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George H. Nofer Scholarship for graduate students with a moderate to profound hearing loss

Link: George H. Nofer Scholarship
The George H. Nofer Scholarship for Law and Public Policy is for full-time graduate students with a moderate to profound hearing loss who are attending accredited law school or a masters or doctoral program in public policy or public administration.

The George H. Nofer Scholarship for Law and Public Policy was established to recognize George H. Nofer’s service and generosity to the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) and to the fields of law and deafness research and education. Mr. Nofer, a retired partner of the law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP in Philadelphia, is a former member of the AG Bell board of directors. He is a co-trustee of the Oberkotter Foundation and served for more than 15 years as its Executive Director.

LOFT Leadership program for teens - June 24-27 - Milwaukee, WI

Link: LOFT

Leadership Opportunities for Teens (LOFT)
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
June 24 – 27th, 2008
Milwaukee, WI - Prior to the AG Bell Convention

Deadline for applications is April 15, 2008 and notification of acceptance will be by April 30, 2008.

Leadership Opportunities for Teens (LOFT) is a three-day program for teens, ages 15-18 who are interested in becoming more involved in their surroundings as leaders/role models. Skills learned from several types of activities will help participants deal with situations in school, work, or play. Highlights include (1) individual goal setting, (2) team activities and games, (3) communication and advocacy exercises, and (4) group outings. At the end of the program, the group as a whole will have the responsibility of preparing and presenting a skit to the AG Bell Convention during the general opening session.

Expected outcomes for LOFT include:

* Establishment of life time friendships with other individuals similar to themselves,
* Self esteem to get up in front of a group and talk and/or perform and to advocate for their needs.
* The confidence and ability to take an active role as leaders in the mainstream.

LOFT has space for a maximum of 20 teens and an application is required. There is a $275 tuition fee. Airfare and lodging is not included. Each teen will be sharing a hotel room with another participant and the cost for each is expected to be approximately $70 per night. Participants will also be expected to cover dinner and entertainment for one evening when the group goes out for a special activity.

Scholarships for tuition fee may be available for certain candidates.

Autism Interview: Learn from the true experts - those on the spectrum

Link: Qazi Fazli Azeem

Qazi Fazli Azeem
Despite many sensory challenges and obstacles, Azeem is a true success. Poor eye contact and an inability to do math have not stopped him from becoming Pakistan's highest certified teacher in Multimedia/Graphic Design. He is renowned for spreading Autism Awareness in Pakistan. He has a natural talent for Numerology and is so proficient that he has been requested to do readings for celebrities and even government officials from over eleven countries.

NYTimes.com: Swearing-In Resonates at a School for the Blind

Link: The New York Times

They sat on little wooden chairs at the front of the classroom, lined up in tidy rows close enough to the television to hear the new governor use grown-up words like “budget” and “democracy.”

The children, in kindergarten, first and second grade at the New York Institute for Special Education, the second-oldest school for the blind in the nation, listened closely as David A. Paterson delivered his speech, straining their ears to catch every bit of it, laughing at his jokes even when they went over their hea

BillingsGazette.com: Paterson may be first blind NY governor

Link: BillingsGazette.com

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- The man poised to succeed Gov. Eliot Spitzer would not only become the first black governor of New York. He would also be the state's first legally blind governor and its first disabled governor since Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Though his sight is limited, Lt. Gov. David Paterson walks the halls of the Capitol unaided. He recognizes people at conversational distance and can memorize whole speeches. He has played basketball, run a marathon, and survived 22 years in the backbiting culture of the state Capitol with a reputation as a man more apt to reach for an olive branch than a baseball bat.

AG Bell: Leadership Opportunities for Teens (LOFT)

Link: LOFT

The popular LOFT (Leadership Opportunities for Teens) program returns again for the 2008 AG Bell Biennial Convention in Milwaukee, Wis. The three-day program will be held prior to the convention from June 24-27. The program is for teens 15 to 18 years old who are interested in developing skills as leaders and role models. Participants will learn skills that will help them deal with situations in school, work or play. Highlights include individual goal setting, team activities and games, communication and advocacy exercises and group outings. At the end of the program, participants will prepare and present a skit for the Opening General Session at the AG Bell Convention.

2008 Montana Youth Leadership Forum Delegate Application

Link: http://www.montanaylf.org/
Download mylf_08_app.pdf
MYLF (pronounced “my life”) is a unique career and leadership training program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with disabilities. By serving as delegates from their communities at a 5-day intensive training, youth with disabilities will cultivate leadership, citizenship, and social skills.

Montana Center on Disabilties Seeking Nominations for Leaders with Disabilities

CONTACT:
Tina Hoagland, Montana Center on Disabilities, 657-2039/888 866-3822
Jeannette Vieg, Montana Center on Disabilities, 657-2312/888 866-3822

The Montana Center on Disabilities at Montana State University-Billings is looking forward to selecting the inductees for 2007 Hall of Fame for Leaders with Disabilities. If you would like to nominate someone, you can download the nomination form and instructions at http://www.msubillings.edu/mtcd/HallofFame2006.htm or call Jeannette to have them mailed to you. She can be reached at 406 657-2312 or toll free at 888 866-3822.
The Hall of Fame was founded to recognize contributions made by individuals with disabilities that make Montana communities a better place to live. They need not be involved in change related to disability issues.

New Washington, D.C. Associate Director for Domestic Policies Is Responsible for Disability Issues

A new successor of Associate Director for Domestic Policy at the White House was to be brought on board. That time has now come. In fact, his first day was this past Monday. His name is Daniel M. Gade. Dan is a 1997 graduate of the United States Military Academy and will receive his Master's in Public Administration from the University of Georgia later this summer. Continuing the previous tradition of the position of Associate Director for Domestic Policy responsible for disability issues, the position is a Detail post.

Early Childhood Special Education Leadership Program

Link: Leadership Program

What is the Leadership Program in ECSE?

The Leadership Program is a grant funded by the U. S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to prepare doctoral-level leadership personnel in the area of early childhood special education (ECSE), who will gain exemplary skills in evidence-based research, university teaching, program administration, and public policy.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for doctoral students who are interested in becoming leaders and change agents for services for young children with disabilities and their families. Leaders who are committed to training professionals, conducting research, and affecting policy to improve the quality of life, and supports and services for children and families. We are looking for people with energy, commitment, and vision and who are willing to make a commitment to working in the area of ECSE upon completion of their degree.

What will the Program Offer?

This Leadership Program in ECSE will support full -time students (tuition and stipend paid) and part-time students (tuition paid). Students will complete core courses and exams for a doctoral degree in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS). Elective coursework and seminars will focus on research and evidence-based practices, early childhood, literacy, cultural competence, family centered practice, special education and policy, and behavioral supports. The courses are primarily from the Departments of HDFS (Area of Early Child Development, Care, and Education) and the Department of Curriculum and instruction (C&I; areas of Special Education, Literacy and Multicultural Studies).