible new teaching and training opportunities. We are exploring uses of the building from traditional tech training to after-school tutoring and art studio possibilities. The open-ended nature of so much space has sparked the imagination of our rehab and community services staff and we’re certain we can build innovative programs there which match our community’s real needs.

We still need many things and many partners. We’ll need painting contractors to do new painting of our concrete floor. We’ll need a community organization to build a lovely outdoor protective enclosure for employee guide dogs. We’ll want the services of carpenters, plumbers, and people familiar with industrial processes. And in particular we are looking for several donated large box vans with which we can haul supplies and equipment.

By purchasing the building the LightHouse underscores that we will be vigorously in the employment business far into the future, and our strong footprint in the East Bay is a natural reflection of the fact that for many decades the majority of LightHouse training clients actually live there. Look ahead for a grand Grand Opening party in the fall of 2012!

Source: A New Building for Building Employment in the East Bay

The ScripTalk Station provides those who cannot read print a safe and easy way to access the information on their prescriptions. Simply press a button and place the special Talking Label over the reader. A pleasant, natural sounding voice speaks all the information printed on the label.

When you sign-up for the Walmart program, you’ll get a free ScripTalk reader and be able to take advantage of the low prices of Walmart Mail Service. Many private insurance companies and state Medicaid services will cover Walmart Mail Order.

For more information on how to enroll in this program and to get your free ScripTalk Station reader, please contact En-Vision America at 800-890-1180.

Source: Walmart Mail Order Pharmacy Now Offers ScripTalk Talking Prescriptions

When: Tuesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Apple Store, San Francisco
One Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-0202

Please visit www.apple.com/sanfrancisco for additional details. Reservation is not required.

Source: Accessibility Out of the Box With The LightHouse, San Francisco

If your answer to these questions is yes then come on over to the LightHouse and jam with us. Even if you only know a few chords or can only hum a few bars, we can make beautiful music together. Whatever you play and however you play it, we’d like you to join us.

When:  Fourth Thursday of the month (beginning April 26^th), 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Cost:     Nothing, this is a free event  (just bring your instrument or voice)
Who:    Anyone between the ages of 16 to 55

For more information, contact Brandon Young at byoung@lighthouse-sf.org  or 415-694-7372.

Source: Calling All Musicians

Source: Read well with Enhanced Vision

LightHouse for the Blind and Environmental Traveling Companions have combined forces to bring this awesome mega-trip to you. We will start the adventure in Sausalito and paddle three miles across San Francisco Bay to the “Jewel of the Bay”, Angel Island. Groups will stay overnight in a lovely and accessible Victorian house. We’ll cook on a wood-burning stove and eat family-style in the formal dining room. Stunning views of the Bay Area and (potential) close encounters with marine wildlife round out this adventure in our own backyard.

RSVP By May 14, 2012. Space is limited.

To sign-up or to get more information about this amazing trip, including details about transportation, please contact Brandon Young at byoung@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372.

Source: Kayaking / Angel Island Adventure

Source: LightHouse News – Spring 2012 – Apr-Jun 2012

Source: Bill Barker’s Braille Radio Reading Room – April 2012

In April and May, representatives from Enhanced Vision will be at the LightHouse to present their most current reading devices so that you can see what works for you.

When: Friday, April 27 at LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
When: Friday, May 11 at LightHouse of Marin, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

If you have useable vision and are having difficulty reading, this is an event you will not want to miss. Enhanced Vision has recently introduced some exciting new products that include “high-definition” video magnification devices in a variety of screen sizes and magnification levels; portable devices that provide both magnification and Text-to-Voice readers; and computer-compatible products that will help you to read again.

If you are not familiar with Enhanced Vision products, please check them out at www.enhancedvision.com.

Be sure to mark your calendar for this opportunity to see and try the latest devices available for people with macular degeneration and other causes of visual impairment. Those attending on April 27th in San Francisco can also can have a sneak-peak of our newly revamped, hands-on store, Adaptations, which offers practical solutions for living actively and independently.

