VISIONS 2nd Annual Employment & Technology Institute - Program Guide

Building Your Future 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008 through Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Funded in part by Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation

Co-sponsored by eSight Careers Network

Tech Trip - click here for information on the overnight Tech Trip and Exhibit Hall
Sunday, July 27, 2008 through Monday, July 28, 2008

Schedule of Events

Thursday, 7/24

10:00AM
Charter buses depart Selis Manor (135 W. 23rd Street in Manhattan) promptly at 10:00 AM. Participants should plan to arrive at Selis Manor no later than 9:30 AM in order to secure their spot on the bus.

12:00 PM
Participants arrive at VCB and are escorted to the dining hall for lunch.

1:00 - 3:00 PM
Participants check-in to their rooms, and are given a general orientation to the facility by VISIONS professional staff.

3:15 - 5:30 PM
Overview of VISIONS New Way-finding System
Description: In response to feedback from last year's Institute attendees, VISIONS has partnered with Touch Graphics to develop an all-new way-finding system that will help you navigate the 35-acre campus at VCB with independent ease and confidence. Join us for the unveiling of this exciting new way-finding system that combines an electronic audio-tactile map with hardcopy materials. Steven Landau, Research Director of Touch Graphics, and the winner of the 2007 Louis Braille "Touch of Genius Award" from the National Braille Press, will offer participants an orientation to the system, which will then be available throughout the remainder of the 5 day event. VCB staff will continue to collect participant feedback throughout the Institute. Don't miss your chance to contribute your design ideas to this unique research project!

6:00 - 7:00 PM
Dinner

7:00 - 8:00 PM
Keynote Address
Description: Despite being totally blind, Ed Lucas has worked as a reporter/broadcaster covering the New York area sports scene since 1964. Ed's success in this highly competitive field, which, for many, would seem to require good eyesight, has contributed to his reputation as a motivational speaker. This summer, we are proud to bring you the funny, inspirational, thought-provoking stories of Ed Lucas, the keynote speaker for VISIONS 2nd Annual Employment & Technology Institute.

Friday, 7/25

8:00 - 9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:30 - 11:00 AM

Selection A: A Plethora of Portable Devices
Description: This session will introduce participants to a variety of notetakers, accessible cell phones, and other portable devices including the K-NFB Reader, Maestro PDA, Trekker GPS, and BrailleNote PK from Humanware, the Braille Plus from the American Printing House for the Blind, and the BrailleLite Millennium 18. Participants will have an opportunity to explore these devices through guided hands-on exercises. Open to everyone.
Facilitators: Carl Jacobsen, President/National Federation of the Blind of New York; Mindy Jacobsen, Adjunct Instructor/VISIONS

Selection B: Speaking with Confidence
Description: It is critical to present yourself with confidence and pride when speaking to potential employers and business colleagues. This session will offer tips for building confidence, improving diction, grammar and pronunciation.
Facilitator: Bev Thompson, Placement Services Coordinator/VISIONS

Selection C: Online Career Interest Inventories
Description: It is sometimes difficult for job-seekers to match their interests, skills, and abilities to a specific industry or job title. This session will introduce participants to a number of online resources that can help them pinpoint the proper career path. This hands-on workshop will be held in the Computer Center. To enroll in this session, participants must have good keyboarding skills and be independently proficient with their assistive technology configuration. The session is open to both screen-reader and screen-magnification users. Space is limited and not everyone who applies will be admitted.
Facilitators: Michael Cush, Assistant Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS; Rad Mazon, Information Services Associate/VISIONS; Michael Leone, Employment Services Intern/VISIONS

Selection D: Dealing with Employment-Related Anxiety, Disappointment, and Stress
Description: Searching for a job is an extremely stressful activity for anyone; it is all the more difficult for individuals with impaired vision, who often confront discrimination, ignorance, and prejudice. In this highly interactive session, participants will learn how to reduce stress, cope with disappointment, and manage anxiety.
Facilitators: Amanda Slattery, Social Worker/VISIONS; Dawn Suvino, Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Plenary Session: Where's the Growth?
Description: This session provides a basic introduction to today's global economy, describes current labor market trends, and offers suggestions for short- and long-term career planning. Includes time for audience Q&A.
Presenter: Dawn Suvino, Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS

12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch

1:15 - 3:00 PM

Selection A: Resume Review
Description: Workforce professionals will review resumes and cover letters, commenting on both form and content, offering suggestions for revisions. In order to enroll in this session, participants will have had to submit their resume and/or cover letter to VISIONS Institute 2008 prior to Friday, July 18, 2008.
Facilitators: VISIONS Workforce Development staff

Selection B: Dress for Success!
Description: Making a good first impression with a potential employer has a great deal to do with one's appearance. In this session, learn tips on what to wear on a first and second interview, how to accessorize, judicious use of fragrances, how and where to acquire appropriate business attire. This session will speak to issues of concern to both men and women.
Facilitators: Bev Thompson, Placement Services Coordinator/VISIONS; Mindy Jacobsen, Adjunct Instructor/VISIONS

Selection C: A Plethora of Portable Devices
Description: This session will introduce participants to a variety of notetakers, accessible cell phones, and other portable devices including the K-NFB Reader, Maestro PDA, Trekker GPS, and BrailleNote PK from Humanware, the Braille Plus from the American Printing House for the Blind, and BrailleLite Millennium 18. Participants will have an opportunity to explore these devices through guided hands-on exercises. Open to everyone.
Facilitators: Carl Jacobsen, President/National Federation of the Blind of New York; Rad Mazon, Information Services Associate/VISIONS

3:30 - 5:30 PM

Selection A: Navigating the System
Description: This session begins with a panel presentation on advocacy, which includes a discussion of self-advocacy techniques, working to affect systemic change, and an overview of community-based resources. Break out sessions will include interactive discussions, role-plays, and practical exercises on topics such as why/how to disclose your disability, requesting accommodations, individual rights and responsibilities, taking full advantage of career development resources, etc. Moderated by Dawn Suvino, Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS.
Facilitators: Mike Godino, President/American Council of the Blind of New York; Sherry DeFrancesco, Administrative Director/Westchester Disabled on the Move; Carl Jacobsen, President/National Federation of the Blind of New York; Mindy Jacobsen, Adjunct Instructor/VISIONS.

Selection B: Interview Prep
Description: This session will help participants gain competence and confidence in the job interview process by teaching them how to deal with anxiety, understand the interviewer's perspective, anticipate common interviewer questions, and be prepared to deal with difficult or illegal questions.
Facilitators: Bev Thompson, Placement Services Coordinator/VISIONS; Amanda Slattery, Social Worker/VISIONS; Michael Leone, Employment Services Intern/VISIONS

Selection C: Introduction to Customer Service Training
Description: Careers in customer service represent one of the fastest growing employment sectors today. Despite globalization and outsourcing, many companies still maintain large stateside call centers and web-based customer services. This session will introduce participants to VISIONS Blindline vocational training program, which offers trainees hands-on experience in all aspects of the information service including call taking, database maintenance, technical troubleshooting, web design, marketing, and statistical analysis. The session includes a hands-on component which requires participants to have good keyboarding skill and independent proficiency with computer operations, but individuals who do not currently have the skills to participate in the hands-on exercises are welcome to attend as well. Open to both screen-reader and screen-magnification users.
Facilitators: Michael Cush, Assistant Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS; Rad Mazon, Information Services Associate/VISIONS

6:00 - 7:00 PM
Dinner & Door Prizes

7:30 - 9:00 PM

Selection A: More Mobile Devices
Description: This session will introduce participants to several small and highly sophisticated electronic devices including accessible laptops, MP3 players, the PackMate from Freedom Scientific, Code Factory Mobile Speak Smart Phone 2.0, the SmallTalk Ultra, and SenseView from GW Micro. Participants will have an opportunity to explore these devices through guided hands-on exercises. Open to everyone.
Facilitators: Michael Cush, Assistant Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS; Rad Mazon, Information Services Associate/VISIONS

Saturday, 7/26

8:00 - 9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:15 - 11:00 AM

Selection A: Internet for Job-Seekers
Description: Designed for individuals who have considerable experience using the Internet, this workshop will introduce participants to a number of online career resources, including CareerConnect, eSight Careers Network, Job Accommodations Network, NYS Department of Labor, and others. Also included is a discussion of commercial job boards, producing/posting "scannable" resumes, and conducting employment-related background research. Participants must have good keyboarding skill, be independently proficient with their assistive technology configuration, and have a solid understanding of basic web browsing techniques. The session is open to both screen-reader and screen-magnification users. Space is limited and not everyone who applies will be admitted.
Facilitator: Dawn Suvino, Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS

Selection B: System Access To Go
Description: Thanks to a newly formed partnership between the AIR (Accessibility is a Right) Foundation and Serotek Corporation, screen-reading software is now available free of charge to anyone, anytime, anywhere there is an Internet-enabled, Windows-based PC. Users can download Serotek's acclaimed product "System Access To Go" and subsequently use it to interact with popular applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, Adobe Reader, Skype, and many more. In this session, you will learn where to find this free version of System Access To Go, and how to use it effectively. This is a demonstration session, there is no user-based hands-on component. Open to everyone.
Facilitator: John Hess, Technology Services Coordinator/VISIONS

Selection C: The Kurzweil 1000
Description: Kurzweil 1000 is software that makes printed or electronic text readily available to people who are visually impaired. It combines accessibility, communication and productivity tools to ease and enhance the reading, writing, and learning experience. The software speaks text aloud in a variety of natural sounding voices that can be modified to suit individual preferences. In addition, it provides users with document creation and editing, as well as study skills capabilities for note taking, summarizing, and outlining text. Take your reading with you, on-the-go, by sending files to braille notetakers and embossers as well as portable devices such as DAISY and MP3 audio players. This is a demonstration session, there is no user-based hands-on component. Open to everyone.
Facilitator: William Daniels, Computer Instructor/VISIONS

Selection D: Interview Prep
Description: This session will help participants gain competence and confidence in the job interview process by teaching them how to deal with anxiety, understand the interviewer's perspective, anticipate common interviewer questions, and be prepared to deal with difficult or illegal questions.
Facilitators: Bev Thompson, Placement Services Coordinator/VISIONS; Amanda Slattery, Social Worker/VISIONS; Michael Leone, Employment Services Intern/VISIONS

Selection E: Benefits and Work Incentive Programs
Description: Many disabled people are hesitant to work because they fear the loss of their benefits, especially where health insurance is concerned. In this session, participants will learn about the many work incentive programs offered by the Social Security Administration, including ways in which the working disabled can retain health care coverage. Also included is a discussion of the many supports that are available to help you navigate the complexities of the benefits system.
Facilitators: Michael Cush, Assistant Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS; Janice O'Connor, District Office Manager/CBVH Hempstead

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Plenary Session: Financial Literacy
Description: Gain important information about budgeting your salary, setting financial goals, establishing credit while avoiding debt, and planning for retirement. Additionally, a discussion of employee benefit packages (what to look for, understanding the value of fringe benefits, etc.) is included.
Presenter: Natalia Young, Comptroller/VISIONS

12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch

1:15 - 3:00 PM

Selection A: Intro to Excel for Screen-Reader Users
Description: Microsoft Excel is an extremely popular and useful tool, which is often listed as a required skill on job descriptions, from entry level to advanced positions. This session provides participants with a hands-on overview of the program's essential features. Designed for users who have little or no prior experience working with spreadsheet applications, the session will cover basic operational concepts, navigational techniques, and keyboard alternatives. Learn to create/edit worksheets, format cells, insert formulas, sort data, select, copy, and paste. To enroll in this session students must have good keyboarding skills, be independently proficient with Windows navigational commands, and must possess advanced knowledge of their assistive technology. Open exclusively to screen-reader users. Space is limited and not everyone who applies will be admitted.
Facilitator: Dawn Suvino, Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS

Selection B: Apple VoiceOver Accessibility
Description: Two words that have rarely been seen together are "Apple" and "accessibility," but with the release of the VoiceOver screen-reader, that has changed. In this workshop, learn about the many built-in accessibility features of the Mac OS. This is a demonstration session, there is no user-based hands-on component. Open to everyone.
Facilitator: John Hess, Technology Services Coordinator/VISIONS

Selection C: The Kurzweil 1000
Description: Kurzweil 1000 is software that makes printed or electronic text readily available to people who are visually impaired. It combines accessibility, communication, and productivity tools to ease and enhance the reading, writing, and learning experience. The software speaks text aloud in a variety of natural sounding voices that can be modified to suit individual preferences. In addition, it provides users with document creation and editing, as well as study skills capabilities for note taking, summarizing, and outlining text. Take your reading with you, on-the-go, by sending files to braille note takers and embossers as well as portable devices such as DAISY and MP3 audio players. This is a demonstration session, there is no user-based hands-on component. Open to everyone.
Facilitator: William Daniels, Computer Instructor/VISIONS

