I've been doing some research and ran across this organization that gives a LOT of scholarships to Latinos going to college or community colleges. The application period opened Sept. 1st and I can't find the actual deadline - but if it's past for this year you can always stick it away for next year. Although these scholarships aren't for the blind or visually impaired, I thought that since about 80 percent of HPS'ers are of Puerto Rican background, many of you would know someone who could use this info.
http://www.hsf. net/Scholarships .aspx?id= 1328
Saturday, November 28, 2009
HPS Network urges Obama to make NIH a budget priority in 2011
The HPS Network recently joined with several hundred other patient support and advocacy groups to urge the Obama administration to continue to make funding for the National Institutes of Health a high priority as the administration begins work on a new national budget for 2011.
The NIH received an influx of billions of dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The joint letter to the administration urges the President to continue to fund job-creating projects that come out of the many two-year grants recently established.
The National Institutes of Health remains the hub of clinical research for Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome as well as Chediak-Higashi Syndrome, among many other ultra rare orphan diseases. Recently, the NIH has opened a protocol for other types of albinism as well. Without the unique research opportunities made possible by a federally-funded institution like the NIH, many orphan diseases would go without research as well as potential treatments and cures.
Scholarships for legally blind students
Once again, this is something I'm just passing along. I know the dates are from last year, but if you're interested, I'd contact them. Perhaps they just haven't updated their Web site yet.
Association of Blind Citizens Scholarship Program
The Association of Blind Citizens will offer ten thousand dollars in college scholarships to legally blind individuals seeking a college degree. The Reggie Johnson Memorial Scholarship will be valued at $2000 and eight $1000 scholarships will be available.
The scholarships will be offered for the 2009/2010 school year. The scholarship may be applied to tuition, living expenses or related expenses resulting from blindness
You may fill out the application below by pasting it in to your word processor and emailing it to: scholarship@blindcitizens.org.
Association of Blind Citizens 2008/09 Scholarship Application
Name:
First Line Of Address:
Second Line Of ADdress:
City:
State:
Zip:
Telephone Number with area code:
Provide a 300 to 500 word autobiographical sketch of yourself. Please include how the scholarship award would help you achieve your goal to attend college or a recognized vocational program. The autobiographical sketch must be submitted by email to: scholarship@blindcitizens.org.
A disk copy of the autobiographical sketch must be submitted along with the documents listed below:
Required Documents:
A high school or college transcript.
A certificate of legal blindness or a letter from your opthomologist.
Two letters of reference.
A disk copy of your biographical sketch.
This application will be accepted beginning on January 1, 2009 and must be received by April 15, 2009. All decisions are final. Recipients of ABC scholarships must be legally blind, US legal resident, and must provide proof of acceptance to an accredited institution of higher learning or a recognized vocational program. Mail disk and documents listed above to: Association of Blind CitizensPO Box 246 Holbrook, MA 02343
Association of Blind Citizens Scholarship Program
The Association of Blind Citizens will offer ten thousand dollars in college scholarships to legally blind individuals seeking a college degree. The Reggie Johnson Memorial Scholarship will be valued at $2000 and eight $1000 scholarships will be available.
The scholarships will be offered for the 2009/2010 school year. The scholarship may be applied to tuition, living expenses or related expenses resulting from blindness
You may fill out the application below by pasting it in to your word processor and emailing it to: scholarship@blindcitizens.org.
Association of Blind Citizens 2008/09 Scholarship Application
Name:
First Line Of Address:
Second Line Of ADdress:
City:
State:
Zip:
Telephone Number with area code:
Provide a 300 to 500 word autobiographical sketch of yourself. Please include how the scholarship award would help you achieve your goal to attend college or a recognized vocational program. The autobiographical sketch must be submitted by email to: scholarship@blindcitizens.org.
A disk copy of the autobiographical sketch must be submitted along with the documents listed below:
Required Documents:
A high school or college transcript.
