TSA Launches New Toll Free Number for Air Travelers with Disabilities

TSA Launches New Toll Free Number for Air Travelers with Disabilities

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a new helpline number for air travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. You can call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 before you travel for answers to questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA recommends that passengers call about 72 hours before traveling so that when needed, TSA Cares can coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager at the airport.

--Posted by Derek@ILRCSF

CforAT seeks blind or low vision product testers, $100 per session.

A message from CforAT:

The Center for Accessible Technology (CforAT) currently has several clients who are looking to do testing of products with low vision and blind users, and we're looking for people who might be interested in participating. This will all be happening in January, and the testers will be paid for their time (generally $100 per session, which tend to last anywhere between 45 to 90 minutes).

The testing is on a couple different things: a new e-Reader, the design of a company's bill, and some website designs. Each session will focus on only one product, however, so there could be multiple opportunities for participation. The testing will most likely take place at the Ed Roberts Campus, though there may be some opportunities to do testing in San Francisco.

If you are a low vision or blind adult (18 and older) who might be interested in participating, send me a private email and I will give you the specifics.
---
Dmitri Belser, Executive Director
Center for Accessible Technology
3075 Adeline, Suite 220
Berkeley, California 94703
510/841-3224 ext. 2012 - phone
510/841-7956 - fax
http://cforat.org
http://atcoalition.org


Posted by Amber @ ILRCSF

Job Posting: Marketing and Development Consultant for Assistive Technology Re-use

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Marketing and Development Consultant

December 19, 2011

Dear Interested Parties:

The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, Inc. (CFILC) seeks a qualified Marketing and Development Consultant to assist in identifying and acquiring revenue to support the California Assistive Technology Re-use Coalition (CATRC). 

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:

The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, Inc. (CFILC) is a non-profit membership organization representing 25 of California’s community-based, peer-operated Independent Living Centers.  CFILC and its members advocate and act to remove barriers to independence for Californians with disabilities.

CFILC operates the AT Network program under contract with the California Department of Rehabilitation. The AT Network exists to connect Californians with disabilities to the assistive technology (AT) they need. AT Network programs and services include:

·                    Statewide information and referral on assistive technology issues;

·                    AT training for AT Network members and for all Californians;

·                    AT Re-use Initiative; and

·                    13 AT device loan centers located throughout California.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AT RE-USE COALITION (CATRC)

The CATRC represents several diverse organizations that collectively focus on promoting the re-use of assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME) within California. AT / DME are devices, technologies, and products which assist people with disabilities – either permanent or temporary – to lead more engaged, active, and healthy lives.  The Coalition has a broad charter to educate and engage various constituents in the numerous benefits of AT / DME re-use. Some of the numerous benefits of AT/DME re-use include financial benefits for individuals, significant positive impact to healthcare costs, and the availability of much needed AT / DME to a broader range of consumers, and significant positive impact to the environment.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Marketing and Development Consultant will work closely with the leadership of CATRC to research and identify funding sources supporting the agenda of CATRC.  Sources of funding may include grants, sponsorships, fee for service, donations, contracts, in-kind gifts, et al.

The Consultant will work with the Re-use Coalition to initiate contacts with potential funding sources and support the efforts of the Coalition by providing feedback and leads for potential funders. The Marketing and Development Consultant will work in collaboration with the Capacity Development Committee, and will provide monthly reports regarding contract deliverables and invoices to CFILC.

Within one month of contracting for services, the selected Consultant will present:

·                    A plan that describes how additional resources can be raised. The plan will

include a timeline to conclude June 30, 2012; and

·                    List potential funding sources likely to support efforts of the coalition including foundations, corporations, individuals and others that are a good match for the mission of the coalition.

From month two through the end of the contract period, consultant will research and write proposals. All potential proposal ideas will be pre-approved by the Capacity Development Committee before proposal work begins. All completed proposals will be approved by the Committee at least one week before the submission deadline.

PROPOSAL CONTENT

In three pages, briefly provide:

·                    A history of your company, including number of years in business, and

credentials of principle staff;

·                    A  summary of your experience developing similar plans for non-profit

organizations with emphasis on proposals in the disability community; including        three references and contact information;

·                    A summary of your knowledge and understanding of producing proposals for

funding of projects/programs;

·                    Writing sample not to exceed three pages that may or may not include grant proposals, donation appeals or corporate solicitations (not included in proposal three page limit);

·                    Budget and budget narrative proposal with all items including a narrative

statement and rationale. 

SELECTION PROCESS

This RFP is not a commitment to contract for services.  CFILC reserves the right to reject any and all responses without cause.   A contractor will be considered based on review of the information within proposals, quality of samples provided, contacts with references, costs, and other budgetary and time considerations.

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL AND TIMELINE

CFILC will accept emailed responses to the Request for Proposal until January 16^th, 2012. Responses received after that time and date will not be considered. The expected contract award date is February 15, 2012. Final award of the contract is based on the availability of funds.

Please email proposals to: rfp@cfilc.org with the subject line: AT Network RFP Response Marketing and Development Consultant. Questions about this RFP are encouraged and should be addressed to Kim Cantrell, Director of Programs, CFILC at 916-325-190 ext. 315 or kim@cfilc.org. All inquiries will be answered within three business days and should be submitted no later than January 9th, 2012.

Posted by Amber @ ILRCSF

Expanding our community vision through device lending

Check out the Assistive Technology Network’s blog to read Derek Zarda’s post about recent AT device loans from the Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco..