For more information about the LightHouse and Adaptations, call 1-888-400-8933 or visit our website at www.lighthouse-sf.org. And remember to calendar this event!

Source: Hands-on with “Enhanced Vision” Low Vision Products in San Francisco and San Rafael

Dates: The first meeting is on Thursday, April 12. Subsequent classes are on the second Thursday of each month, through September 2012
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

In addition to developing a deeper appreciation for the art of wine by exploring a wide array of vintages, regions and varietals through monthly tastings, this class is also an opportunity for adults between the ages of 21 to 50 to mingle amongst fellow connoisseurs.

For more information about the classes and applicable fees, contact Brandon Young, Community Services Coordinator, at 415-694-7372 or byoung@lighthouse-sf.org, or John Liang, Director of Community Services, at 415-694-7334 or jliang@lighthouse-sf.org.

Source: Wine Appreciation with Sommelier Roy Austin

The purpose of this weekend is to bring together a diverse group of professional service providers working in the field of blindness to exchange ideas and build a network. You will have the opportunity to stay in a lakeside cabin, the lodge or one of our fully accessible cabins next to the dining hall.

When: May 18–20, 2012
Where: Enchanted Hills Retreat

In addition to discussing philosophies, trends and issues we face in providing services for people with visual impairments, you can enjoy the heated swimming pool, a lake for boating, trails for hiking and savory meals provided by a wonderful kitchen staff. You’ll learn from your peers, relax in a natural setting with many recreational opportunities and, most of all, YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME! For information and reservations contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@lighthouse-sf.org.

Source: Make Your Reservation for Provider’s Weekend: May 18–20

When: Thursday, April 12 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. (Please note that this is a deviation from the regularly established schedule.)
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

These informal evenings have proven to be very useful as the LightHouse develops new programs and services. To reserve your place in the dialogue, please contact Chuck Godwin at 415-694-7348 or cgodwin@lighthouse-sf.org by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11.

Source: Dialogue with the Director

Potential highlights of the trip include:

For more information, and pre-registration contact Bob Fenton at: bfenton@actcom.co.il.

Source: Summer Experience in Israel for Blind and Visually Impaired Youth

This free Professional Development Workshop is designed to provide a stimulating interactive environment for up to 20 participants (minimum of 15). The experienced instructors understand print disabilities and bring relevant expertise and related technology experience into their delivery, using effective teaching strategies that challenge and engage all learners.

As a result, you will have deeper insight and greater knowledge around:

Space is limited so sign up before Monday April 9.

For information about registering, please contact Theresa Stern (formally Duncan) at: tstern@guidedogs.com. Please put “NCAER BOOKSHARE REGISTRATION” in the subject line.

Source: Bookshare Professional Development Workshop

Source: Free Medical Services at the Oakland Coliseum

This is an in-person tech seminar—our typical live streaming and phone options will not be available. Seating is limited so RSVP now to: rsvp@lighthouse-sf.org.

Location:
LightHouse for the Blind
214 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102

Source: Accessibility Out of the Box: A Tech Seminar

• Difficulty finding the machines to tag your Clipper Card when riding BART or Caltrain
• Difficulty determining if you have properly tagged your card
• Trouble using your Clipper Card on another local transit system
• Difficulty registering your Regional Transit Connection Card (RTC) on the Clipper Card website

You can participate in the discussion in either San Francisco or Berkeley. To RSVP contact Beth Berenson at bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org.

San Francisco
April 19: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Berkeley
May 8: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
LightHouse satellite office at the Ed Roberts Campus
3075 Adeline St., Ste. 110, Berkeley

Source: Focus Groups for Blind and Visually Impaired Clipper Card Users

Source: Accessibility Problems with your Citibank Account?

Description

Source: Employment Opportunities – Manager, Advocacy – California

Join the LightHouse for the Blind, National Federation of the Blind of California, California Association of Blind Students, University of California, Davis, chemistry department, TPG Capital, and up to 15 blind and low vision high school students for an educational, exciting and fun-filled weekend of science.