A certificate of legal blindness or a letter from your opthomologist.
Two letters of reference.
A disk copy of your biographical sketch.
This application will be accepted beginning on January 1, 2009 and must be received by April 15, 2009. All decisions are final. Recipients of ABC scholarships must be legally blind, US legal resident, and must provide proof of acceptance to an accredited institution of higher learning or a recognized vocational program. Mail disk and documents listed above to: Association of Blind CitizensPO Box 246 Holbrook, MA 02343
Assistive technology grants
Below is just a peice of information I happened to run across. Honestly, I haven't heard of this group before. However, I know several readers are in need of programs such as these, so thought I'd pass it along.
The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund
The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) will provide funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board of directors believes that this program will allow blind and visually impaired individuals access to technology products that will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increase the level of independence and enhance their overall quality of life.
The products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 with a maximum retail price of $6,000. Persons eligible to apply for assistance must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000. Applications will be reviewed by the Assistive Technology Committee (ATC) and recommendations will be submitted for board approval. If applicants are selected to receive a technology grant, applicants will be asked to provide documents such as tax returns, bank statements and any other documents that the ABC board or it’s designee would deem necessary to assess financial need for the grant.
Applicants must be legally blind and a resident of the United States to qualify for this program. Applications must be submitted by June 30th and December 31st for each grant period (two per year). Applicants will be notified if their request for a grant is approved. Applicants may submit one request per calendar year. All applications must be submitted via e-mail. You will be notified by ABC within 45 days after the application deadline. The grantee will have 30 days after notification to purchase the product. If the purchase cannot be made within 30 days ABC reserves the right to withdraw the award and assign it to another applicant. All decisions are final.
You may fill out the request form below by pasting it in to your word processor and emailing it to: atf@blindcitizens.org.
Important: Requests must be received via email only, by June 30th or December 31st. Please do not use attachments when submitting your request.
Association of Blind Citizens Assistive Technology request form
Name:
First Line Of Address:
Second Line Of Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Telephone Number with area code:
Email address:
Provide a description of 500 or fewer words of the device you wish to purchase and how it will help you achieve employment or increase your independence.
The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund
The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) will provide funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board of directors believes that this program will allow blind and visually impaired individuals access to technology products that will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increase the level of independence and enhance their overall quality of life.
The products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 with a maximum retail price of $6,000. Persons eligible to apply for assistance must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000. Applications will be reviewed by the Assistive Technology Committee (ATC) and recommendations will be submitted for board approval. If applicants are selected to receive a technology grant, applicants will be asked to provide documents such as tax returns, bank statements and any other documents that the ABC board or it’s designee would deem necessary to assess financial need for the grant.
Applicants must be legally blind and a resident of the United States to qualify for this program. Applications must be submitted by June 30th and December 31st for each grant period (two per year). Applicants will be notified if their request for a grant is approved. Applicants may submit one request per calendar year. All applications must be submitted via e-mail. You will be notified by ABC within 45 days after the application deadline. The grantee will have 30 days after notification to purchase the product. If the purchase cannot be made within 30 days ABC reserves the right to withdraw the award and assign it to another applicant. All decisions are final.
You may fill out the request form below by pasting it in to your word processor and emailing it to: atf@blindcitizens.org.
Important: Requests must be received via email only, by June 30th or December 31st. Please do not use attachments when submitting your request.
Association of Blind Citizens Assistive Technology request form
Name:
First Line Of Address:
Second Line Of Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Telephone Number with area code:
Email address:
Provide a description of 500 or fewer words of the device you wish to purchase and how it will help you achieve employment or increase your independence.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Update on GINA - Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
I'm passing along the following press release for those interested - but there's more to GINA going on and I'll update that shortly.
