Projects With Industry Award 

We are pleased to announce our new Projects With Industry (PWI) grant award from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. The three-year grant cycle starts October 1, 2002, and provides $250,000 in annual funding for job development and placement services for job seekers with disabilities. Seventy-eight projects were funded nationwide. Funding is competitively awarded, and we are proud to have consistently won PWI funding since 1977 based on our proven achievements and capabilities.

In June 2002, employer representatives from throughout the Bay Area met for a lively presentation and discussion on "Best Practices in Successfully Transitioning People with Disabilities into the Workplace." Speakers from State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF), Bank of America, and the San Francisco Federal Credit Union discussed ways their companies integrate employees with disabilities in their workplace.

State Compensation Insurance Fund

Tony Dorsey and Rich Ridgeway from SCIF described their award-winning Employee Disability Council. The council is composed of employees from all over California who work to resolve disability issues within SCIF and provide a support network to employees with disabilities.

Bank of America

Our Business Advisory Chair, Phil Lindo, described Bank of America’s case management system. Using his own work history as an example, Phil said that he was assigned a case manager to assist him as soon as he was hired, and that throughout his current career, he has consistently received support on accommodation issues as needed.

San Francisco Federal Credit Union

Greg Toler of the San Francisco Federal Credit Union presented individual cases of many employees with disabilities the Credit Union has hired and promoted. Among his major points was that the average accommodation cost for most

employees was usually under$20.00, while highlighting the many contributions employees with disabilities have made to teamwork in the organization.

As part of the Business Advisory Council’s topic on "Best Practices," Gary Karp of Onsight, a consulting firm on ergonomics as well as on workplace issues related to disabilities, gave an informative presentation on common accommodations in the workplace. Gary described how just knowing certain keystroke commands could be an "accommodation" for persons who cannot use the mouse. It is important to educate hiring

managers on the any inexpensive alternatives to costly accommodations. Gary accompanied his presentation with PowerPoint slides stressing common ergonomic issues for employees with and without disabilities.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgement to Greg Toler from the San Francisco Mayor’s Committee for Employment for People with Disabilities for his commitment in hiring people with disabilities. Greg was a recipient of an "Employer of the Year" award at the annual recognition breakfast of the Mayor’s Committee on June 6, 2002.

Transitional Employment Program 
A Successful PWI Partnership

One notable partnership that grew out of our Projects With Industry (PWI) program is the Transitional Employment Program (TEP) at State Compensation Insurance Fund. Starting in 1987, State Fund partnered with us in this successful collaboration through its participation in our Business Advisory Council. TEP has provided paid, industry-based clerical work experience to hundreds of workers with disabilities—most of whom have gone on to become successfully employed and promoted as regular employees of the State Fund and other employers.

Computers PLUS! Instructors proudly accemp  a “Certificate of Merit” presented to San Francisco Vocational Services by the California Department of Rehabilitation. The award recognizes SFVS for exceeding case service contract goals for Occupational Skills Training. Five of seventeen contract services providers received such awards from the San Francisco DR district.

Incorporating Computerized Braille Output
Technology into the Classroom and On the Job

Recently, San Francisco Vocational Services acquired a Braille Output Display keyboard for use by consumers with visual impairments through a generous grant from the Bothin Foundation. The device is a combination of a standard alphanumeric keyboard and a row of 80 Braille eight-dot cells below the keyboard. The Braille cells present the line of text in which the computer cursor is active for the user to read. On October 31, 2002, Senior Instructor Ryan Spencer sat down with Sandy Bishop, a current student who uses the Handy Tech MOD 80 Braille Output Display, and asked about her experience with the device.

Ryan: How long have you been working with the MOD 80 Braille output display?

Sandy: Oh, for about seven weeks.

R: How long did it take you to become comfortable with the basics of the MOD 80?

S: It only took me about three days. Initially, I was a bit reluctant to use it because I did not want to become too dependent on it. Now, I am very comfortable with the display.

R: With which programs do you use the Handy-Tech MOD 80?

S: I use it with Windows Explorer, Word 2000, Excel 2000, and Internet Explorer.

R: How has the MOD 80 assisted in the development of your software skills?

Having the ability to read what is on the screen tactilely helps me retain information better than if I just hear the information from JAWS (voice synthesis software). For example, with Excel it really helps me when I am either entering or editing formulas; I can check if the formula is correct or not. In Word, the MOD 80 helps me proofread text, check for capitalization, and even identify formatting, such as underlining.

R: Have there been instances where the Handy-Tech MOD 80 has acted as a hindrance to your learning?

S: None that I can really think of. If I’m unsure of something, JAWS is there as a good backup. I haven’t experienced any frustrations with the MOD 80.

R: What do you like about using the MOD 80?

S: It is easier to proofread text with the MOD 80 than it is to do so with JAWS, and having the ability to switch back and forth between grade one and grade two is great. I like to use grade one Braille for creating and checking formulas in Excel, and grade two Braille is convenient for proofing texts in Word. I also like the location of the Braille cells being below the keyboard. The slight height difference between the keyboard and the cells is good also.

R: Are there any suggestions that you have for improving the MOD 80 or how you interface with it?

S: My only suggestion is there should be less raised dots on the individual keys in the alphanumeric keyboard.

R: How do feel about the prospect of using the MOD 80 or a similar device on the job?

S: Wonderful! It can be very beneficial, depending on the job, for doing tasks. For example, I could have used it in a previous job where I had a lot of contact with customers over the phone. The MOD 80 would have been great for making sure that I was entering the correct information because it became a little confusing having input from the customer in one ear and input from the screen reader in the other. I tried not to let customers know that I was blind so I was conscious about not letting them hear the voice synthesis screen reader in the background. I think that the MOD 80 could make most blind people more employable.