Join the LightHouse for the Blind, National Federation of the Blind of California, California Association of Blind Students, University of California Davis Chemistry Department, TPG Capital, and up to 15 blind and low vision high school students for an educational, exciting and fun-filled weekend of science.

Where: Enchanted Hills Camp, 3410 Mount Veeder Rd., Napa, CA 94558
Who: Up to 15 blind high school students ages 14 to 18 will be selected to participate
Cost: There is no cost to apply for the program
Application deadline has been extended to April 5, 2012.

To read more about Chemistry Camp and apply online today, visit http://sixdots.org/2012/02/2012-chemistry-camp/. All applications will be reviewed, and each applicant will be informed whether he or she has been accepted. Travel to and from camp will be provided.

Read about last year’s Chemistry Camp here: http://conta.cc/youthandmentors2011.

Source: High School Chemistry Camp to be Bigger and Better than Ever – Deadline to Apply is April 5

When: Saturday, March 17, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Contact: Brandon Young, byoung@lighthouse-sf.org, 415-694-7372

Refreshments (chai and strawberries) will be served. RSVPs are encouraged.

Source: St. Patrick’s Day Yoga Workshop at the LightHouse

“I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to support the LightHouse for the Blind last weekend. Our students enjoyed their experience, and we greatly appreciate the transportation and lunch you provided.” — Chad Zibelman, buildOn

Editor’s note: If you know of a company team with skills in contracting, electrical, heating, plumbing or other construction expertise, we’ll always find important work for them to do to help our blind community. At camp they can stay overnight, enjoy nature, and bond with each other and our staff. Please contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@lighthouse-sf.org to see how the skills your company might take for granted could be of enormous help for our camp and facilities.

Source: Date Change: Volunteer at Enchanted Hills – Now on April 7

If you are blind, at least 18 years of age, a legal resident of California and have never been to an NFB national convention, then you may qualify to receive $500 to go to your first one. (Minors will be considered only with the understanding that they MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and that there will be no additional grant funds to supplement the additional individual.)

How to Apply
The grantee will be selected by the board of the East Bay Chapter and notified thereafter. Submissions must be received/postmarked by March 16^th, 2012. Electronic submissions should be emailed to nfbceastbay@gmail.com. Please include “Grant for Dallas” in the subject line. Print or braille submissions are also welcome and should be mailed to Serena Olsen, President, NFBC East Bay, 34904 Herringbone Ct., Union City, CA 94587.

Please provide your name, address, phone number and email. In 50 words or less, write something fun or interesting about yourself and in 250 words or less, answer the following two questions:

• Why is attending national convention important to you?
• What kinds of things do you hope to learn from the national convention experience?

If selected, preliminary expenses (airfare, registration, etc.) must be covered by the grantee. Grant funds will be disbursed upon arrival at the convention. By accepting the grant, you are committed to attending the rookie roundup, general session, banquet and a local chapter meeting immediately following convention to share your experience.

About Convention
Every year, 3,000 people from around the country—and even from around the world—attend the NFB national convention. The convention agenda is action-packed and filled with workshops, seminars, division meetings and great speakers on just about any blindness-related topic you can imagine. From sports and recreation to education, from lawyers to guide dog users, from cane travel to braille, from assistive technology to employment, you’ll find students, working blind professionals and mentors and make lasting friendships and connections. To learn more go to http://www.nfb.org/nfb/national_convention.asp.

Source: Scholarship to Attend NFB Convention in Dallas – Apply by March 16

Since 1997, the AAF has provided popular and award-winning children’s books, including titles from popular series, to blind children throughout the United States, as well as to libraries and other organizations that serve blind children.

The books have been and will continue to be distributed by mail, but now readers and libraries will be able to download them from the American Action Fund website. The BRF files are ready to be used on braille notetakers and other braille-aware devices.

For more information visit their site.

