Maryland Tap's Logo
 August 1999
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Announcements

MetLife Introduces MetDESK-
A Dedicated Division to Help Families with Special Needs Children

For Immediate Release

Public Relations

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010-3690

Kevin Foley
 Vice President

Contact:     

David Hannon
Ph: (212) 578-8532
E-Mail: dmharmon@metlife.com

  

Christina Tso
Ph: (212) 578-4946
E-mail: ctso@metlife.com

New York, June 10, 1999-MetLife announced today the introduction of a new marketing division, MetDESK--(Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids), that will focus on the financial concerns of families with special needs children.

MetDESK offers families with special needs children a dedicated staff of specialists and a MetDESK web page where visitors can learn more about financial issues for special needs children. The introduction of MetDESK makes MetLife one of the few financial services providers with a dedicated group of professionals to help families with special needs children. Special needs is defined as any limited functioning caused by a mental, emotional, genetic, physical, or biological condition which may require specialized programs, training, and/or government benefit assistance.

MetDESK consists of a group of specialists who were chosen to provide customized financial solutions tailored to meet the needs of families with special needs children. A MetDESK specialist will take clients through a comprehensive planning process designed to help address financial, legal and govenunental issues for families with special needs children. MetDESK specialists work closely with special needs attorneys and can help families develop plans to provide money to the child, meet long-term care and quality of life objectives, and preserve government benefits.

"While many financial institutions are attempting to serve families with special needs children, we still believe that this market remains underserved." said Nadine Vogel, MetLife assistant vice president and director of the MetDESK program. "Families with special needs children have very unique concerns and require financial service professionals who have in-depth knowledge and understanding of their situations. MetDESK was created to meet the needs of this market by providing comprehensive financial services and an array of insurance and other financial products though a dedicated unit of MetLife."

MetDESK's dedicated web page provides in-depth information on products and services available to the market and enables individuals to set up an appointment with his/her local MetDESK specialist. Visitors to the site can also link to related sites such as Family Village, The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation, and Exceptional Parent Magazine.

The MetDESK comprehensive planning process begins with a complimentary session designed to review the family's current situation and to help identify their need for additional planning. The next step is to review the various planning and funding options and make recommendations for implementation. Finally, the MetDESK specialist will make referrals to other special needs professionals when and where possible.

MetDESK is part of MetLife's Market Champion program, a new marketing strategy, in which an exclusive group of 127 MetLife Account Reps were chosen to focus on four distinct markets. These markets are defined as 1) affluent (those with $500,000 or more in assets), 2) female business owners and other career women 3) mature (consumers over the age of 50) and 4) families with special needs children.

Headquartered in New York City since 1868, MetLife is a leading provider of insurance and financial services to a broad spectrum of individual and institutional customers. The company provides individual insurance and investment products to approximately 9 million households in the U.S. MetLife also provides group insurance and investment products to corporations and other institutions serving over 33 million people. For more information about MetLife, please visit our company's Web site at http://www.metlife.com.

For more information about MetDESK, please visit the MetDESK Web site at http://www.metlife.com/desk. For more information on any of the four specific markets, please call 1-877-MetDESK.

JEWISH VOCATIONAL SERVICES

of Metropolitan Washington

POSITION - VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR - HALF-TIME

Under the supervision of the Director of Jewish Vocational Services

Duties:

Would prefer candidate to have Masters degree or equivalent and be able to perform simultaneous communication (oral/sign).

Half-time salaried position with benefits and supervision.

Send resume to:

FAX.- (301) 881 - 4453
MAIL: JVS/SEPHI
6123 Montrose Rd.
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 816-2628
TDD (301) 881-5623
FAX (301) 770-8741
Job Hotline (301) 770-3242.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT FOR PERSONS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS (SEPHI)

A free program of counseling, career development training, and job placement assistance for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Montgomery County residents

Counseling

Career Development Workshops

Job Placement

Job Coach may:

To register for the SEPHI program starting on 7/l/99, call Erin Murphy (301) 816-2628 (Voice) and (301) 881-5623 (TTY)

This is a nonsectarian program funded by the Montgomery County Career Transition Center and the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS).

Jewish Vocational Services - 6123 Montrose Road - Rockville, MD 20852. (301) 816-2628 Phone - (301) 881-5623, TTY - (301) 881-4453 Fax.

It's official! Braille Planet and Duxbury Systems are merging!

