VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
4th Annual Employment and Technology Institute

“The Future Is Now: Invest in Yourself”
7-Day Conference (Thursday, Aug. 5 - Wednesday, Aug 11, 2010) or
Intensive Technology Weekend (Friday, Aug. 6 - Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010)

Join us this year as we explore new ways to “Invest in Yourself.” This extraordinary opportunity for adults (18+ years of age) who are blind or visually impaired, offers workshops and seminars by seasoned professionals, a Technology Expo with hands-on demos of the latest in assistive technology, and an opportunity to relax and reflect at VISIONS VCB. This 35 acre residential rehabilitation and training center in Rockland County includes a private five acre lake, a ramped heated swimming pool, indoor and outdoor sports, library, recreation lounges, wireless internet connection and an adapted computer center.

Keynote Address by: James A. Kutsch, Jr., Ph.D.
Dr. Kutsch is the first totally blind president of The Seeing Eye located in Morristown , New Jersey , the first guide dog school in the country. He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Illinois . His doctoral dissertation was to design and implement a talking computer terminal for blind programmers, leading to the development of the first talking computer. Dr. Kutsch served seven years on the president's committee on Employment of People with Disabilities in the Work Environment and Technology subcommittee. Prior to assuming the role of president, he served 10 years on The Seeing Eye Board of Trustees.

Guest Speakers include:
John Herrion, Esquire, NYS Division of Human Rights, Director of Disability Rights. Mr. Herrion is responsible for overseeing the Division’s enforcement of the New York State Human Rights Law prohibitions against discrimination based on disability. Mr. Herrion’s presentation will focus on disability rights pertaining to employment practices.

James P. Brown, Labor Market Analyst, NYS Department of Labor Division of Research and Statistics. In this position, Mr. Brown provides economic analysis of New York City 's job market with an emphasis on labor issues. Mr. Brown’s presentation will provide timely information on job market and economic trends, growing industries, demographic trends and the changing nature of work.

VISIONS Institute includes workshops/seminars on topics such as:
è Assistive Technology (portable devices, Apple accessibility, note-takers and affordable solutions)
è Job Seekers Empowerment Tools
è Understanding the NYS CBVH Vocational Rehab System
è Advocacy: “Know Your Rights and Responsibilities”
è Benefits: “Why It Pays to Work”
è Resume Writing and Interviewing Tips
What is the cost? (All costs below include lodging, meals and transportation)
CBVH Sponsorship: $200 for 7-day Institute; $100 for Technology Weekend
Non-sponsored: (suggested minimum individual contribution) $75.00 for 7-day Institute: $50 for Technology Weekend

How Do I get there?
Roundtrip bus transportation will be provided from Visions at Selis Manor at 135 West 23rd Street , New York , NY , to VISIONS VCB and back.

For Online Registration Click on the following link:
http://institute2010.eventbrite.com

check us out on FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=304317971001&index=1

follow us on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/visionsnyc

or if you need more information:
Email: institute@visionsvcb.org