Source: American Action Fund Free Braille Books Program

This exciting three-day workshop promises to be an enriching and educational experience for anyone interested in learning the skills necessary for vocational, academic and personal success. Participants will explore, discuss and engage in a wide variety of adventurous and interactive activities covering such topics as:

•        Team-building
•        Ways to build group cooperation
•        Effective verbal, non-verbal, written and aural communication
•        Effective problem-solving
•        Conflict resolution
•        Leadership skills
•        Strategic planning
•        Goal-setting
•        Networking
•        Time management

Transition Summit 2012 is a fun-filled event including activities such as “Survival Hike,” Role Playing, Evening Team-Building Ropes Course, Tug-of-Wits (variation of tug-of-war) that you won’t want to miss!

When: Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6, 2012
Where: Enchanted Hills Camp, Napa, California
**Space is limited to 20 participants
Deadline to apply: April 15, 2012
 
There is no cost to apply for the summit; however, a referral and authorization from your Department of Rehabilitation counselor must be submitted with your application. 

Read about last year’s Transition Summit here.

For more information please contact John Liang, Director of Community Services, at jliang@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7334.

Source: 16- to 24-Year-Olds Will Learn How to Work and Play on a Team at This Year’s Transition Summit

Travelers may call TSA Cares toll-free at 1-855-787 2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, excluding federal holidays.

When a passenger with a disability or medical condition calls TSA Cares, a representative will provide assistance, either with information about screening that is relevant to the passenger’s specific disability or medical condition, or the passenger may be referred to disability experts at TSA.

TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel so that TSA Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager located at the airport when necessary.

More information about TSA Cares is available here.

Source: TSA Helpline for Travelers with Disabilities

Source: Bill Barker’s Braille Radio Reading Room – March 2012

Our next jobsite excursion will take place on Friday, March 9. Our meeting is with Gene Chelberg, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at San Francisco State University.

Gene received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where he helped establish the country’s first cultural center for disabled students. After graduating in 1992, Chelberg stayed on to become Assistant Director for Disability Services and later ran a program for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of the university community.

Prior to becoming SFSU’s Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Gene was the Director of SF State’s Disability Programs and Resource Center, where he led efforts to create accessible learning, working and living environments for SF State students with disabilities.

Gene also holds an executive master’s degree in management and disability services from the University of San Francisco, has consulted for the National Endowment for the Arts, and served as program chair for the 30th International Conference of the Association of Higher Education and Disability.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 6th, as space is limited.

To register for the Jobsite Conversation Series, or to find out more about it, please contact:

Rich Russo
Community Services Program Coordinator
(415) 694-7352
rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org

Source: Sign Up by March 6 for This Week’s Jobsite Series Visit

Highlights include:

• Art Studio for a Day: Watch art demonstrations and artists at work
• Docent tours of the museum, including tours in which blind and visually impaired visitors can touch certain three-dimensional works on exhibit
• iPad self-guided tours for the visually impaired
• Art Slam, a slideshow of artwork created by disabled artists

The event is free to people who make a reservation before March 22. To make a reservation or to request additional information or specific accommodations, contact Tish Brown, Accessibility Coordinator at the de Young, at 415-750-7645 or tbrown@famsf.org.

Source: Access Advisors Open House and Disability Arts Festival

This project involves completing three questionnaire packets and three brief writing sessions.　The packets will take approximately 60 minutes each to complete. After completing the survey at home, participants will receive their topic for writing. There will be two follow-up surveys three and six weeks after the final writing session. Upon full completion of the study, participants will be entered in a lottery for a prize basket.

If you meet the qualifications and would like to participate, please click the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PHFTSLL.

This project has been reviewed by the University of Houston Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects, which can be reached at 713-743-9204.

Source: Study Seeks Adults with Stargardt’s Disease

Essays must be written by contest participants in English or their native language in braille and must be completely original in nature. Entries should be no fewer than 800 words and no more than 1,000 words in length. There will be two groups of competitors: a junior group, age 25 and under; and a senior group, age 26 and up.