R: Is there anything else that you would like to add?

S: I wish that everyone had one, and I’d love to have one at home!

One-Stop Collaborations

Placement Supervisor Susan Pender recently gave a presentation on “Etiquette Related to Disability Issues” to the Employment Development Department at 801 Turk Street. Ms. Pender outlined basic sensitivity issues for staff who work with people with disabilities in order to encourage professional communication. Among the topics discussed were:  the importance of addressing a wheelchair user at their eye level;  directing questions to the people with hearing impairments directly, rather than to their interpreter; and avoiding interfering with the guide dog of a person with visual impairment.

East Bay PWI Job Development staff provides job search assistance to clients at the Hayward and Oakland One-Stop Centers.  San Francisco Vocational Services provides ongoing consultation with One-Stop line staff on disability-related topics, as well as promotional materials to assist staff in identifying people with disabilities who wish to access their services.

Success Stories

Marvelena Quesada It had been several years since completing her coursework at UC Berkeley, so Marvelena decided to upgrade her computer skills before looking for work.

Marvelena began computer training at SFVS in Dec 2001. She worked hard, and her instructors were amazed at the speed with which she absorbed knowledge and skills. Marvelena is visually-impaired and uses a guide dog, "Tango," to get around. On the computer, she uses JAWS and memorizes sequences and keystrokes for work in MS Word, Excel, and on the Internet. In June of 2002, Marvelena graduated and started her full time job search with the SFVS placement department. Her job developer referred her to an Information and Referral Coordinator position that had opened up at the Peninsula Center for the Blind (PCB) in Palo Alto. "I was eager to work for PCB because they had helped me so much when I was little. This is my way of giving back," says Marvelena. After two interviews she accepted the position at the beginning of September.

"I love it; the people are great here, and I'm able to help." As an Information and Referral Specialist, inquiries that come to PCB go to Marvelena for answers. Be it a question about where the nearest low vision clinic is or about accessories for guide dogs, Marvelena answers questions and refers clients and the general public to the proper agency or organization. PCB offers many services to individuals who are blind or have low vision. Marvelena enjoys the challenge of staying current with all the services and products available in the Bay Area and setting up, creating and maintaining her own referral database.

Andre Ross When Andre Ross came into our program he had some previous work experience and education. However, he faced a number of obstacles related to a learning disability and vision problems. Other personal issues in his life distracted him from training and interfered with his concentration in classroom. Shortly after beginning training, Andre dropped out of our Computers Plus program to attend to the personal issues that kept him from making progress. Though hopeful of his return, we weren’t certain that Andre would come back. Four months later, after resolving a variety of issues, Andre came back and began his training in earnest.

Upon his return, Andre showed an outstanding commitment to training and worked extremely hard to overcome many difficulties. He worked closely with his instructors to learn about the computer and office productivity software, and became inspired because, over time, he found he could do quite well.

Andre entered the job search with an equally high level of commitment. It wasn’t long before Andre procured a security job with Allied Security. He needed to write reports and prepare documentation for his supervisors and so was able to use his computer training. Andre acquired a laptop computer that he brought to work, and used to write his reports and maintain his skills.

After more than a year with the security agency, with help from SFVS, Andre was offered an internship with the US Drug Enforcement Agency as a department administrative receptionist. Although his pay at the DEA job is a little less than he was making in security, Andre wanted to make the switch to working for the federal government because of the long term benefits for himself and his family. At the DEA since the end of August, Andre enjoys being the first line of contact for his department, both on the phone and with those who come to his office. He looks forward to facing new challenges and continued advancement opportunities.

Candidates for Hire
For more information about candidates, or to post job openings, contact Susan Pender at 512-9500 x 308, or by fax at 512-9507.

Social Worker: Ten years experience. Excellent interpersonal skills. Extensive background in event planning and coordination with outstanding problem solving abilities. Proficient in current computer software. Holds a Masters in Social Work. AE-SB

Customer Service: Enthusiastic candidate with professional and friendly demeanor. Excellent with phones, written and verbal communication skills. Strong tutoring background, able to assist customers in learning about products or processes. Skilled in MS Word and Excel. BA in Liberal Arts. AE-CM

Marketing: Highly motivated candidate with a background in high tech and sports. Deadline-driven with exquisite organizational and project management skills. Account manager experience with major clients. Extensive media contacts and well-connected in the high tech field. MA in Journalism. AE-KP

Receptionist: Go-getter with excellent administrative, customer service and communication skills. Highly organized and detail-oriented. Proficient in MS Word and Excel. AE-AR

Data Entry/Customer Service: Detail and people-oriented with excellent customer service skills. Extensive background in training, supervising, inventory management, and shipping/receiving. Quick learner, flexible. MS Word, Excel, Internet skills. HL-GP

Telecom Supervisor: 20 years experience in telecommunications. Experienced supervisor. Team player with outstanding communication skills. Proficient in MS Word and Excel. BS in Management specializing in human relations and organizational behavior. Graduate of Control Data Institute in accounting. HL-JG

Customer Service: Creative, resourceful and tactful individual with clear dedication to completing the job. Honed skills in interpersonal communication, sales, customer satisfaction, creative product placement, and product research. Computer skills: MS Excel and Word. HL-JAG

Please support our services.
Help people with disabilities achieve dignity and independence through employment.
       Bay Area United Way Donor Designation No:  3587

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