Duxbury Systems produces the Duxbury Braille translator.
Braille Planet produces the MegaDots Braille translator.

For an official announcement, see
http://www.brailleplanet.org/ or
http://www.duxburysystems.com.

We look forward to working together on a new generation of products that preserves the best of both traditions.

Both product lines will be preserved and supported. The merger will allow the developers of both companies to work together for improved future products.

-- David Holladay

Dear Friend:

Several months ago, Braille Planet's Aaron Leventhal and Duxbury System's Joe Sullivan and Neal Kuniansky had some long conversations at a trade show in California. They talked about what the next generation of braille software would be like, with automated translation and formatting, web-based production, on-line libraries, and use of familiar word-processing interfaces. But this was no pie-in-the-sky conversation. The conversation enlarged to include other persons at both companies, focusing on how the two companies could work together to bring this technology to market. It quickly became apparent that we all shared a passion for this vision of the future, and that the only way we could bring this to market would be by joining forces and working together.

Joining forces--now what would that mean? After weeks of discussion, we reached an agreement--Duxbury Systems would purchase Braille Planet (successor to Raised Dot Computing, Inc.), so that we could work in the most collaborative manner possible in making this beautiful Braille future happen.

By coming together, we are creating a phenomenal pool of Braille software development talent. The core of our technology team will consist of a group of people with a combined experience in the field of over 80 years. We have begun training the next generation of Braille programmers, who bring whole new areas of expertise in windows programming and web development. Together we will be maintaining and improving the current family of software products, as well as developing the next generation of technology.

No customer will be left behind in this process. All current MegaDots and Duxbury software will be maintained and fully supported. We will be placing an even greater emphasis on user training, both in terms of written materials as well as through the development of a national network of software trainers.

The legal paperwork will still take some time to process, and we have lots of details to chase down and take care of. In the coming months, we will be keeping you apprised of developments on our respective websites.

Thank you for placing your trust in us. We cannot tell you how excited we are about this process. We pledge to continue to honor that trust, and to continue to strive to bring the best possible software technology to the market.

Sincerely,

Joe Sullivan
President, Duxbury Systems

Greg Rosenberg
President, CEO, Braille Planet

How to Learn More about the Arts

Many children with special needs look to the arts as a source of enjoyment. Others might even find a career!

These arts agencies offer a wide range of programs and services for youngsters with disabilities:

Accessible Arts, Inc.
1100 State Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66102
913-281-1133
Located at the Kansas State School for the Blind, this is a national resource for people with varying disabilities who need help finding teachers, mentors and contacts in fields related to movement, the visual arts, music, drama and storytelling.

VSA Arts
1300 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
1-800-933-8721
For more than 24 years, this international nonprofit organization, formerly known as Very Special Arts, has been affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. VSA Arts offers courses in creative writing, drama, music and dance, as well as the visual arts, through its 47 state and 93 international affiliates.

Young Performers Division of the Media Access Office
4640 Lankershim Blvd
Suite 301
North Hollywood, CA 91602
1-818-752-1196
Created by Gail Williamson in 1991, this division of the MAO helps disabled actors find talent agents, hire acting coaches and assemble portfolios - all free of charge. Performers with disabilities are encouraged to request a new client packet, which includes a registration form (that will ask for details about one's talents and type of disability), plus employment eligibility and photo release forms. Seasoned performers, meanwhile, should ask to be included in the Media Access talent files.

Beautiful Kids, Inc.
3806 Rosewood Lane
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
1-248-375-2730
This agency was founded in 1994 and was conceived originally to help get "differently abled" children, from birth to age 18, into print ads and commercials. Today, its also helping kids get acting jobs in TV, movies and videos. (Clients should be able to sit up straight, use their hands, control facial muscles, and focus both eyes).

Government Product News

From: Government Product News - May, 1999 - page 3

To expand business opportunities for people who are deaf, a pioneering project called SignWorks is underway throughout England. Through the project, deaf people will be able to use sign language on the telephone, conducting daily business on an equal standing with hearing people.

Prime equipment for the project is a stand-alone, mm220 videophone, made by Motion Media Technology (Bristol, UK). The videophone will be installed at libraries, schools, support organizations for the deaf, and companies with deaf employees.

About the size of a traditional business telephone, mm220 is said to be the first videophone whose picture quality and speed can successfully transmit and receive sign language. The videophone features a built-in camera, microphone, and video screen, plus incorporates two-way data sharing for accessing PC documents and files.