Essay topics:
1. How do you acquire knowledge and information through braille or audio devices? (Illustrate with some interesting personal stories/episodes.)
2. How can blind persons become independent by learning braille or music?
3. Individual concept about world peace from the viewpoint of persons with disabilities.

All essays must be received by April 30, 2012.

Visit http://nfb.org/onkyo-braille-essay-contest for more information and an application. Please contact Trisha Tatam at 410-659-9314 (ext. 2510) or ttatam@nfb.org with any questions.

Source: Entries Due April 30 for Onkyo Braille Essay Contest

The Fellowship now offers a new, shorter path to employment.  Along with the traditional, 20-month path, applicants also will be considered for a new path.  During the application process, candidates can interview for either or both paths – the candidate’s experience, academic background, skill set and interests will determine eligibility and placement in a particular path.

Legally blind individuals who have an undergraduate degree or higher, work experience, and passion for business are invited to apply. Fellows are selected based on academic achievement, experience, motivation, references and interviews.

Apply now!

For Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.  Read FAQs before applying.

For the Fellowship Application Form, please click here. 

Source: Employment Development Opportunity: Fellowship for Leadership Development

Source: LightHouse Labs

When: Saturday, March 10, 2012, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: California State Capitol, Room 317, 1400 10th St., Sacramento, CA 95814

There is a parking garage at 10^th and K. Parking is approximately $5 for the duration of the seminar.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Angela Fowler at 530-902-0987 or via email at fowlers@syix.com.

Source: NFB California Announces 2012 Blind Parents’ Seminar

Our next jobsite excursion will take place on Wednesday, February 29th. Our meeting is with John Debenedetti, President and CEO of California Center for Sleep Disorders.

Since receiving an undergraduate biology degree from Stanford University and an MBA from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, John has focused exclusively on healthcare-related businesses, including medical devices, biotechnology and healthcare services companies. His business experience includes cardiac testing services, pulmonary and home medical services, and sleep disorders testing. John also serves on the board of the UCSF Department of Ophthalmology, is a San Francisco native and is an avid sports participant and fan.

Please RSVP by Monday, February 27th, as space is limited.

To register for the Jobsite Conversation Series, or to find out more about it, please contact:

Rich Russo
Community Services Program Coordinator
(415) 694-7352
rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org

Source: RSVP by Feb. 27 for Jobsite Series Visit to California Center for Sleep Disorders

To read the scholarship guidelines and complete an online application, please visit www.cclvi.org and click on the “Scholarship” link. Applications will be available to submit online until March 15 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Questions may be directed to CCLVI at 800-733-2258.

Dr. Sam Genensky Video Magnifier Memorial Award
CCLVI also announces the Dr. Sam Genensky Video Magnifier Memorial Awards. A total of five video magnifiers will be awarded to at least two students (K–12, undergraduate, graduate and vocational levels) and two non-students (adults and seniors). All materials must be received by March 31.

To read the award guidelines and complete an online application, please visit www.cclvi.org and click on the “About Our Scholarships” link. Applications will be available to submit online until March 31 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. To receive a hard copy application, please call 800-733-2258.

Source: Applications Available for CCLVI Scholarships and Video Magnifier Awards

Who: Blind and low vision teens, parents and family members, TVIs, counselors and service providers

Where: Junior Blind of America’s new office, 11th floor, The Leamington Building, 1814 Franklin Street (cross street is 19th), Oakland, CA 94612 (one block from the 19^th Street BART station and near several AC Transit bus lines)

Dates and Times:
Thursday, February 23, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
or
Saturday, February 25, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Details:
It will be a casual setting. Guests do not need to stay the entire time. There will be light refreshments and giveaways.

For more information on these Open House dates or to request a Junior Blind presentation for students, parents and teachers in your area, please call Richard Rueda at 888-400-4522, ext. 460, or visit www.juniorblind.org.

Source: Junior Blind of America Student Transition & Enrichment Program Open House Feb. 23, 25