PRESS RELEASE11/20/09
Historic Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act Takes Effect
EEOC Assumes New Area of Jurisdiction to Protect Confidentiality of Genetic Information
WASHINGTON -- In the first legislative expansion of its jurisdiction since passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Saturday will assume responsibility for enforcing Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
GINA, signed into law in May 2008, prohibits discrimination by health insurers and employers based on individuals’ genetic information. Genetic information includes the results of genetic tests to determine whether someone is at increased risk of acquiring a condition (such as some forms of breast cancer) in the future, as well as an individual’s family medical history.“
GINA affirms the principle central to all employment discrimination laws – that all people have the right to be judged according to their ability to do a job, not on stereotypical assumptions,” said Acting EEOC Chair Stuart J. Ishimaru. “No one should be denied a job or the right to be treated fairly in the workplace based on fears that he or she may develop some condition in the future.”
Specifically, the law prohibits the use of genetic information in making employment decisions, restricts the acquisition of genetic information by employers and others, imposes strict confidentiality requirements, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose actions made unlawful by GINA or who participate in proceedings to vindicate rights under the law or aid others in doing so. The same remedies, including compensatory and punitive damages, are available under Title II of GINA as are available under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the ADA.
Acting Vice Chair Christine Griffin said, “Title II of GINA is an ideal complement to the ADA Amendments Act. With both laws now effective, American workers are protected if they experience discrimination because of their disability or because of impairments they may develop.”
The EEOC is charged with issuing regulations implementing Title II of GINA. On March 2, 2009, it published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement Title II with proposed regulations and received over 40 public comments in response. The final regulations implementing Title II are currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget and will be issued as soon as the review process is concluded.
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.
PRESS RELEASE11/20/09
Historic Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act Takes Effect
EEOC Assumes New Area of Jurisdiction to Protect Confidentiality of Genetic Information
WASHINGTON -- In the first legislative expansion of its jurisdiction since passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Saturday will assume responsibility for enforcing Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
GINA, signed into law in May 2008, prohibits discrimination by health insurers and employers based on individuals’ genetic information. Genetic information includes the results of genetic tests to determine whether someone is at increased risk of acquiring a condition (such as some forms of breast cancer) in the future, as well as an individual’s family medical history.“
GINA affirms the principle central to all employment discrimination laws – that all people have the right to be judged according to their ability to do a job, not on stereotypical assumptions,” said Acting EEOC Chair Stuart J. Ishimaru. “No one should be denied a job or the right to be treated fairly in the workplace based on fears that he or she may develop some condition in the future.”
Specifically, the law prohibits the use of genetic information in making employment decisions, restricts the acquisition of genetic information by employers and others, imposes strict confidentiality requirements, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose actions made unlawful by GINA or who participate in proceedings to vindicate rights under the law or aid others in doing so. The same remedies, including compensatory and punitive damages, are available under Title II of GINA as are available under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the ADA.
Acting Vice Chair Christine Griffin said, “Title II of GINA is an ideal complement to the ADA Amendments Act. With both laws now effective, American workers are protected if they experience discrimination because of their disability or because of impairments they may develop.”
The EEOC is charged with issuing regulations implementing Title II of GINA. On March 2, 2009, it published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement Title II with proposed regulations and received over 40 public comments in response. The final regulations implementing Title II are currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget and will be issued as soon as the review process is concluded.
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.
Health update
I'm glad I'm going to see Dr. Seward next week. I'm in one of those fatigue phases. I've spent most of the last two days asleep, even though I've gotten up and tried to be active. I've had the runs - actually five times in the last hour so I don't think I'm going to bed anytime soon. I'm alwasy afraid to go to sleep when I'm having this problem because I'm afraid the faucet, sort of speak, will keep flowing and I'll have a rather regretable explosion. Trust me - it isn't pretty.
I've also been coughing more than usual. I know it isn't just me as several friends have mentioned it. When I try to exercise I really start coughing, so I have a feeling my asthma meds need to be adjusted.
I need to blog about my insurance saga - I just haven't had the energy to be honest.
More later.
