----- Original Message ----- From: VISIONS Institute To: institute@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 1:22 PM Subject: VISIONS Employment & Technology Institute - Exciting Offer Dear Friends: There's still time to register for VISIONS 2nd Annual Employment & Technology Institute: Building Your Future, 2008. The Institute will be held at VISIONS VCB in Rockland County from Thursday, 7/24 through Tuesday, 7/29. As a special feature this year, VISIONS has recently added an overnight "Tech Trip Only" option to accommodate individuals who are unable to attend the full 5 day Institute. This intensive session begins on the morning of Sunday, 7/27 and ends Monday evening, 7/28. If you have a busy schedule, work and/or family responsibilities that make it impossible to get away from home for 5 days, please consider joining us for the exciting overnight "Tech Intensive". For more information, please see the attached flyer, or call Blindline® at 888.625.1616. Roundtrip transportation for both the 5 day Institute and overnight Tech Trip is available from 135 W. 23rd Street in Manhattan to VCB. The $25 registration fee includes transportation, lodging, linens, meals, all workshops, and admission to the Exhibit Hall. All participants will be eligible to win door prizes and "goody bags. Individuals who attend the full 5 day event and who distinguish themselves by actively participating in workshops may qualify for one of four $250 cash scholarship awards. Time is running out - you won't want to miss this exciting Employment & Technology event! Cordially, VISIONS Institute Committee Chairs: Dawn M. Suvino Director of Workforce Development & Training 646.486.4444, ext. 14 dsuvino@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Michael J. Cush Assist. Director of Workforce Development & Training 888.625.1616 mcush@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Radoslaw Mazon Information Services Associate/Vendor Coordinator 888.625.1616 rmazon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Betsy Fabricant Director of Recreation and Residential Programs 212.625.1616 bfabricant@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxTitle: VISIONS 2nd Annual Employment & Technology Institute
Funded in part by Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation
Keynote Speaker: renown sports journalist Ed Lucas
Despite being totally blind, Ed Lucas has worked as a reporter/broadcaster, covering the New York area sports scene since 1964. Ed?s success in this highly competitive field, which, for many, would seem to require good eyesight, has contributed to his reputation as a motivational speaker. This summer, we are proud to bring you the funny, inspirational, thought-provoking stories of Ed Lucas, the keynote speaker for VISIONS 2nd Annual Employment & Technology Institute.
This year's programming is designed around the theme of ?Getting There": mapping your way to the best career opportunities, building on your strengths, navigating the system, surfing the Net, training for a lifetime of employment - it's a marathon, not a sprint! Join us for 5 full days of career exploration that will get you there!
Workshops and seminars on such topics as:
The Institute also includes a Technology Expo & Exhibit Hall where vendors will demonstrate state-of-the-art assistive technology, including a special presentation of the Trekker Breeze, the latest advance in accessible GPS (Global Positioning Systems) from Humanware.
In response to feedback from last year's Institute attendees, VISIONS has partnered with Touch Graphics to develop an all-new way-finding system to help participants navigate the 35 acre campus at VCB with independent ease and confidence. Join us for the unveiling of this exciting new way-finding system that combines an electronic audio-tacctile map with hardcopy materials. On Thursday, July 24, Steven Landau, Research Director of Touch Graphics, and the winner of the 2007 Louis Braille "Touch of Genius Award" from the National Braille Press, will be present to offer participants an orientation to the system. VCB staff will continue to collect feedback throughout the 5 day event. Don't miss your chance to contribute your design ideas to this unique research project.
VISIONS recognizes that some participants may have work and/or family responsibilities which make it difficult for them to get away from home for the full 5 day Institute. That's why we're offering a special "Tech Trip" option this year. Individuals who are unable to attend the 5 day Institute are welcome to register for an overnight "Tech Trip". Buses will leave Selis Manor on the morning of Sunday, July 27 and return Monday evening, July 28. Participants who would like to take advantage of this special offer must fill out an online registration form and select "Tech Trip Only" when asked which Institute they wish to attend.
On Sunday, July 27, VISIONS professional technology staff will offer seminars and hands-on workshops on topics such as "Buying Your Own Computer" and "Internet for Job Seekers". We will also offer demos of several different products including System Access To Go, VoiceOver, the Small-Talk Ultra and SenseView, and PackMate.
Monday's Exhibit Hall will showcase products and services from assistive technology vendors, service organizations, and consumer groups alike. Registered exhibitors include Humanware, Touch Graphics, Freedom Scientific, C Tech, MaxiAids, Vis-Ability, Inc., The Seeing Eye, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, The American Council of the Blind of New York, and The National Federation of the Blind of New York.
All attendees will be entered into a raffle where they can win one of many door prizes, which have been generously donated by Independent Living Aids, C Tech, National Braille Press, and others.
At the close of this year's Institute, VISIONS will award 4 individuals each with a $250 cash scholarship . Awardees will be selected on the basis of their active participation in workshops, willingness to mentor and/or network with other attendees, and demonstrable commitment to ongoing career development and professional growth. Please note that only participants who attend the full 5 day Institute are eligible to receive cash scholarship awards.
The Institute takes place at VISIONS VCB in Rockland County, NY. The FULL registration fee, including lodging, meals and round trip transportation from NYC to VCB, is only $25.00!
CBVH clients should consult their counselors regarding financial assistance.
VISIONS thanks eSight Careers Network for co-sponsoring this event. Marten Tegnestam worked tirelessly to generate the online registration forms and export the data to VISIONS staff in a timely manner. Thanks to ESight Careers Network's generous in-kind contributions, VISIONS has been able to offer its participants fully-accessible online registration.
If you need assistance completing the online registration form, please call (888) 625-1616 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and a Blindline® Information Specialist will be happy to help.
For more information about the 2008 Institute, contactInstitute 2008.
Read program highlights from VISIONS 2007 Institute
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