Selection D: Interview Prep
Description: This session will help participants gain competence and confidence in the job interview process by teaching them how to deal with anxiety, understand the interviewer's perspective, anticipate common interviewer questions, and be prepared to deal with difficult or illegal questions.
Facilitators: Bev Thompson, Placement Services Coordinator/VISIONS; Amanda Slattery, Social Worker/VISIONS; Michael Leone, Employment Services Intern/VISIONS

Selection E: Resume Writing Tips
Description: This session will offer tips on how to write an effective resume. Topics covered will include making a great first impression, what your resume says about you, what to include on your resume, what not to include on your resume, creating multiple versions, language, and style. Designed for the participant who does not have a current resume or has had trouble creating a resume on his/her own.
Facilitators: Michael Cush, Assistant Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS; Janice O'Connor, District Office Manager/CBVH Hempstead

3:15 - 5:00 PM

Selection A: More Mobile Devices
Description: This session will introduce participants to several small and highly sophisticated electronic devices including accessible laptops, MP3 players, the PackMate from Freedom Scientific, Code Factory Mobile Speak Smart Phone 2.0, the SmallTalk Ultra, and SenseView from GW Micro. Participants will have an opportunity to explore these devices through guided hands-on exercises. Open to everyone.
Facilitators: Michael Cush, Assistant Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS; Rad Mazon, Information Services Associate/VISIONS

Selection B: Intro to Windows Vista
Description: Worried about whether you will be able to access the newest operating system from Microsoft? In this session, participants will gain a practical understanding of Windows Vista, learn about its built-in accessibility features, and find-out what the primary differences between this o/s and previous versions are. This is a demonstration session, there is no user-based hands-on component. Open to everyone.
Facilitator: John Hess, Technology Services Coordinator/VISIONS

Selection C: Dealing with Employment-Related Anxiety, Disappointment, and Stress
Description: Searching for a job is an extremely stressful activity for anyone; it is all the more difficult for individuals with impaired vision, who often confront discrimination, ignorance, and prejudice. In this highly interactive session, participants will learn how to reduce stress, cope with disappointment, and manage anxiety.
Facilitator: Amanda Slattery, Social Worker/VISIONS

6:00 - 7:00 PM
Dinner & Door Prizes

Sunday, 7/27

8:00 - 9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:30 - 11:30 AM

Selection A: Intro to HTML Code and Web Design
Description: In this hands-on session, students will learn the basics of HTML code used in creating web pages and other hyperlinked documents. Find out how you can create an attractive web site even if you can't see it yourself, and gain an understanding of what elements make for accessible and/or inaccessible web pages. Topics include tags and the minimal HTML document (head, title, body), headings, paragraphs, lists, character formatting, linking, mailto, and tables. This is an advanced level session; to enroll, participants must have excellent keyboarding skills, be able to navigate the Windows environment efficiently, demonstrate independent proficiency with their assistive technology, be fully conversant with basic word-processing keystrokes and commands, and have good knowledge of the Internet. The successful candidate will also be creative, detail-oriented and have good organizational skills. The session is open to both screen-reader and screen-magnification users. Space is limited and not everyone who applies will be admitted.
Facilitator: Dawn Suvino, Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS

Selection B: More Mobile Devices
Description: This session will introduce participants to several small and highly sophisticated electronic devices including accessible laptops, MP3 players, the PackMate from Freedom Scientific, Code Factory Mobile Speak Smart Phone 2.0, the SmallTalk Ultra, and SenseView from GW Micro. Participants will have an opportunity to explore these devices through guided hands-on exercises. Open to everyone.
Facilitators: Michael Cush, Assistant Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS; Rad Mazon, Information Services Associate/VISIONS

Selection C: Apple VoiceOver Accessibility
Description: Two words that have rarely been seen together are "Apple" and "accessibility," but with the release of the VoiceOver screen-reader, that has changed. In this workshop, learn about the many built-in accessibility features of the Mac OS. This is a demonstration session, there is no user-based hands-on component. Open to everyone.
Facilitator: John Hess, Technology Services Coordinator/VISIONS