I've also been coughing more than usual. I know it isn't just me as several friends have mentioned it. When I try to exercise I really start coughing, so I have a feeling my asthma meds need to be adjusted.
I need to blog about my insurance saga - I just haven't had the energy to be honest.
More later.
Celebration of braille - for New York city area readers
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
CCVIP invites you to a celebration of Braille and its inventor, Louis Braille!
On Thursday, December 3, at 6:00 p.m., CCVIP will host a presentation by Michael Mellor, author of "A Touch of "Genius," his definitive biography of Louis Braille, as a kick off to the traveling exhibit on Braille, his life and work that will be on view at Baruch's William and Anita Newman Library from November 23 through December 23. We will hear author Mellor read from his book and talk about the process of researching it. Reception, book signing (and sale) and a tour of the exhibit will follow the presentation.
Please RSVP at (646) 312-1420.
Attached is an invitation that you can print and share with friends or simply e-mail. Please feel free to share this message with others who might be interested.
Thanks, and we look forward to greeting you on December 3rd at,
151 East 25th street, between Lexington and 3rd Avenues, in room 750.
Sincerely,
Karen Gourgey Ed. D.
Director, Computer Center for Visually Impaired People
CCVIP invites you to a celebration of Braille and its inventor, Louis Braille!
On Thursday, December 3, at 6:00 p.m., CCVIP will host a presentation by Michael Mellor, author of "A Touch of "Genius," his definitive biography of Louis Braille, as a kick off to the traveling exhibit on Braille, his life and work that will be on view at Baruch's William and Anita Newman Library from November 23 through December 23. We will hear author Mellor read from his book and talk about the process of researching it. Reception, book signing (and sale) and a tour of the exhibit will follow the presentation.
Please RSVP at (646) 312-1420.
Attached is an invitation that you can print and share with friends or simply e-mail. Please feel free to share this message with others who might be interested.
Thanks, and we look forward to greeting you on December 3rd at,
151 East 25th street, between Lexington and 3rd Avenues, in room 750.
Sincerely,
Karen Gourgey Ed. D.
Director, Computer Center for Visually Impaired People
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wrap for the Cure
I'm posting this message from Karen T. If anyone's in the Greensboro area and can help, I know she'd really appreciate it. You don't have to be an HPS'er to help - just willing to pitch in.
Hey gang,
If you live close to Greensboro, NC and would like to help the HPS Network earn some cash please let me know by Wednesday 10AM.
This is the challenge: Belk's Dept store at Four Seasons Town Center in Greensboro, NC is allowing nonprofits to earn extra Christmas money for wrapping people's gifts. We will be getting donations from Belk customers, and hopefully Belk will kick in a little extra. Not sure about Belk's kicking in, but I do know they are really nice to nonprofits.
You will be wrapping for, of course The HPS Network. If you can work any day or time between now and Dec. 24th PLEASE contact me like yesterday. However by 10am Wednesday will be fine. 336 954 3604.
I have already scheduled myself for Fri. Nov 27 noon to 4pm, Sun. Nov. 29 noon-7pm, Sun. Dec 6 noon-7pm, Fri. Dec 11, 7pm to close. My sister Denise and her husband have volunteered for Fri. Dec 18, 2pm to 4pm, My sister Joyce and I will work again on Sat. Dec 12 9am-1pm.
Not only is this a chance to make some cash, but it also gives us an inroad with Belk's which is a large chain on the east coast.
Thanks so much in advance,
Karen Tillman
Hey gang,
If you live close to Greensboro, NC and would like to help the HPS Network earn some cash please let me know by Wednesday 10AM.
This is the challenge: Belk's Dept store at Four Seasons Town Center in Greensboro, NC is allowing nonprofits to earn extra Christmas money for wrapping people's gifts. We will be getting donations from Belk customers, and hopefully Belk will kick in a little extra. Not sure about Belk's kicking in, but I do know they are really nice to nonprofits.