Loans of portable ramps, laptops and reading pens have been instrumental in helping an SF City College student, a local muralist, and a nonprofit serving seniors complete their projects and attain new goals.

http://atnetworkblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/expanding-our-community-vision-with-new.html

--Posted by Amber @ ILRCSF

ILRCSF Featured on AT Network's Blog

Recently, I wrote a blog post for the AT Network, which is a state-wide organization that oversees AT advocates and AT programs in California, about our new Assistive Technology Device Lending Library program. Earlier today, they posted my entry on their web site. I thanked them for the opportunity to promote our center’s new AT DLL program. 

Below is an excerpt with a link to the AT Network site to read the rest. For those interested in our AT Device Lending Library Program, please contact Derek at 415-543-6222 or by email at derek@ilrcsf.org.

Expanding our Community, Vision with new AT DLLBy Derek Zarda, Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco

"Being the newest Assistive Technology Device Lending Library (DLL) on the AT Network, I can say that these past few months following its inception here at ILRCSF have been truly remarkable. We at ILRCSF are very thankful for the opportunity to participate in this program and provide AT devices not just to consumers locally, but also throughout the AT Network’s DLL centers. Continue Reading

-- Posted by Derek @ ILRCSF

Call for Art Slam 2012 entries

Call for Entries

Art Slam 2012

Open House and Disabilities Art Festival

de Young Museum, San Francisco

Slide Exhibition of Art by Artists with Disabilities

Summary

Art Slam 2012, our fifth slide exhibition of art by artists with disabilities, has

been developed in partnership with the Access Advisors of the Fine Arts

Museums of San Francisco and the Art and Disabilities Network.

The theme for Art Slam 2012 is Disability: Experience, Feelings, Politics,

Realities. Artists are asked to address that theme in their work and

statement, if possible. The show will include one work and a brief artist’s

statement that will be screened alongside each artwork. Up to 200 artists

are expected to participate.

Art Slam 2012 will be shown in the Koret Auditorium at the de Young

Museum on Saturday, March 31, during the Access Advisors Open House

and Disability Arts Festival. There will be a preliminary screening on

Thursday, March 29. Thereafter, Art Slam will be available on the de Young

Museum website.

How to Enter

Eligibility: There is no entry fee. Art Slam 2012 is open to all artists with

disabilities who are at least 18 years old.

Review Process: Unjuried. Each artist submits one work that will be

accepted if it meets the specifications listed:

1. Media: two-dimensional and three-dimensional visual art.

2. Artwork entry may be sent one of two ways:

a. Preferred format: The artwork being submitted is represented by

a digital image, JPG format, derived from a professional scan at

4 x 6 in. and 300 dpi. (Artworks or photos can be scanned at

most copy shops.) Send electronically to: artslam2012@famsf.org.

b. If you cannot obtain or e-mail a professional scan, please send a

4 x 6 in. or 5 x 7 in. glossy print according to these specifications:

i. Digital cameras: Set camera at highest JPG setting and produce

a glossy print made in above sizes at resolution of 300 dpi.

ii. Film cameras: Send a glossy print in above sizes.

Mail glossy print to: Art Slam 2012,

de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive,

San Francisco, CA 94118.

3. Entry must include:

a. Completion of entry form that includes name of the artist, year work

was created, medium, and dimensions.

b. Artist statement of up to 45 words that includes how disability does or

does not inform the work of the artist.

c. Signed artist’s agreement

Deadlines: All entries must be postmarked no later than Tuesday,

January 31, 2012. Only 200 entries can be accommodated, and they

will be accepted in the order received. By February 15, 2012, we will

inform artists if their work is to be included in Art Slam.

Liability: All reasonable care will be taken with all submitted materials.

The de Young Museum and its officers, staff, or anyone connected with

Art Slam 2012 will not be responsible for loss or damage. Your entry into

Art Slam 2012 constitutes agreement with these terms and conditions.

Art Slam 2012 Entry Form (please print)

Name (last) ______________________(first) _____________________________

Address ________________________ City ____________________________

State __________________________ Zip Code _________ Country__________

Phone _________________________ E-mail ___________________________

Title of artwork ____________________ Medium _________________________

Dimensions______________________ Year artwork was created _______________

Artist Statement

(up to 45 words, including your perspective as an artist with a disability)

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Artist’s Agreement

I, sole producer and copyright holder of the work I have submitted, shall indemnify and hold harmless the de Young Museum and its officers, directors, staff, and everyone connected with Art Slam 2012 from and/or against any and all claims and losses. I am responsible for carrying out the sales of my artwork.

Permission to reproduce the artwork in a catalogue and/or for publicity purposes is granted. Organizers of Art Slam 2012 have final curatorial and installation authority.

I have read and agree to the above terms and conditions:

Signature: ________________________ Date: ____________________________

I verify that I am 18 years old or older as of the date indicated above.

Entry Checklist

Submission (digital file or glossy print)

Completed entry form

Artist statement

Signed artist’s agreement

If you have questions, contact:

tbrown@famsf.org or 415.750.7645

Posted by Amber @ ILRCSF

Free Webinar for "Ticket To Work" Benefits Program

For those interested in learning more about the "Ticket to Work" work incentive program, the Social Security Administration is hosting a informational webinar that's free to attend. More information below. Also, for those living in San Francisco, we offer workshops on the "Ticket to Work" program. To find out more info on our workshops, call 415-543-6222. For those outside of SF, make sure to contact your local Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWIC), which you can locate by looking through the service directory  on the SSA web site.



Registration for Work Incentive Seminars (WISE)

Are you interested in learning about how work will affect your Social Security benefits?

If you are interested in learning about the Ticket to Work Program or Work Incentives, you can attend a free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE).

WISE are community events held by local organizations for beneficiaries to learn about the Ticket to Work Program and available Work Incentives through accessible, informal, learning opportunities. You can also attend a national online webinar.

To attend a local WISE or an online WISE webinar, click here for more info.

Posted by Derek @ ILRCSF