Selection B: More Mobile Devices
Description: This session will introduce participants to several small and highly sophisticated electronic devices including accessible laptops, MP3 players, the PackMate from Freedom Scientific, Code Factory Mobile Speak Smart Phone 2.0, the SmallTalk Ultra, and SenseView from GW Micro. Participants will have an opportunity to explore these devices through guided hands-on exercises. Open to everyone.
Facilitators: Michael Cush, Assistant Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS; Rad Mazon, Information Services Associate/VISIONS

Selection B: System Access To Go
Description: Thanks to a newly formed partnership between the AIR (Accessibility is a Right) Foundation and Serotek Corporation, screen-reading software is now available free of charge to anyone, anytime, anywhere there is an Internet-enabled, Windows-based PC. Users can download Serotek's acclaimed product "System Access To Go" and subsequently use it to interact with popular applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, Adobe Reader, Skype, and many more. In this session, you will learn where to find this free version of System Access To Go, and how to use it effectively. This is a demonstration session, there is no user-based hands-on component. Open to everyone.
Facilitator: John Hess, Technology Services Coordinator/VISIONS

Register for the Tech Trip

6:00 - 7:00 PM
Dinner & Door Prizes

7:15 - 9:00 PM

Selection A: Introduction to Customer Service Training
Description: Careers in customer service represent one of the fastest growing employment sectors today. Despite globalization and outsourcing, many companies still maintain large stateside call centers and web-based customer services. This session will introduce participants to VISIONS Blindline vocational training program, which offers trainees hands-on experience in all aspects of the information service including call taking, database maintenance, technical troubleshooting, web design, marketing, and statistical analysis. The session includes a hands-on component which requires participants to have good keyboarding skill and independent proficiency with computer operations, but individuals who do not currently have the skills to participate in the hands-on exercises are welcome to attend as well. Open to both screen-reader and screen-magnification users.
Facilitators: Michael Cush, Assistant Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS; Rad Mazon, Information Services Associate/VISIONS

Selection B: Intro to Windows Vista
Description: Worried about whether you will be able to access the newest operating system from Microsoft? In this session, participants will gain a practical understanding of Windows Vista, learn about its built-in accessibility features, and find-out what the primary differences between this o/s and previous versions are. This is a demonstration session, there is no user-based hands-on component. Open to everyone.
Facilitator: John Hess, Technology Services Coordinator/VISIONS

Monday, 7/28

8:00 - 9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Exhibit Hall and Vendor Workshops (12:00 PM lunch break)

Exhibitors include:

• American Council of the Blind of New York
• CTech
• Freedom Scientific
• Guiding Eyes for the Blind
• Humanware
• MaxiAids
• National Federation of the Blind of New York
• The Seeing Eye
• Touch Graphics
• Vis-Ability, Inc.

4:00 - 5:30 PM
Plenary Session: Navigating the Environment
Description: In keeping with this year's theme "Getting There," our closing presentation focuses on practical issues related to orientation & mobility, transportation, and global positioning systems. A panel of experts will discuss topics including traditional O&M training, dog guides, public and para transit systems, quiet cars, accessible pedestrian signals, and advances in electronic way-finding systems. Moderated by Dawn Suvino, Director of Workforce Development & Training/VISIONS.
Facilitators: Mike Godino, President/American Council of the Blind of New York; Mindy Jacobsen, Adjunct Instructor/VISIONS; Ray Kornman, Field Representative/Seeing Eye, Inc.; Steven Landau, Research Director/Touch Graphics; Carroll Stone, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Sales Representative/Humanware

6:00 - 7:00 PM
Dinner (Institute participants)

6:00 PM
Charter buses depart VCB for Selis Manor (135 W. 23rd Street in Manhattan) with "Tech Trip" participants. Participants will arrive at Selis between 7:30 and 8:00 PM.

Tuesday, 7/29

8:00 - 9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:15 - 11:00 AM
Completion of post-surveys and scholarship awards.

At the close of this year's Institute, VISIONS will award 4 individuals each with a $250 cash scholarship. Awardees will be selected on the basis of their active participation in workshops, willingness to mentor and/or network with other attendees, and demonstrable commitment to ongoing career development and professional growth. Please note that only participants who attend the full 5-day Institute are eligible to receive cash scholarship awards.

12:00 PM
Charter buses depart VCB for Selis Manor (135 W. 23rd Street in Manhattan). Participants arrive at Selis between 1:30 and 2:00 PM.

Register for "Building Your Future 2008" or the Tech Trip

Click here to make your workshop selections (page will open in a new window)