You will be wrapping for, of course The HPS Network. If you can work any day or time between now and Dec. 24th PLEASE contact me like yesterday. However by 10am Wednesday will be fine. 336 954 3604.
I have already scheduled myself for Fri. Nov 27 noon to 4pm, Sun. Nov. 29 noon-7pm, Sun. Dec 6 noon-7pm, Fri. Dec 11, 7pm to close. My sister Denise and her husband have volunteered for Fri. Dec 18, 2pm to 4pm, My sister Joyce and I will work again on Sat. Dec 12 9am-1pm.
Not only is this a chance to make some cash, but it also gives us an inroad with Belk's which is a large chain on the east coast.
Thanks so much in advance,
Karen Tillman
An opportunity for legally blind kids to visit Washington
As always, this falls under the heading, just passing along......
2010 NFB LAW Program
The National Federation of the Blind Announces the NFB Leadership and Advocacy in WashingtonProgram for Students
Engaging the Voice of America’s Blind Youth
Applications are due by February 1, 2010: APPLY ONLINE!
Program Details:
Who: Youth who are in Grades 6-9 or Ages 12-16 during the time of the programWhen: April 16-20, 2010Where: Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MarylandCost: There will be a $250 fee per student/chaperone pair. All other expenses including transportation, room, and board will be provided for each student and their chaperone. All accepted students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, teacher, or blind/low vision mentor from their home state, a total of twenty-five participants from across the country will be accepted.
About the Program:
The NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., (LAW) Program will be a four-day experience that will provide blind and low vision students with a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of our country’s government, its history, and its culture while staying at the national headquarters for the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to learning about grassroots legislation efforts, how resolutions are passed, and how various blindness legislation is brought about, participants will learn more about the inner workings of the National Federation of the Blind, its advocacy work for blind individuals, and available resources for blind students and adults. This program also strives to help empower youth with valuable resources to enhance their transition to high school including technology, training programs, publications, mentoring programs, Aids and appliances, and scholarships.
Highlights of the Program include:
Visits to historical sites in Washington, D.C. (Please note: because of the nature of these activities, selected applicants should expect lengthy periods of walking and standing.)
Meetings with, and presentations from, influential government leaders
Presentations by influential leaders from the largest blindness advocacy group in the country
Tours of the National Federation of the Blind national headquarters
A visit to the International Braille and Technology Center, the largest lab of accessible technology for the blind
Eligibility:
Eligible applicants include those who are in grades 6-9 during the time of the program, or ages 12-16. Students must be able to perform basic self-care skills; have some degree of independent travel skills; be able to read Braille, print, or both; and should, at a minimum, be able to understand content appropriate for students entering middle school or junior high.
National Standards Addressed by this Program (word file)
Applications are due by February 1, 2010: APPLY ONLINE NOW!
For questions about the application process, please contact:Emily NeubeckProject Assistant National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute (410) 659-9314, ext. 2419eneubeck@nfb.org
For all other questions about the NFB LAW Program, please contact:Mary Jo T. HartleDirector of EducationNational Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute(410) 659-9314, ext. 2407 mhartle@nfb.org
2010 NFB LAW Program
The National Federation of the Blind Announces the NFB Leadership and Advocacy in WashingtonProgram for Students
Engaging the Voice of America’s Blind Youth
Applications are due by February 1, 2010: APPLY ONLINE!
Program Details:
Who: Youth who are in Grades 6-9 or Ages 12-16 during the time of the programWhen: April 16-20, 2010Where: Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MarylandCost: There will be a $250 fee per student/chaperone pair. All other expenses including transportation, room, and board will be provided for each student and their chaperone. All accepted students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, teacher, or blind/low vision mentor from their home state, a total of twenty-five participants from across the country will be accepted.
About the Program:
The NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., (LAW) Program will be a four-day experience that will provide blind and low vision students with a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of our country’s government, its history, and its culture while staying at the national headquarters for the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to learning about grassroots legislation efforts, how resolutions are passed, and how various blindness legislation is brought about, participants will learn more about the inner workings of the National Federation of the Blind, its advocacy work for blind individuals, and available resources for blind students and adults. This program also strives to help empower youth with valuable resources to enhance their transition to high school including technology, training programs, publications, mentoring programs, Aids and appliances, and scholarships.
Highlights of the Program include:
Visits to historical sites in Washington, D.C. (Please note: because of the nature of these activities, selected applicants should expect lengthy periods of walking and standing.)
Meetings with, and presentations from, influential government leaders
Presentations by influential leaders from the largest blindness advocacy group in the country
Tours of the National Federation of the Blind national headquarters
A visit to the International Braille and Technology Center, the largest lab of accessible technology for the blind
Eligibility:
Eligible applicants include those who are in grades 6-9 during the time of the program, or ages 12-16. Students must be able to perform basic self-care skills; have some degree of independent travel skills; be able to read Braille, print, or both; and should, at a minimum, be able to understand content appropriate for students entering middle school or junior high.
National Standards Addressed by this Program (word file)
Applications are due by February 1, 2010: APPLY ONLINE NOW!
For questions about the application process, please contact:Emily NeubeckProject Assistant National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute (410) 659-9314, ext. 2419eneubeck@nfb.org
For all other questions about the NFB LAW Program, please contact:Mary Jo T. HartleDirector of EducationNational Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute(410) 659-9314, ext. 2407 mhartle@nfb.org
Mom update
It's early, early in the morning and I just talked to mom. She sounded GREAT!!!!! Ryan had talked to her yesterday before I had, and reported the same thing. Mom says the eye looks much better now that it's stitched up. It's not bleeding and draining anymore, although it's still swollen. Her vision is improving and is expected to keep getting better as the swelling goes down. There is a chance that they'll have to go back after everything is healed for a little more plastic surgery, but otherwise, everything is going very well. Thank you so much for all your prayers. I'm so grateful to her team of doctors. If they hadn't caught that blood clot, I wonder what would have happened to her vision, or if the clot had gotten loose so close to her brain - it makes me shutter!
Mom says she's been very happy with the care she's had in this hospital. She says they've watched her so carefully and called in any specialist she needed without hesitation. She says even the food has been pretty good. Grin!
I spoke with mom's nurse, who spoke flawless English. Mom says communicating with the medical staff has been no problem. Her doctor actually went to medical school in Seattle and is married to an American woman, so his English is perfect.
I can empathise with our HPS friends that don't speak English and what that's like in a medical setting. There were a few times over the years living in Germany when we had to seek medical care in the German hospital. Usually someone spoke good English, but still, it can be unnerving not to understand what's going on around you when you're ill.
As for me, my sleep patterns are now completely backwards. I've been staying up so I can talk to mom in the morning her time, but late enough in the morning the doctor has been by. I think mom's in the clear enough that I can start working on trying to get things switched back around.
Thanks again to everyone for their prayers and well wishes!
Mom says she's been very happy with the care she's had in this hospital. She says they've watched her so carefully and called in any specialist she needed without hesitation. She says even the food has been pretty good. Grin!
I spoke with mom's nurse, who spoke flawless English. Mom says communicating with the medical staff has been no problem. Her doctor actually went to medical school in Seattle and is married to an American woman, so his English is perfect.
I can empathise with our HPS friends that don't speak English and what that's like in a medical setting. There were a few times over the years living in Germany when we had to seek medical care in the German hospital. Usually someone spoke good English, but still, it can be unnerving not to understand what's going on around you when you're ill.
As for me, my sleep patterns are now completely backwards. I've been staying up so I can talk to mom in the morning her time, but late enough in the morning the doctor has been by. I think mom's in the clear enough that I can start working on trying to get things switched back around.
Thanks again to everyone for their prayers and well wishes!
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