Blind Users Innovating and Leading Design (BUILD) study opportunity
The National Federation of the Blind is searching for blind and low vision users of screen reader technology to participate in 2-3 hours of remote user testing of the accessibility of computer-generated speech. Participants will be guided through an online exercise using a screen reader via the Zoom meeting platform. A $100.00 honorarium will be provided as compensation.
If you meet the following criteria and are interested in participating, please complete the survey:
You are over the age of 18 and are blind or low vision
You use screen reader technology
You have access to a computer with internet access, a camera, microphone, and headphones
Your computer has a web browser (other than Firefox) and screen reader software, like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver
You consent to being observed remotely while conducting user testing
You can use the Zoom software, through which you will be connected to the study facilitators, who will guide you through the study and observe you remotely. Zoom training is available upon request.
· First two classes are free! Players will fill out the interest form at https://forms.gle/GqPkgHjQd29F2ZiB9 to receive their first two classes for free.
· First session will be four weeks due to tennis festival on October 29, so the session is prorated at $75 for four weeks
· Start October 8 and finish out the last five weeks of Session I, to continue in five-week increments throughout Sessions II-IV
· Led by Karl, 3 courts, 2 additional coaches, capped at 24 players, big push for volunteers
Other Opportunities
Available to all veterans & adaptive players coming through the Thursday or Saturday program
· Join JTCC as a member and get an additional 25% off of the member price of their first two sessions of adult programming
· Receive $10 off LTN I or LTN II programs
Financial Aid
· Players who come through the veterans/adaptive program have the option to apply for financial aid for the veterans/adaptive program (Ava’s interim process which determines discount based on tax return/income bracket).
The National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC) is hosting a webinar with Dr. Sarah Sparks on November 10 at 2:00 pm CT designed to help strengthen your understanding of assistive listening systems. Dr. Sparks will give an introductory presentation where participants will learn the fundamentals of assistive listening devices and gain the knowledge essential to making informed decisions about accommodation options for deaf students. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A to answer additional questions from participants.
There are now 35 hours of virtual sessions, plus the Tuesday evening keynote, during the main conference, in addition to 2-full day virtual pre-conference workshops.
November 14, 2022 10:30 AM – November 18, 2022 12:45 PM Mountain Time
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
AHG is honored to have Elsa Sjunneson, a Seattle author and editor, as this year’s keynote speaker. Her 2021 book, Being Seen: One Deafblind Woman’s Fight To End Ableism is a snarky but thoughtful look into how media shapes disability in the modern world. Her fiction has been a Hugo Award finalist seven times.
We’re seeking young adults between 18-24 to serve as
Maryland AT Champions!
The Maryland Assistive Technology (AT) Program, in partnership with TransCen Inc.,
is seeking 1-2 young adults with disabilities between the ages of 18-24 to serve as
Assistive Technology Champions.
AT Champions will collaborate with the Maryland AT Program to develop content related to assistive technology, including social media posts, material development, and AT fabrication. Maryland AT Champions will also work with AT Champions from other states in the mid-Atlantic region.
5-Month Focus on:
AT Awareness, Fabrication, Activism, Funding, and Outreach
The Ideal AT Champion
The ideal candidate(s) will be creative, excited to share their passion for assistive technology, and eager to develop leadership skills. Candidates should have some personal experience with assistive technology and tools for people with disabilities.
DETAILS
Five month program running from November 2022 – March 2023
Approximately 10 hours per month
1 virtual, multi-state meeting per month required
Stipend of approximately $2,000 provided
TO APPLY
Please send an email of interest including your experience with AT, why you would like to be considered, and your resume. You can direct all emails to Lori Berrong at mdtap.general@maryland.gov. Please use “AT Champion” in the subject line.
A month-long financial resiliency webinar series focused on knowledge-building, resources, and services for people with disabilities to increase financial independence!
Kelly Nelson, Maryland ABLE Outreach and Communications Manager, will share an overview of how ABLE accounts can help people with disabilities and their families to save and invest for the future without jeopardizing federal, state, and local benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. Attendees will learn about tax-advantaged savings and investment options as well as how to use the ABLE account to pay for qualified disability-related expenses. Join us to learn about the eligibility criteria, enrollment process, features of a Maryland ABLE account and the account management process.
Many people with disabilities who get cash and medical benefits from the government, and who are considering paid work, face some daunting questions:
· What will happen to my cash benefits if I work?
· Can I keep my medical benefits?
· Will I have more money?
Learn how safety nets called “work incentives” help protect benefits when you work, and make sure you come out ahead. Discover the Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS), a work incentive that can help you buy technology and other items to reach a work goal. And find out how to get FREE help from a certified Benefits Planner to use work incentives.
In this presentation, we plan to address why planning for the inevitable or unexpected loss of a parent is so important. We cover both financial and legal tools to prepare for a supported loved one, and discuss ideas to build a support network now so the transition is as manageable as it can be.
Many people with disabilities who get cash and medical benefits from the government, and who are considering paid work, face some daunting questions:
· What will happen to my cash benefits if I work?
· Can I keep my medical benefits?
· Will I have more money?
Learn how safety nets called “work incentives” help protect benefits when you work, and make sure you come out ahead. Discover the Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS), a work incentive that can help you buy technology and other items to reach a work goal. And find out how to get FREE help from a certified Benefits Planner to use work incentives.
*Repeat Session
If you need accommodations, including live captions, please contact Lori Berrong, lori.berrong@maryland.govno later than 7 days before the session you’re registering for, indicating the name of session(s) you will need accommodations for.
The National Federation of the Blind is searching for blind and low vision users of screen reader technology to participate in 2-3 hours of remote user testing of the accessibility of computer-generated speech. Participants will be guided through an online exercise using a screen reader via the Zoom meeting platform. A $100.00 honorarium will be provided as compensation.
AHG is honored to have Elsa Sjunneson, a Seattle author and editor, as this year’s keynote speaker. Her 2021 book, 