The project is a joint effort of many organizations based in England, such as the Deaf Studies Trust at the University of Bristol. Goals of the project are to help deaf people access business information, regardless of their location.

http://www.deafstudiestrust.demon.co.uk/text/Projects/sworksum.htm

Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.
Professor - Human Factors
Dept of Ind. Engr. - U of Wis.
Director - Trace R & D Center
Gv@trace.wisc.edu, http://trace.wisc.edu/ FAX 608/262-8848
For a list of our listserves send "lists" to listproc@trace.wisc.edu

On A Roll

On A Roll, America's only live weekly commercial radio talk show on disability lifestyle issues is living up to its name. Since hitting the airwaves as a local program in Phoenix, Arizona in 1992, On A Roll has steadily gained awareness in the grassroots disability community, and has become a significant national source of news, resources and discussion. On A Roll airs live Sunday nights at 9:05 PM Eastern Time on the Talk America Radio Network, and on the Internet at http://www.onarollradio.com.

Recently, On A Roll signed on with the Talk America Radio Network, creating a total of 36 radio stations that carry the show. That audience is enhanced by a growing number of Internet users who tune in with their computers, using the much-improved RealPlayer G2 software plug in, available for free download at http://www.real.com. On A Roll's recently redesigned web site includes archives of the show and "internet-only" streaming audio features that are updated daily.

On A Roll also gives away free software prizes to all callers, courtesy of its newest major sponsor, Microsoft. The program is also sponsored by the Action Storm Series Power Chairs, and by EasyStand.

"I think we have proven to the radio industry that there is a significant market for a program that promotes the empowerment of all people," said Greg Smith, On a Roll's host and founder, who is a wheelchair user with muscular dystrophy. "Now is a great time for people call the program director at their local talk stations and ask for On A Roll, because now stations are more aware of the show and are more open to it than ever before."

For more information about On A Roll Talk Radio on Life & Disability, visit the On A Roll web site at http://www.onarollradio.com, or call Greg Smith at 937-767-1838.

National Disability Policy Fellowship Program

July 19, 1999

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the National Council on Disability (NCD), I am pleased to announce the establishment of the National Disability Policy Fellowship program. In recent years, the disability civil rights movement has lost many of its leaders. In an effort to identify and develop new leaders with disabilities and to enhance NCD's policy capacity, NCD has established this annual fellowship program in Washington, D.C. The focus of the Fellowship program will be to provide experience, training and contacts to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Selected fellows will receive benefits (including health insurance), a competitive stipend to cover living expenses, and reasonable relocation expenses. Selected fellows will be responsible for locating their own housing in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area during the term of the fellowship. The fellows' appointment, not to exceed one year, will begin in January 2000. To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must be U.S. citizens with at least a baccalaureate college degree at the time of application and must self-identify as individuals with disabilities.

I invite interested candidates who meet the eligibility requirements to apply. The application is attached. It is also posted on NCD's website, www.ncd.gov . Additional copies of the application form can be obtained by contacting Stacey Brown at NCD at 202 272-2004 (voice) or 202 272-2074 (TTY) or 202 272-2022 (fax).

Sincerely,

Marca Bristo
Chairperson
National Council on Disability

National Council on Disability
1999 - 2000 Disability Policy Fellowship Program
Information for Applicants

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY:
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency charged with advising the President and Congress on public policy issues affecting Americans with disabilities. NCD has a 15-member Board appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. During calendar 2000, NCD will be conducting a number of activities focused on improving civil rights enforcement for children and adults with disabilities.

NATIONAL DISABILITY POLICY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM:
In recent years, the disability civil rights movement has experienced the passing of several individuals who played instrumental roles in advancing the design and implementation of public policy affecting America's 54 million people with disabilities. To develop new leadership in this area and to enhance NCD's policy capacity, NCD is establishing an annual fellowship program in Washington, DC that will provide experience, training, and contacts to qualified individuals with disabilities.

One to two fellows will be sponsored per year. Selected fellows will receive benefits (including health insurance), a competitive stipend to cover expenses, and reasonable relocation expenses. Selected fellows will be responsible for locating their own housing in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for the term of the fellowship. The fellow's appointment, not to exceed one year, will begin in January, 2000.

PROGRAM ELEMENTS:
The fellow(s) will work out of NCD's office in Washington, D.C. An individualized work plan will be developed with the fellow(s) that could include placements at other locations or "shadowing" and assisting a senior policy leader through a variety of activities. The fellowship will also include training conducted by NCD staff and other policy professionals. A substantial written product will be a required element of the work plan. During the fellowship year and afterward, the fellow will be asked to engage in periodic follow-up interviews or surveys to help NCD evaluate the effectiveness of this program.

SELECTION PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA:
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must be U.S. citizens with at least a baccalaureate college degree. NCD will establish a selection committee that may include NCD staff, board members, and community representatives. The selection committee will review all completed applications, conduct personal interviews of finalists, and select the fellow(s). All applicants must complete the National Disability Policy Fellowship application form (attached) to be considered for the fellowship. When personal interviews are required, NCD will cover reasonable travel expenses.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated on the following additional criteria:

NCD will make affirmative efforts to recruit applicants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and rural communities, and encourages such individuals to apply.

Applicants should submit an application package consisting of:

Applicants who believe they may qualify for a veterans preference under federal personnel rules should provide information that would support this determination in their application form or resume.

Application packages must be received at NCD by August 31, 1999. Selected fellows will be notified by October 15, 1999.

Fellowships will begin on or after January 3, 2000.

Submit completed applications to:

National Council on Disability
National Disability Policy Fellowship Program
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1050
Washington, DC 20004

If you prefer to send your application by e-mail, please email us your application either as a plain ASCII file, MS Word Document, or a Word Perfect Document. Applicants may submit application packages in alternative formats. All applications will be acknowledged in writing by NCD.

For more information contact Moira Shea at mshea@ncd.gov or call 202-272-2004 voice, or (202) 272-2074 (TTY), or see the NCD website: www.ncd.gov

National Council on Disability
National Disability Policy Fellowship Program
Application Form

SECTION 1: BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Name:________________________________________

Social Security Number:___________________ Date of Birth:___________

Home Address:__________________________

City:_____________________ State: ________ Zip Code:___________

Daytime Phone: _____________     Evening Phone:____________

Fax:________________________    TTY (if applicable):____________________

E-mail(if applicable):_____________________ (Home) _______________________ (Work)

U.S. Citizen?: Yes ______ No_______ Naturalized Citizen?: Yes_____ No_____

Gender: Female____ Male ____

Do you have a disability? Yes:_________ No:________

[Optional: The following optional question on race/ethnicity will be used only to help us assure our affirmative recruitment efforts.

Race/Ethnicity: _________________

SECTION 2: EXPERIENCE
Please attach your full resume or vita and transcripts for your highest degree completed and any ongoing graduate work. The following questions are intended to supplement or clarify the information on your resume or vita and transcripts.

Employment: List your current position, organization name, position title, description of duties, and dates of employment. Briefly describe your major accomplishments in this position.

Education: List your highest degree completed, type of degree, major, institution, and dates of attendance. Briefly describe your major educational accomplishments.

Memberships: List memberships in professional societies, advocacy organizations, including any leadership positions. Briefly describe your major accomplishments.

Community Service: List any community service or other civic activities in which you participate, including any leadership positions. Briefly describe your major accomplishments.

SECTION 3: ESSAY QUESTIONS
Please limit your response to each question to 350 words. Attach your essays to the application form.

1. Please describe briefly why you are interested in disability policy and this fellowship program, and what you believe you can contribute to NCD?

2. What are your future career goals and how do expect your participation in this fellowship to further them?

3. If you could make one significant policy change that would advance the independence, empowerment, inclusion, and economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities in the next five years, what policy change would you choose and why?

SECTION 4: REFERENCES
Please list three (3) individuals as references who are familiar with your professional abilities and personal character.

1.
Name:_____________________________________________________

Relationship to You:____________________________________________

Street Address:______________________________________________

City: ______________________________

State: _________ Zip Code:___________

Daytime Phone: _______________ Evening Phone:_________________

Fax: _________________ E-mail:________________________________

2.
Name:_____________________________________________________

Relationship to You:____________________________________________

Street Address:______________________________________________

City: ______________________________

State: _________ Zip Code:___________

Daytime Phone: _____________ Evening Phone:_________________

Fax:_________________ E-mail:________________________

3.
Name:_____________________________________________________

Relationship to You:____________________________________________

Street Address:________________________________________________

City: ______________________________

State: _________ Zip Code:___________

Daytime Phone: ______________ Evening Phone:_________________

Fax:_________________ E-mail:_______________________

Please tell us how you heard about the Fellowship Program:

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