Good Morning:

What's hot at IT Consultant Republic?

HIRE IT PROS WITH DISABILITIES TO FILL YOUR WORKER SHORTAGE
As most IT consulting firms scramble to fill open positions, millions
of available workers remain unemployed--workers with disabilities. Find
out how you can tap into this valuable human resource.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article.jhtml?id=r00720010314huc01.htm

Take care,

Christopher McMillan
chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
chrismmcmillan@home.com

A rather large hurdle in the process of offering the subject exams has
just been crossed.  As many of you are aware, RESNA's recent financial
status has been tenuous, requiring the organization to delay payment
of some obligations.  Such was apparently the case with the
consultant's fee for help with the exams.  I understand that this bill
has just been paid, which releases the draft exams, allowing the
process to move to completion.
Left to complete are committee conference calls to review/approve the
current exam, and another to determine passing scores.  I am told that
the committee feels they are on schedule for a "Reno administration"
(sounds like an unpleasant medical procedure), but no one would
guarentee that.  They anticipate that the Candidate's Information
Bulletin will be available for interested candidates by mid-late April
(check RESNA web page).
The Board of Directors has set the price of the test at $200.
...more as I hear it.

Greg McGrew
RE-PSG chair
(845) 786-4587

Good Afternoon:

Take a look at this!!

Chris McMillan


21st March - Today ALVA announced the upcoming release of outSPOKEN World1
screen reader software for Windows 2000. At the CSUN Conference on
Technology and Persons with Disabilities in Los Angeles, Roberto Gonzalez
unveiled some of the unique features outSPOKEN World1 has to offer.
This summer outSPOKEN World1 for Windows 2000 will be available in a version
with speech output, and in a version with braille and speech output. This
screen reader will be a state-of-the-art software product, that aims to
provide blind and visually impaired computer users access without limits to
all popular Windows 2000 applications, including the Internet.
World1 allows the user to specify preference settings per application. In
order to further reduce the learning curve, World1 also includes context
sensitive help for all of its tools. Beginning users will enjoy using the
Command menu where all of the common commands and their key commands can be
referred to and even executed.
World1 will be available in as many as thirteen languages. Included in the
translations are the on-line help facility and all documentation.
Finally, one of the most exciting new features is that of multi-directional
speech output, bringing a variety of spatial dynamics into play.
Together with the announcement of the new outSPOKEN World1 product, ALVA
published the www.outspokenworld1.com web site. In the next months this web
site will uncover everything there is to now about outSPOKEN World1.
Furthermore it offers the possibility to share ideas about screen reader
software, to benefit from special offers and to win prizes

Good Morning:

For your information!!

Take care,

Christopher McMillan

-----Original Message-----
From: Security UPDATE [mailto:Security_UPDATE@list.win2000mag.net]
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2001 3:39 PM
To: chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
Subject: SECURITY ALERT, March 30, 2001: IE 5 Automatically Launches
Attachments; Win98/Windows Me Expose Passwords; Patch Available for
Bogus VeriSign Certificates



**** This Security Alert is brought to you by the Windows IT Security
channel on the Windows 2000 Magazine Network ****
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===============================================================
Security Alert, March 30, 2001

Juan Carlos Cuartango reported that a malicious user can alter the MIME
type header of an email message to make Internet Explorer (IE)
automatically launch file attachments. Microsoft has issued a patch,
FAQ, and security bulletin MS01-020 to address this vulnerability.

Microsoft reported that the Compressed Folders option of Windows 98 with
Plus! 98, as well as Windows Me is flawed. Passwords for compressed
folders are stored in a file on the system where they could become
available to intruders. Microsoft has issued a patch, FAQ, and security
bulletin MS01-019 to address this vulnerability.

Microsoft has also released patches for all supported Windows OSs that
eliminate the vulnerability caused by two erroneous VeriSign-issued
digital certificates. The problem is described in security bulletin
MS01-017.

For complete details on these discoveries, please visit the URLs
below:

* Incorrect MIME Header Can Cause IE to Execute Email
http://www.windowsitsecurity.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=20515

* Win98 and Windows Me Passwords for Compressed Folders are
Recoverable
http://www.windowsitsecurity.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=20514

* Patch Available for Bogus VeriSign Certificates
http://www.windowsitsecurity.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=20437

Thank you for subscribing to Security UPDATE. Please tell your friends
about this newsletter and alert list!

Sincerely,
The Security UPDATE Team
security@win2000mag.net


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___________________________________________________________
Copyright 2001, Penton Media, Inc.

Good Afternoon:

FYI!!

Sincerely,

Chris McMillan

-----Original Message-----
From: CNET News.com [mailto:cnet-news@two.digital.cnet.com]
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2001 4:42 PM
To: chrismmcmillan@home.com
Subject: Office XP test drive almost free

CNET | NEWS.COM DISPATCH
Breaking News at the Speed of the Net
Monday, April 2, 2001


TODAY'S TOP NEWS STORIES: The tech news you need to know.
1. Office XP test drive almost free
2. Net music finding harmony
3. Will VC jitters hamper tech breakthroughs?
4. Intel produces first chips on larger wafers
5. AMD's budget chip hits 900MHz
6. IE bug could leave files exposed


Questions about your subscription?
Check the end of this letter for information.


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TODAY'S TOP STORIES: Tech News First. . .every hour of the day

1. Office XP test drive almost free

Microsoft borrowed a chapter from America
Online's playbook Monday by announcing a
free trial version of its forthcoming Office XP
software. The first-ever trial version of
Microsoft's Office business software comes
as the company increasingly positions itself
against AOL Time Warner. AOL for years
distributed trial CDs for its online service
through direct mail, computer trade magazines
and other avenues.
April 2, 2001, 8:55 a.m. PT
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNX0Ap

2. Net music finding harmony

As Congress turns its spotlight on infighting in
the online music world this week, companies
on both sides of this digital divide are working
to break the logjams that have kept much legal
music offline. Lawmakers have been increasingly
vocal about their desire to see progress in the
online music business, instead of a series of
lawsuits and business failures. In part because
they're leery of provoking Capitol Hill, the big
record labels appear to be moving toward just
the kind of licensing and music services pursued
by ambitious online music companies for the last
several years.
April 2, 2001, 6:50 a.m. PT
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bM40AE

3. Will VC jitters hamper tech breakthroughs?

The rocky financial market has venture
capitalists shying away from brave new world
investments and largely sticking to investments
in companies that aim to produce faster and
cheaper versions of current technology. That
has visionaries worried: Cut off funding for
bold technology, and advances may happen
in baby steps rather than leaps and bounds.
April 2, 2001, 10:50 a.m. PT
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNY0Aq


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4. Intel produces first chips on larger wafers

Intel announced Monday it has created its first
preproduction chips on 300-millimeter wafers,
a coming technology shift that will lead to
cheaper processors by 2002. The shift to
300-millimeter wafers will be one of many
major changes for the semiconductor industry
over the next two years. The 300-millimeter,
or 12-inch, wafers feature a diameter that is
50 percent longer than that on the 200-millimeter
wafers used to produce chips today. Increasing
the diameter 50 percent leads to a 225 percent
increase in the wafer's surface area. This, in turn,
leads to a drastic reduction in production costs
because the same number of employees and
factories can churn out many more processors
in a comparable amount of time.
April 2, 2001, 12:30 p.m. PT
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNa0Ay

5. AMD's budget chip hits 900MHz

Advanced Micro Devices has released a
900MHz version of its Duron processor to
try to expand its lead in the budget chip
market. The Duron, a less-expensive version
of AMD's Athlon processor, got off to a slow
start when it debuted last year but can now be
found in consumer and home-office PCs from
a number of major manufacturers. With the chip,
AMD effectively extends its performance lead
over Intel in the bargain market. Intel's fastest
Celeron processor runs at 800MHz, although
an 850MHz version will come out next week.
April 2, 2001, 11:55 a.m. PT
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNb0Az

6. IE bug could leave files exposed

A veteran bug hunter has detected another
security hole in Microsoft's Internet Explorer
Web browser that makes it possible for hackers
to view local files and in some cases erase some
of the files' contents. Georgi Guninski, a well-known
security adviser, posted an alert Saturday warning
people that if they visit a Web page using IE 5.5,
hackers could read their files, and if the file name
is known, those files could be sent to another
server. The IE 5.5 bug also affects Microsoft
Outlook and Outlook Express e-mail software,
according to Guninski, who rated the bug risk
"high."
April 2, 2001, 9:50 a.m. PT
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNc0A1


***************************************also from CNET**********

PERSPECTIVES: Why old habits die hard at Big Blue

News.com's Michael Kanellos says talk that
IBM might dump PCs ignores the company's
tradition of doing business.
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNd0A2

**************************************************************

Latest News By Section:

ENTERPRISE

SGI, NASA reach server milestone
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNe0A3

In tough times, R&D remains a sacred cow
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNf0A4

Ex-IBM manager heads to prison
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNg0A5
_______________________________________________________________
E-BUSINESS

eBay to launch storefronts
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNh0A6

Tech-fund managers barely managing
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNi0A7

EDS acquires Systematics for $570 million
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNj0A8
_________________________________________________________________
COMMUNICATIONS

EarthLink unveils home networking service
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNk0AA

NorthPoint DSL demise: A lesson in size
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNl0AB

Power lines win German support
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNm0AC
________________________________________________________________
MEDIA

Record labels subscribe to online music deal
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNn0AD

Will the "refresh" button become obsolete?
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNo0AE

Microsoft steps up anti-piracy efforts
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNp0AF
_____________________________________________________________
PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY

College student wins XML contest
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNq0AG

When worlds collide: PC meets mainframe
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNr0AH

Compaq to track marathon runners
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0bNs0AI
_________________________________________________________________
WEEK IN REVIEW:

Seven days of headlines
http://two.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin2/flo?y=eBfG0BOAAy0U0GC0Aj
_________________________________________________________________


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Copyright 2001 CNET, Inc. All rights reserved.

Good Morning:

FYI!!

       1.  Office XP Bugfest Continues
       2.  Microsoft Announces Configurations, Some Prices for Office XP
       3.  Office XP Web Site Open For Business
       4.  Corporate Preview, Take 2
       5.  Hijacked Microsoft Digital Certs
       6.  Does MSN Messenger 3.6 have a bogus certificate?
       7.  SmartTag Bug
       8.  Office XP for MSDN Subscribers
       9.  From WordPerfect to Word
       10. In Virus Veritas
       11. Ken Slovak's Outlook Attachments Options
       12. Logitech MouseWare Driver Problems
       13. Australian Email Tax Hoax
       14. Administrivia

Take care,

Christopher McMillan

-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-wow-8261930@lists.woodyswatch.com
[mailto:bounce-wow-8261930@lists.woodyswatch.com] On Behalf Of Woody's
Office Watch
Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2001 12:35 PM
Subject: Woody's OFFICE Watch #6.17 - not enough XP pricing news

            --==>> WOW -- WOODY's OFFICE WATCH <<==--
               Weekly advice and commiseration from
             Woody Leonhard, Certified Office Victim
      4 April 2001                                     Vol 6 No 17

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   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   The latest issue of Woody's Office for Mere Mortals
   features Access for the rest of us, in the "Lily-Livered
   Flat-Filing Database Dilettante's Guide To Access". It's
   hilarious. It's informative. You'll laugh. You'll cry. Most
   of all, you'll figure out how to dust off Access and put it
   to good use, even if only for a twenty-member golf club
   roster.

   Of course, Woody's Office for Mere Mortals - our "tutorial"
   companion to WOW - is free, as are all the Woody's Watches.
   To subscribe with the same address that received this issue
   of WOW, click here:
   http://woodyswatch.com/2mm.cgi?e=chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
   or shoot a message to mailto:wowmm@woodyswatch.com .
       1.  Office XP Bugfest Continues
       2.  Microsoft Announces Configurations, Some Prices for Office XP
       3.  Office XP Web Site Open For Business
       4.  Corporate Preview, Take 2
       5.  Hijacked Microsoft Digital Certs
       6.  Does MSN Messenger 3.6 have a bogus certificate?
       7.  SmartTag Bug
       8.  Office XP for MSDN Subscribers
       9.  From WordPerfect to Word
       10. In Virus Veritas
       11. Ken Slovak's Outlook Attachments Options
       12. Logitech MouseWare Driver Problems
       13. Australian Email Tax Hoax
       14. Administrivia


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   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   1. OFFICE XP BUGFEST CONTINUES
   Just a reminder. I'm counting on you Office XP "early
   adopters" to feed me all your bug reports. Genuine copies
   of Office XP gold/RTM code are gradually going out to a
   huge number of you folks, and more of you will be ordering
   your 30-day trial copies soon (see below). Install it and
   bang on it until it yells, "Uncle." Then hit
   http://www.woodyswatch.com/office/XPsurvey.asp and fire
   away.

   You'll remain completely anonymous, unless you explicitly
   tell me your name and/or email i.d.. I'll go over your
   comments and problems, and try to come up with workarounds
   where I can. The ultimate goal, of course, is to get an
   independent feel for how reliable Office XP will be, once
   it hits the stands on May 31. 200,000 inquiring minds want
   to know. I'm counting on all of you to help me get it
   right.

   Here's another bug I've hit in the gold version of Office
   XP. As always, I'm running a bare-bones, virgin install of
   Windows 2000 Professional on a brand new Thinkpad. I wiped
   out the hard drive and re-installed Windows 2000 before
   running a default install of Office XP gold.

   I always set up Windows so the Taskbar will AutoHide -
   disappear when I'm not using it. I'll be working furiously
   on some OXP feature, with more than one Office app open,
   but no other apps going. Suddenly, I can't get at the
   Taskbar. It AutoHides itself out of existence, and no
   matter how hard I bang the mouse against the bottom of the
   screen, the Windows Taskbar won't come up.

   I've found through trial and error that if I minimize all
   the open Office apps, suddenly the AutoHidden Taskbar will
   come out to play again. I don't have to close anything:
   minimizing is sufficient.

   Nope, I can't replicate. Have no idea why it happens. I
   can't swear that OXP is causing the problem, but the
   symptoms all point in OXP's direction. I've seen the
   Taskbar go away like that three times in the past few days.

   Got OXP bugs? Let me know!
   http://www.woodyswatch.com/office/XPsurvey.asp or
   mailto:xpsurvey@woodyswatch.com . And of course, I'm always
   interested in hearing any gossip that passes your way -
   mailto:rumors@woodyswatch.com
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


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   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   2. MICROSOFT ANNOUNCES CONFIGURATIONS, SOME PRICES FOR OFFICE XP
   Lots of cats came out of the bag, but several more haven't yet purred.

   In a nutshell, Microsoft announced that you'll be able to
   buy Office XP in the following flavors (you need a fixed font display
   to see this table correctly) :

                           Standard   Professional    Pro SE*
Developer
     Word 2002                 X            X            X           X
     Excel 2002                X            X            X           X
     Outlook 2002              X            X            X           X
     PowerPt 2002              X            X            X           X
     Access 2002                            X            X           X
     FrontPage 2002                                      X           X
     Publisher 2002                                      X
     SharePoint                                          X           X
     Programmer Stuff                                                X
     Price Upg/New (US$)    239/479      329/579       479*       549/799

   * Professional Special Edition is only available as an
     upgrade for current Office users, and it's only available
     "for a limited time."

   If you buy Office XP bundled with a new machine, you'll be
   able to choose between Office XP Small Business (same
   features as Standard above) and Office XP Professional with
   Publisher (same as Professional above, plus Publisher
   2002).

   One thing really struck me about the announcement. It looks
   like Microsoft is pulling FrontPage out of Office:
   FrontPage is only available in the "limited time" upgrade,
   and in the Developer edition. Makes me wonder if FrontPage
   and PhotoDraw aren't getting set up for some sort of
   shotgun .NET wedding. It'll keep us guessing, eh?

   The one enormous gaping hole in the announcement?

   There's no talk about subscription pricing - not even a
   mention of that option being available.  Seems that
   Microsoft is saving that for another announcement in the
   weeks ahead - no reason to delay except that another press
   release means that gullible media will give Microsoft more
   free publicity about the arrival of Office XP.

   Until Microsoft releases _all_ the Office XP pricing
   details, this announcement is little more than a curiosity.
   Customers can't make a proper evaluation of their possible
   Office XP purchase until all the pricing options are all on
   the table.  Until that happens Microsoft is just playing
   games.

   A cynical person might also think delaying the subscription
   pricing announcement is also intended to delay any backlash
   about the much stricter registration requirements in Office
   XP.  Most people are still unaware of what's entailed in
   the Office XP Registration Wizard (see these WOW's for the
   full skinny
     http://www.woodyswatch.com/office/archtemplate.asp?v5-n10
     http://www.woodyswatch.com/office/archtemplate.asp?v5-n11
     http://www.woodyswatch.com/office/archtemplate.asp?v5-n12
     http://www.woodyswatch.com/office/archtemplate.asp?v5-n13
     http://www.woodyswatch.com/office/archtemplate.asp?v5-n14


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   3. Office XP Web Site Open For Business
   In a deft bit of timing, Microsoft has just made its Office
   XP web site available, at
   http://www.microsoft.com/office/xp/ .

   I haven't seen any press releases advertising that fact,
   and the mainstream press doesn't seem to have discovered it
   as yet. So you might want to be the first on your block to
   sneak a peek.


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   4. CORPORATE PREVIEW, TAKE 2
   As part of the configuration announcement, Microsoft also
   said it would make available more than 1,000,000 copies of
   Office XP in a special "Individual Trial Program." This
   isn't beta software; it's the real magilla - but this
   version dies after 30 days. You'll get Office XP
   Professional (that's the one with Access, but without
   FrontPage or Publisher), a demo CD, and "instructional
   material." I haven't seen the instructional material yet,
   but if it's like the press material I've seen, it'll be
   quite useful in scoping out new features (albeit a bit, uh,
   forgetful when it comes to 'fessing up about which features
   have been yanked).

   You can order the Individual Trial Program CDs for $9.95 in
   the US, $14.95 in Canada, or in various other countries, by
   hitting http://www.microsoft.com/office/trial .

   Should you get a copy? That depends. If you know you're
   going to upgrade to Office XP, it wouldn't hurt, especially
   if you can get your CDs before May 31 (no inside skinny on
   availability as yet, although the Web site promises it'll
   be shipping on April 30). If you're undecided about going
   to Office XP, though, you should carefully think through
   how you would install - and, more importantly, uninstall! -
   the OXP Individual Trial Program.

   I'm a real Chicken Little in that department. I always,
   always, always re-format my hard drive before installing a
   different version of Office. I know that Microsoft feels
   its uninstallers really do get rid of the last vestiges of
   Office. But I've been burned too many times.

   If you're unsure about Office XP, and want to give it a
   try, by all means do so. But my advice is to plan on
   re-formatting your hard drive before you re-install Office
   2000, should Office XP not be your cup of tea. If you can't
   afford to re-format your hard drive, I personally wouldn't
   install the Individual Trial Program.

   Oh. And the Individual Trial Program *will* require you to
   register, over the Internet, via the Office Registration
   Wizard. Microsoft is very up-front about that fact on the
   sign-up page. Bravo.


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   5. HIJACKED MICROSOFT DIGITAL CERTS
   I whined about digital certificates in the last WOW,
   assuming that all of you had heard about The Case of the
   Hijacked Microsoft VeriSign Certificates. Based on the mail
   I received, that isn't the, uh, case. So here's the
   30-second version.

   Some enterprising soul/scurrilous scumbag (take your pick)
   convinced VeriSign - the big digital certification company
   - that they were from Microsoft. In fact, as far as anybody
   can tell, he/she/it wasn't associated with Microsoft in any
   way. VeriSign issued two gen-yew-whine digital certificates
   to the poseur. So there are two lousy "Microsoft"
   certificates floating around, dated January 29 and January
   30. No legit Microsoft certificates were granted with those
   dates.

   The fear is that The Bad Guys could use those certs to
   sneak bad software onto PCs. You might think that you're
   vulnerable if you've told your PC to "Always trust content
   from Microsoft Corporation" but you aren't. In fact, when
   you tell your PC to trust everything from Microsoft, what
   you're REALLY doing is telling your PC to trust everything
   signed by that particular certificate. The certificate
   number is key - the fact that a certificate comes from
   Microsoft doesn't even enter into the picture.

   If some cretin (that's my terminology) signs their Office
   macros or ActiveX controls with one of these phony certs,
   you'll still get that warning message: "Do you want to
   install and run mumble-mumble-mumble signed on
   some-day-2001 and distributed by Microsoft Corporation?"
   The one real sticking point is that the phony certs will
   say in the warning message that they're from Microsoft, and
   you might be fooled. The giveaway is that they'll be dated
   January 29 or January 30, 2001, according to Microsoft. No
   legit Microsoft certs were issued on January 29 or January
   30.

   So far at least, nobody's seen any malware with the phony
   certs. Until there's an outbreak attributable to the certs,
   I figure it's pretty much a non-issue. Microsoft responded
   well (hey, they didn't cause the problem!), they have a
   patch available, and chances are awfully good I'd hear
   about an outbreak real quick, and get the news on to you
   folks in a matter of minutes. That's why I didn't belabor
   the point in WOW. If you're curious, you can get all the
   details at
   http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS01-017.asp
   . Microsoft also has a patch available at
   http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/release.asp?ReleaseID=28888
   but for now I wouldn't bother.


   Why are we talking about Messenger in WOW at all?  MSN
   Messenger is 'integrated' into Outlook 2002 in ways that
   look impressive in the Microsoft demos.  Out here in the
   real world getting it to work properly is, shall we say, a
   challenge.  Wethinks there's some gotchas in the
   possibility of Instant Messaging in Office XP.  Stay tuned.


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   6. Does MSN Messenger 3.6 have a bogus certificate?
   No it doesn't -- but you'd be excused for thinking that it
   does.   If you glance at the certificate for MSN Messenger
   3.6 (Microsoft lame entry in the Instant Messaging market)
   you'll see the magic date 30 January 2001.  That's one of
   the dates we've been told to look out for on the bogus
   digital certificates.

   For digital certificates there's two relevant dates.  First
   there's the date the certificate was created by the issuer
   (in this case Verisign).  It is this date of issue that
   Microsoft means when talking about bogus certificates.

   Then there's the date that certificate was used to sign or
   verify the application.   This date appears first on the
   on-screen digital certificate as you install Messenger.
   Eagle-eyed people have seen that date displayed, recalled
   the warning from Microsoft and worried.

   If you want to make sure during installation, click on the
   'Microsoft Corporation' link in the digital signature box
   and you'll see full details of the certificate including
   the issue date.  The issue dates of the bogus certificates
   were January 29 or January 30, 2001 - any other issue date
   is OK.  In the case of Messenger the certificate is from
   "Microsoft Corporation MSN" a minor difference but enough
   to further reassure you that it's not one of the bogus
   certificates.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


   When in Europe, travel as Europeans do.  Avoid airport
   delays and traffic and go direct from city-center to city
   -center.  Eurostar, Europass and Eurailpass and more;
   Research and book with the European Rail experts.
   http://by.advertising.com/1/c/23071/13075//28875
   <a href="http://by.advertising.com/1/c/23071/13075//28875"> AOL users
click here </a>


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   7. SMARTTAG BUG
   If you're developing SmartTags using the SDK we talked
   about two weeks ago, you need to check out this Knowledge
   Base article:
   http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q294/4/22.asp
   .

   It seems that when you enable or disable a SmartTag
   programmatically, the Status flag may not be set correctly.
   Reading between the lines - and I'm no SmartTag programming
   expert, believe me - it looks like you'll have problems
   disabling SmartTags unless you follow the specific
   procedure outlined in this MSKB article.


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   8. OFFICE XP FOR MSDN SUBSCRIBERS
   All of you MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) subscribers
   who have been waiting to get your copies of Office XP
   "gold" - well, you'll have to wait a little longer.

   It seems that Microsoft has had too many problems with
   bootleg copies of its old MSDN products. In the past, you
   got a download URL, plus a magic key that unlocked the
   product. You could download the product, and use the key to
   get it running. The key was the same for everybody, and
   that led to rampant bootlegging.

   It isn't clear at this moment whether you'll be able to
   download a copy of Office XP in the near future, or if you
   MSDN folk will have to wait for your next set of CDs, so
   Microsoft can get personalized keys for everybody. We'll
   keep you posted.


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   9. FROM WORDPERFECT TO WORD
   I just bumped into a fascinating article about the
   differences between WordPerfect and Word, and what it takes
   to migrate from Corel to Microsoft. Word MVP John McGhie
   nails it quite precisely in his article on the MVP site, at
   http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/General/WordVsWordPerfect.htm
   .

   "WordPerfect considers a document to be a type stream,"
   John starts out, "...Word, on the other hand, considers a
   document to be a container." Yes, YES, YES!!!! That's it.
   Right on the nose.

   I've had a chance to talk with a lot of lawyers in small
   practices lately. (Divorce can be such a, uh, broadening
   experience.) With precious few exceptions, the attorneys I
   met are all stuck in the WordPerfect rut. Small law offices
   are, I believe, the last bastion of WP holdouts: the
   lawyers and their assistants got used to WordPerfect back
   in the days when Word didn't do much that lawyers needed to
   do.

   Now that Word is chock-a-block full of features that most
   lawyers would kill for (with more coming in Word 2002; see

http://www.microsoft.com/PressPass/features/2001/mar01/03-19officexplega
l.asp
   ), they're still bogged down in the "type stream" mode,
   searching for reveal codes, struggling with WP templates
   that never seem to work right.

   Do you know somebody who's caught in WP hell, and can't get
   out? Have them take a gander at John's article. His last
   point sums it up nicely: "Resign yourself to the fact that
   it will take six months of daily use to really tame the
   brute, but once you have, you won't go back."

   Okay, okay. I have one quibble. John says, "Don't expect to
   read anything useful about Word in a paper manual."
   Obviously he hasn't read "Woody Leonhard Teaches Microsoft
   Office 2000" (http://www.woodyswatch.com/l.asp?0789718715
   ). I think the best way to learn a new program is with a
   paper manual in one hand, and a keyboard in the other, so
   you can flip back and forth. Ah well. I'll forgive him.


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   10. IN VIRUS VERITAS
   From my favorite virus curmudgeon, Rob Rosenberger,
   http://www.vmyths.com

   Do you use Eudora instead of Outlook? Beware. A hacker can
   silently install software on your PC if you merely open an
   email.

   Do you use Linux instead of Windows? Beware. The "Lion"
   worm -- yet another variant of the "Ramen" worm -- can
   install itself on your system. It will send your password
   file to the People's Repubic of China, among other things.
   Do you use Linux AND Windows? Beware. The "Lindose" virus
   can pollinate itself across both operating system
   platforms.

   Do you use Netscape instead of Internet Explorer? Beware.
   Do you use Notes instead of Exchange? Beware. Do you use
   Macintosh instead of Windows? Beware. Do you use... Well,
   you get the hint.

   I almost feel sorry for non-Microsoft users at a time like
   this.  Almost.

   For example, consider the plight of ActionAid. A story in
   The Register
   (http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/8/17629.html) says
   the poverty relief group is on the verge of switching to
   Linux "as a way of avoiding the viruses that continuously
   assault its Windows PCs." ActionAid's IT director, Kerry
   Scott, apparently believes Linux will give his charity the
   "'virus free' computing" it so desperately needs.

   When I read the story, I thought to myself, "what about the
   Ramen worm?" Now Scott will need to fret about the Lion
   worm and the Lindose virus. Tomorrow he'll need to fret
   about something else.

   This leads me to an important point. You can't blame your
   security problems on the operating system you use, or on
   the email software you use, or on the browser you use.
   Switching to another operating system or email package or
   browser causes a bunch of headaches -- and it still doesn't
   solve your real problem.

   Your real problem is the Internet iself. No matter how
   unique you make your computer, you negate it the instant
   you hook up to the ultra-common Internet. ActionAid can't
   blame Microsoft for the network cable snaking out of their
   boxes. Scott must unplug everything if he truly wants to
   reduce his virus nightmare.

   Our computers grow more common every day. Windows may be
   the most common operating system now, but something will
   replace it someday.  Linux? Java? The web browser itself?
   Who knows. But whatever comes next will bring with it even
   more commonality.

   The Internet iself is the true 'common' threat. Blaming
   Microsoft for today's virus problem is like blaming one
   cloud for the damage of a hurricane.  What will you blame
   tomorrow?

   So smile the next time someone says "you're a fool for
   using Windows and Outlook." Tell them, "I use Microsoft
   products just to avoid those dangerous Linux worms and
   Macintosh viruses."


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   11. KEN SLOVAK'S OUTLOOK ATTACHMENTS OPTIONS
   Hey, I really blew it last week. I told you that Ken
   Slovak's ATTOPT program would help you cope with one of the
   draconian "Email security update," uh, features in Outlook
   2000 SP-2. I was wrong.

   Ken's "Attachment Options" program, available on Sue
   Mosher's site at
   http://www.slipstick.com/files/attopt.zip , only works with
   Outlook 2002 - you know, the version of Outlook that's
   coming on May 31, as part of Office XP. ATTOPT doesn't do a
   thing with Outlook 2000 SP-2.

   Time for me to eat a little crow. Pass the salt. Urp.

   With Ken's help, I hope to atone for my sins shortly. Stay
   tuned.


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   12. LOGITECH MOUSEWARE DRIVER PROBLEMS
   I've been getting reports about problems with Logitech's
   Enhanced Control Center. There's even a Knowledge Base
   article about the troubles with Logitech mouse driver
   version 6.42, under Office 2000, at
   http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q240/3/25.ASP.

   Apparently some versions of the Logitech MouseWare drivers
   have "aiming" problems - you click on something, and Office
   thinks you clicked a little bit above or below wherever you
   really did click, or the mouse flitters around like a
   firefly.

   Your best bet is to upgrade your driver. Logitech is up to
   version 9.26. You should be, too, if you have a Logitech
   mouse. Swing by
   http://www.logitech.com/cf/support/mousefiles_wme.cfm for
   the latest.


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   13. AUSTRALIAN EMAIL TAX HOAX
   It's so much fun when I can tweak the noses of my friends
   down unda.

   There's a hoax making the rounds that Australia Post is
   going to start charging 5 cents for every email message
   sent to/from/within Australia
   (http://www.newsbytes.com/news/01/163862.html ). It's a
   slight re-formulation of the hoax that goes around the US
   every few months about Congress passing a tax for
   this-and-that, or Bill Gates making a donation for every
   time a message is forwarded. Rob Rosenberger collects 'em
   (http://www.vmyths.com ).

   Nope, folks. Sad to say that the Internet is still the
   Wild, Wild West. There's no mechanism in place to tax much
   of anything. You can't even track it. Just for starters,
   it's hard to tell where anything is coming from. I mean,
   for all you know, WOW is written in Thailand; assembled and
   edited in Australia, with contributions from the US,
   Europe, and far-flung corners of the earth; and sent out
   from some massive server built into a secret Taleban
   enclave carved out of a mountainside in Afghanistan.

   Which it is. Except for the Afghanistan part.


   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   14. ADMINISTRIVIA
   I make a living (such as it is) by writing books. Every
   time you buy one of my books, you help me keep another wolf
   from the door, and thus support the WOW cause. My books are
   available from all good bookstores, including:

   Amazon.com:
      http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/woodsoffiwatcwoo
   Amazon UK:
      http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/redirect-home/woodsoffiwatcw08
   Amazon Germany:
      http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/redirect-home/woodyswatch

   PRIVACY
   This copy of WOW was originally sent to
   chrismcmillan@earthlink.net. Your email address is only used
   to send this ezine, see http://www.woodyswatch.com/privacy
   .

   SUBSCRIBING AND UNSUBSCRIBING
   Join, leave or change addresses from our Web site
   http://www.woodyswatch.com/ or by email. Subscribe:
   wow@woodyswatch.com . Unsubscribe: LeaveWOW@woodyswatch.com
   . WOW is sent out by some gigantic, nameless, faceless,
   truly uncaring machine that doesn't read mail sent to it. I
   know. I've tried. It won't even say Hi! Whatever happened
   to common courtesy, that's what I want to know. Anyway,
   replying to an issue of WOW won't get you anywhere. Use the
   appropriate address or web page.

   Tell your friends about WOW and earn money for charity. No
   bull: http://www.woodyswatch.com/affiliate/ .

   BACK ISSUES
   Hit http://www.woodyswatch.com/office/archives.asp or you
   can request past issues to be sent by email
   http://www.woodyswatch.com/office/MailArchives.asp? . The
   current issue is always at
   http://www.woodyswatch.com/office/archtemplate.asp?current
   and also on the Zdnet Help Channel

http://chkpt.zdnet.com/chkpt/hud0007500a/www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/filters/of
fice/wow/
   .

   READER COMMENTS
   Your best bet is to use specific email addresses listed in
   the articles. Our general catch-all address is
   mailto:wow-feedback@woodyswatch.com but I don't get a
   chance to go through that stuff very often. I know, I know.
   Take some pity on me. Microsoft's making all the bucks. I
   catch all the flak....

   ADVERTISING
   Our advertisers - bless their souls - keep WOW going. You,
   too, can reach the largest group of influential Office
   users on the planet for a mere pittance...
   mailto:ads@woodyswatch.com?subject=WOW and our ad folks
   will send you details.

   WOW'S FAMILY
   WOW is the flagship newsletter in my ever-expanding
   electronic empire, a mere pawn in my master design to amass
   a giant warchest and take control of all the software
   manufacturers on the planet by giving away free advice
   to... to... wait a sec... hmmmmm... strike that. Let me try
   again.

   WOW is part of my secret plan to launch a hostile takeover
   bid for Microsoft. Yeah. That's it. See, all of us WOWsers
   will get together and chip in a buck or two, and them we'll
   have enough to... to... to pay Microsoft's electric bill
   for a month. Or at least a week. Naw, maybe a day. Yeah.
   Take THAT, Redmond!

   To help facilitate my hostile takeover, I've set up these
   handy one-click links so you can subscribe to my other FREE
   electronic newsletters, using the same email address that
   received this issue of WOW by clicking on one of these
   hotlinks, or sending email.

   Woody's PALM Watch - voice of the handheld revolution
      http://woodyswatch.com/2palm.cgi?e=chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
      mailto:palm@woodyswatch.com

   Woody's Office for Mere Mortals - the tutorial
      http://woodyswatch.com/2mm.cgi?e=chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
      mailto:wowmm@woodyswatch.com

   Woody's WINDOWS Watch - for everyone's favorite operating system
      http://woodyswatch.com/wow2www.cgi?e=chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
      mailto:www@woodyswatch.com

   Woody's ACCESS Watch - database debunked
      http://woodyswatch.com/2waw.cgi?e=chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
      mailto:waw@woodyswatch.com

   Woody's PROJECT Watch - takes MS Project to new heights
      http://woodyswatch.com/2wpw.cgi?e=chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
      mailto:wpw@woodyswatch.com

   REDISTRIBUTION
   Redistribution of this issue of WOW is allowed only with
   permission. You may circulate copies of WOW by MANUALLY
   forwarding it, providing (1) you forward the issue in its
   entirety, (2) no fee is involved, and (3) you forward no
   more than three issues to any one individual. After that,
   please encourage your correspondents to send e-mail to
   wow@wopr.com to get their own FREE subscription. Everyone
   is welcome! Yes, even you 'Softies. Tell your friends, your
   boss, even that weird guy in the corner cubicle, about WOW!

   Woody's OFFICE Watch
   Copyright 2001 by Peter Deegan. All rights reserved. ISSN 1328-1674.


       ======================================================
                W-O-O-D-Y-S--O-F-F-I-C-E--W-A-T-C-H

---

Good Morning:

FYI!!

Sincerely,

Chris McMillan
Access Technology Specialist
ALVA Access Group, Inc.
East Coast Region
chris@aagi.com  Personal E-mail
cs@aagi.com  Customer Service E-mail
888 803 9994  CT Telephone
708 585 6130  CT Fax
888 318 2582  CA Telephone


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-disAbility-L@inet.ed.gov
[mailto:owner-disAbility-L@inet.ed.gov] On Behalf Of Griffin Clarence
(Dick)
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 8:22 AM
To: disability-l (E-mail)
Subject: Notice: proposed funding priorities for two Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects



-----Original Message-----
From:  webmaster@disability.gov [mailto:webmaster@disability.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 8:22 AM
To: Announcements regarding the disAbility.gov web site
Subject: [disability.gov-announcement] Notice: proposed funding
priorities for two Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects

HTML>
[Federal Register: April 6, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 67)]
[Notices]
[Page 18365-18369]
>From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06ap01-135]
[[Page 18365]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Part III
Department of Education
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Notice
[[Page
18366]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department
of Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed funding priorities for fiscal years (FYs)
2001-2003 for two Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose funding priorities for two Disability and
Rehabilitation
Research Projects and Centers Program (DRRP) one on Assistive Technology
Outcomes and Impacts and the other on Assistive Technology Research
Projects
for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities under the National Institute
on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) for FY 2001-2003. We may
use
these priorities for competitions in FY 2001 and later years. We take
this
action to focus research attention on areas of national need. We intend
these priorities to improve the rehabilitation services and outcomes for
individuals with disabilities.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before May 7, 2001.
ADDRESSES: All comments concerning these proposed priorities should be
addressed to Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland
Avenue, SW., room 3414, Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2645.
Comments may also be sent through the Internet: donna_nangle@ed.gov
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202)
205-5880.
Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may
call
the TDD number at (202) 205-4475.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding
paragraph.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Invitation To Comment
We invite you to submit comments regarding these proposed
priorities.
We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific
requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of
reducing regulatory burden that might result from these proposed
priorities.
Please let us know of any further opportunities we should take to reduce
potential costs or increase potential benefits while preserving the
effective and efficient administration of the program.
During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public
comments about these priorities in Room 3414, Switzer Building, 330 C
Street
SW., Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.,
Eastern
time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal holidays.
Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the
Rulemaking Record
On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or
print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs assistance
to
review the comments or other documents in the public rulemaking record
for
these proposed priorities. If you want to schedule an appointment for
this
type of aid, you may call (202) 205-8113 or (202) 260-9895. If you use a
TDD, you may call the Federal Information Relay Service at
1-800-877-8339.
National Education Goals
These proposed priorities will address the National Education Goal
that every adult American will be literate and will possess the
knowledge
and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the
rights
and responsibilities of citizenship.
The authority for the program to establish research priorities by
reserving funds to support particular research activities is contained
in
sections 202(g) and 204 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
(29
U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(4)). Regulations governing this program are
found
in 34 CFR part 350.
We will announce the final priorities in a notice in the Federal
Register. We will determine the final priorities after considering
responses
to this notice and other information available to the Department. This
notice does not preclude us from proposing or funding additional
priorities,
subject to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use these proposed priorities, we invite applications
through a notice published in the Federal Register.  When inviting
applications we designate each priority as absolute, competitive
preference,
or invitational.
The proposed priorities refer to NIDRR's Long-Range Plan that can
be accessed on the World Wide Web at: (http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/
NIDRR/#LRP).
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program
The purpose of the program is to plan and conduct research,
demonstration projects, training, and related activities to:
(a) Develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that
maximizes the full inclusion and integration into society, employment,
independent living, family support, and economic and social self-
sufficiency of individuals with disabilities; and
(b) Improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Act.
Proposed Priority 1: Assistive Technology Outcomes and Impacts
Background
One of the greatest challenges facing health care systems, social
services providers and policymakers is to ensure that scarce resources
are
used efficiently. To a large extent, this challenge explains the growing
interest in outcomes research and evidence-based medicine.  Particular
interest in outcomes of assistive technology (AT) is related to the
amount
of dollars spent on developing and manufacturing AT, AT service delivery
and
to the need to improve the functional independence and well-being of
persons
with disabilities of all ages. Yet, assessment of the impact of
technology
on function and other productivity and quality of life outcomes lags
behind
outcomes measurement in other areas of rehabilitation.
There are several factors that promote concern about the paucity of
outcomes research in AT including the: (a) Ability to demonstrate
efficacy
of new devices; (b) need to examine effectiveness of devices over time;
and
(c) need to chart future research and development to improve devices
(Fuhrer, M. J., "Assistive technology outcomes research: challenges met
and
yet unmet," American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
2001,
In press). Outcomes research and analysis is also needed to guide
decisionmaking across multiple levels of policy and program development,
including: (a) Decisions on a societal level regarding types of public
programs and services to fund;
(b) decisions on a programmatic level regarding what services to
continue,
enhance, modify or eliminate; (c) decisions on an individual level
regarding
AT recommendations and interventions; and (d) decisions on a research
level
regarding the comparative effectiveness of individual devices and the
impact
on future designs (Smith, R., "Measuring the outcomes of assistive
technology: challenge and innovation", Assistive Technology, