accessibility
Computer Distribution Coordinator
Organization:
HandyCapable Network, Inc. VISTA Name:
Nathan Badera
Program Start:
7/2008
Program End:
7/2009
Project Description:
HandyCapable Network promotes self-sufficiency and enriches the lives of people with disabilities or people who are otherwise socially or economically challenged by providing training in and access to computer technology.
Marketing
1. Develop partnerships to receive donations of computers for refurbishing.
2. Develop ways to distribute computers beyond the needs of new CLCs established by HCN. For instance, building on current relationships with social service non-profits to put computers in homes of low-income families; explore computers for after school programs; provide computers for non-profit office use.
3.Develop a marketing and public relations plan and implement that plan toward the goals of community awareness, gaining financial support and computer donations. Plan to include print, radio, tv media, and website and other online options.
4. Develop or revise marketing materials to support both of these efforts including: 1) letters to potential computer donors; 2) Project description/brochure; 3) Edit and distribute two newsletters for the program as a support to marketing and fundraising efforts.
Fundraising
1. Develop a one hour “tour” program, and host visitors monthly.
2. Develop corporate partnerships that include computer and/or financial donations.
3. Further develop the supporter database to track donations, and to ease communications by letter and email with supporters.
4. Develop an acknowledgment plan to thank donors and recognize donations.
5. Coordinate one or two fundraising events.
Project Coordination Assistance
1. Assist in managing the computer distribution for one or more major projects, including the distribution of computers to 7th grade students at Hairston Middle School in 2007-08.
Project Outcome:
Nate developed at least 5 partnerships with various businesses on his own and many smaller individual donors. These connections continue to provide ongoing computers for HCN.
He also negotiated a 200 computer purchase at a very nominal fee, picked them up, loaded and unloaded them, and found a place to have them stored.
Nate revised brochures, and a variety of new donor letters, flyers were completed.
He submitted a grant application to Leadership Greensboro which resulted in a team of four local business leaders to help him develop a marketing package, a promotional DVD (still in the works), a lead database and 3 large computer donors. One donor at a local hospital brings 25-40 computers a month.
Nate was especially successful with media through press releases, resulting in TV news coverage three times (videos on our website), one school distribution had 3 local channels show up to cover it. Another grant he submitted to a Create-A-Thon, a local marketing firm, has resulted in a large banner for use at events. It came in very handy and was used 4 times during Nate’s service.
He was instrumental in making many updates, changes and fine tuning our website. He developed the Virtual Tour and has agreed to continue to keep the HCN website fresh and up to date. Nate coordinated all computer distributions which included 71 to the families at Hairston Middle School, 77 to Newcomers School (all immigrants from 8 different countries), 60 to another local immigrant community and sometimes with the help of the Executive Director but often on his own he delivered 50 computers to Group homes (for adults with disabilities) throughout the state of NC. These distributions are very time- and staff intensive; having a Vista take the majority of the responsibility helped other staff to do their respective jobs more effectively. Just before he left, Nate submitted a grant for $30,000 for another local school distribution. We recently received the letter stating we were awarded $25,000.
We have a great website, new ongoing partners, so many computers we have to store them off site, new relationships, an inventory database that makes life easier and some big shoes to fill. (We offered Nate a job, but he declined). We are sustaining Nate’s work by hiring the previous Vista, Anna Simanovitch, in a part time Admin. Assistant role. We have also worked out a consulting contract with Nate to continue web updates, write grants, help complete the Annual Report and in many other ways we we may need to use his expertise and knowledge of our organization .
Outreach Coordinator
Organization:
HandyCapable Network, Inc. VISTA Name:
Anna Simanovich
Program Start:
8/2007
Program End:
8/2008
Project Description:
HandyCapable Network (HCN)was started as a project of Arc of North Carolina Housing Development Services. The project started by establishing Computer Learning Centers (CLCs) for developmentally disabled adults. Four years later, HCN and local partner agencies, have established 22 centers in central North Carolina that serve adults with a broad spectrum of disabilities.
In addition, HCN provides computers and technical support for nonprofits for their administrative computers. We work together with NetCorps who will help an organization plan their technology needs. HCN supplies and sets up computers and office networking.
The HCN Americorps/Vista volunteer will have these responsibilities that will build the capacity of HCN to support the centers it has established for partner agencies, and to provide refurbished computers to disenfranchised populations. A key focus will be activities to maintain an incoming flow of donated computers and distribution of refurbished computers to end users, as well as resource development to cover refurbishing costs.
Marketing
1. Develop partnerships to receive donations of computers for refurbishing.
2. Develop ways to distribute computers beyond the needs of new CLCs established by HCN. For instance, building on current relationships with social service non-profits to put computers in homes of low-income families; explore computers for after school programs; provide computers for non-profit office use.
3.Develop a marketing and public relations plan and implement the plan toward the goals of community awareness, gaining financial support and computer donations. Plan to include print, radio, tv media, and website and other online options.
4. Develop or revise marketing materials to support both of these efforts including: 1) letters to potential computer donors; 2) Project description/brochure; 3) Edit and distribute two newsletters for the program as a support to marketing and fundraising efforts.
Fundraising
1. Develop a one hour “tour” program, and host visitors monthly.
2. Develop corporate partnerships that include computer and/or financial donations.
3. Further develop the supporter database to track donations, and to ease communications by letter and email with supporters.
4. Develop an acknowledgment plan to thank donors and recognize donations.
5. Coordinate one or two fundraising events.
Project Coordination Assistance
1. Assist in managing the computer distribution for one or more major projects, including the distribution of computers to 7th grade students at Hairston Middle School in 2007-08. Also, with the community networking project if funding is acquired. Specific role to be determined but may include managing registration and logistics for required training classes, assisting in the classes, assisting in distributing the computers and in distributing and collecting follow up evaluation surveys.
Support Computer Learning Centers
1. Maintain quarterly contact to stay apprised of the CLCS use and needs.
2. Coordinate an annual educational workshop for the staff and sponsors of CLCs to gain further knowledge for making the best use of the centers.
3. Develop online communication between the computer learning centers, such as a list serve.
Project Outcome:
Anna took complete responsibility for the annual appeal letter in April, using the over 400 names entered into the new Exceed database which was completed by then. She was responsible for tracking the donations and sending out the thank you notes. Over $5,000 was raised for HCN.
She developed an ongoing partnership with Earth Fare, a local organic supermarket, where our first Community Recycling Event was held in the spring. It was covered by the a local TV channel and the newspaper. Over 75 computers and assorted equipment were received. She helped Nate, our new Vista, with the contacts and planning for our second one held Sept 6, 7th. This has helped raise community awareness of our organization and both events have resulted in ongoing equipment donations from local businesses.
Anna single-handedly made it possible for HCN to distribute 223 computers to low income 7th and 8th graders at Hairston Middle School and 20 more to teachers with no computer in their homes. Her desire to see that every deserving child got a computer had her making trips to the school to find the children who had no phone, deliveries to the homes of those without transportation, finding Spanish interpreters to communicate with the families of the children with minimal English. She co-ordinated the transportation and then the distribution of from 20-40 computers to the school on the 6 distribution dates. I can’t say enough how much that meant not only to the staff of HCN that were busy getting the computers ready but to the children who would not have received a computer if not for Anna’s diligence.
There are many more instances where Anna’s service to HCN was above and beyond her duties, her desire to help others through HCN is a shining example of AmeriCorp Vista service. In fact she became so indispensable we have offered her a full time position. She has taken a 8-10 month sabbatical to help her father but plans on returning to us.
Community Development Project, Technology Coordinator
Organization:
HELP of Ojai VISTA Name:
James (Jim) Mora
Program Start:
6/2007
Program End:
6/2008
Project Description:
HELP was recently given control of a 42-acre site (11 acres agricultural land, 80,000 sq.ft of buildings in varying states of usability and open space) of a former Honor Farm/jail complex in order to meet the growing needs of our aging community.
VISTA members will work with HELP staff and community members to transform the jail into a community resource center. The project is large and includes development of broadband access for the full 42 acre site, technical assistance for the organization as a whole, development of expanded programming for our CTC, expansion of our digital storytelling project and website development to improve accessibility for those who are vision impaired.
Community Networking: with staff, finalize negotiations to provide broadband access at the former jail site. Develop outreach materials to promote broadband services. Work on e-newsletter and other materials to encourage resource use.
Technology Assistance: With IT Director, assess current staff technology capabilities and identify and provide training resources in use of basic computing tools, including Microsoft Office, email, security and backup procedures. Assist in equipment/software selection as lab is upgraded
Digital Media: coordinate Digital Storytelling program that matches seniors and teens while collecting life stories. Document transformation of “jail to jewel”. Recruit and train volunteer instructors as well as program participants
Access and Inclusion: Work with webmaster to streamline website and improve accessibility for those with disabilities. Manage open access hours at computer lab.
Project Outcome:
Vista volunteer developed our agency’s website, set up, maintained and assisted in our computer lab (open to the public at no charge to give low-income seniors and others internet access), and developed curriculums for computer classes. Also, assisted in agencywide IT issues, offering advice and providing consultation.Website was created, computer lab was opened, class curriculum was developed and classes offered.
The website that Jim developed was the first one our agency has ever had. It has resulted in more public exposure and donations.
Community Learning AT Coordinator
Organization:
The Academy for Career Development VISTA Name:
Donna Licata
Program Start:
6/2007
Program End:
6/2009
Project Description:
The VISTA Member will have a significant role in developing, organizing, and implementing a Community Learning Center Network in which we will deliver educational programming in disability issues, accommodation, and Assistive Technology (AT) to our underserved citizens via our synchronous distance learning network. The member’s activities will include:
1. Help establish formal AT technical and educational programming with at least 10 Community and Faith based organizations.
2. Oversee the connection of new & pre-existing Community Computer Labs to our Community Learning Network to facilitate delivery of AT & Accommodation web-based seminars
3. To Help create a stronger and effective dialog with our local and state government officials, and work with them to improve the status of persons with disabilities
4. To create the foundation of a Community Technology Learning Center Collaborative of community and faith based organizations that will provide AT support services for the constituents they serve.
5. To work with our AT specialists to convert our educational & promotional materials into alternative formats and needed languages to accommodate the individuals we support and train through our school and community service programs.
6. Help install new assistive technology hardware and software needed to better accommodate the people we serve and to help make the technologies available to others who want to learn about its use.
7. To help establish our agency as a model of accommodations and support of Persons With Disabilities and other underserved persons, by which other organizations and communities can emulate.
Project Outcome:
Donna Worked with Ticket-to-work clients to determine their best path to employment. She continued to built relationships with other CBOs/FBOs who were interested in employment of persons with disabilities Continued to grow our AT lab and encouraged community usage of the lab.
She also created a very eficient management model for the Ticket-to-Work Program while continuing to help educate youth and adults in the usage of Assistive technology.
Community Outreach and Accessibility Development
VISTA Name:
Anita Lie
Program Start:
6/2007
Program End:
6/2009
Project Description:
Since it opened over 8 years ago, the DISKovery Center has provided technology education services to over 3,000 community members in a wide range of skills and computer applications. Over 100 members, who include youth, adults, and seniors, enroll in over 20 classes at the DISKovery Center’s programs every quarter.
The DISKovery Center is seeking a full-time VISTA volunteer (monthly stipend provided) to help build the capacity of the Center to reach out to learners with physical and developmental disabilities through assistive technology, program planning, staff training, and community outreach. The VISTA member will assist the program manager with a variety of responsibilities, including the following duties:
• Develop strategies for outreach to persons with disabilities
• Collaborate with other organizations to develop outreach plans to expand our presence in the disabled community.
• Participate in assistive technology trainings provided by our collaborators to become an in-house accessibility specialist, who will then train other staff on teaching strategies
• Develop resources for accessibility including training materials for both staff and individuals with disabilities
• Help develop a new space plan at the center for better accessibility
• Help establish and coordinate a committee composed of staff, members and volunteers to inform the center on disability access needs.
• Help develop a new intake survey and registration process incorporating disability information, and revamp the current database to track this information.
Project Outcome:
Our CTC VISTA is the DISKovery Centers Accessibility Coordinator. She coordinated all of the meetings with staff and project partners. She also became our in-house AT specialist, and helped recommend our software and hardware purchases. She has developed advanced curriculum at Pacific Bridge. She has also coordinated and facilitated the access committee meetings. Our VISTA has also coordinated our Computer Adoption Program and has developed curriculum for the program. She has also trained staff on the Ubuntu Operating system so that staff can then teach the participants enrolled in our Computer Adoption Program.
Although we have partnered with other organizations that have given us a small number of users with disabilities, we are still short of our goals. Our VISTA has assisted on our outreach plan, and has developed outreach materials but both our centers in Little Tokyo and Echo Park are struggling increase our numbers.
Impact Quote:
“Our VISTA has been invaluable in assisting the center with its accessibility goals, and has been central in coordinating all aspects of the DISK4All Project. She has been committed to utilizing information and communications technologies to address the needs of our communities. Without our VISTA we would not have the staff nor capacity to achieve our accessibility goals.”
- Steve Wong, supervisor
CTC Accessbility Improvement
Organization:
HELP of Ojai VISTA Name:
John Mirk
Program Start:
9/2003
Program End:
9/2004
Project Description:
During the six month period of February 2004 – August 2004, John Mirk worked to improve accessibility of HELP of Ojai’s HELPNet CTC. Training of staff and volunteers continued. Open access hours were expanded. Lab accessibility and program opportunities were documented and communicated to Ojai Valley residents through the HELP of Ojai newsletter, reaching 2,000+ households monthly.
Goal 1: Increase accessibility of 6 station computer lab by updating hardware and software and programming that utilizes and encourages lab involvement.
Goal 2: Train 10 staff members and 5 volunteers in use of computer lab resources
Goal 3: Document and communicate program activities. (Develop speakers bureau & make minimum of 6 group presentations)
Goal 4: Public and private sector resources will enable the project to continue after the Members leave.
Project Outcome:
The lab was expanded during the second six month period in order to better serve the local homeless community. The second site minimized conflict between seniors and homeless computer users.
Goal 1:
6 old computers (Win 95 OS) were replaced with 6 Win XP OS computers. Curb cuts were added to improve site accessibility. A variety of input devices were installed to enable alternative input to standard mouse and keyboard. Two 2-hour classes on basic computing were offered in Spanish, reaching twelve adults. A variety of user profiles were installed on the computers (low vision, Spanish, etc). Currently assisting senior with limited vision to determine appropriate computer technology.
Goal 2:
Two senior volunteers were trained as docents for open access hours. Training on computer lab resources and basic computing skills were provided to 10 staff members. Training will continue in an ongoing basis
Goal 3:
One class of young@heart was held and two classes on basic computing in Spanish, in addition to the ongoing computer classes held in the lab. Open Access hours were implemented; the lab is now available for general use 5 days a week.
Goal 4:
Three year funding for the computer lab was secured from the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging.
Additional funding was obtained through the CTCNet C4T program to expand computer lab services to the local homeless community
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Updated technology assessment plan
• Improved physical accessibility of lab by installing curb cut in front of HELPnet door
• Installed and networked 6 computers in HELPnet lab
• Assisted in installation of WAN linking HELP of Ojai’s three work sites- the Little House Multipurpose Center, Oak Tree House Adult Day Support Center and Community Assistance Program office.
• Implemented open access hours for computer lab
• Developed and maintained program database
• Recruited and trained two volunteers to help monitor open access hours
• Evaluated and implemented assistive technology such as alternative keyboards
• Implemented beginning computing classes for Spanish speaking clients
• Revised organizational website (ongoing project)
• Designed, built and installed new computer table for lab
• Increased awareness of accessibility resources by visiting the Computer Access Center in Los Angeles, the Ventura College CTC and the CSUN International Conference on Technology and Persons with Disabilities
• Created a personal webpage: http://www.helpofojai.org/helpNet/vista.html
CTC Program Building
Organization:
CAMINOS Pathways Learning Center VISTA Name:
Gregory Fleischer
Program Start:
11/2001
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
Gregory Fleischer continues to develop and teach multimedia classes at CAMINOS. This semester we have expanded our multimedia opportunities to include animation (Macromedia’s Flash), Video Editing (Windows Movie Maker and Apple’s Quicktime) and interactive media (Macromedia’s Director).
Goal 1: To provide access to technology to the low-income Latino community.
Goal 2: To provide access to better job opportunities with living wages.
Goal 3: Public and private sector resources will enable the project to continue after the member leaves.
Project Outcome:
Gregory has designed an exciting new curriculum as well as a long-term multimedia plan for the school. Students truly enjoy and benefit from these classes and we look forward to building on this aspect of our program in the future. The students welcome the creative outlets these classes provide as a balance to the MS office applications and the technical computer repair classes we offer. As previously reported, this instruction has been given not only to students but to staff as well.
In the web design class students continue to work on non-profit site projects under Gregory’s advisory oversight. Several students are now independently building and maintaining websites for neighborhood non-profit organizations.
Gregory has almost completed the Spanish mirror of our bi-lingual website and he remains solely responsible for the web presence and staff accounts. He continues to work with staff and students in completing and maintaining CAMINOS’ website. (Please see http://www.caminossf.org)
*AccessU West*
When:
January 11, 2011 - January 12, 2011
Where:
San Jose, CA The digital divide includes the tech design divide that keeps people who are using assistive technology or who have disabilities from being able to use web sites, software and other tech tools.
If you agree, you should check out *AccessU West* - a web accessibility institute (previously CalWAC) *January 10-12, 2011* in San Jose, California. It’s being organized by Knowbility.org, that’s focused on helping people with disabilities get access to technology and tech-related education, as well as making education accessible through technology.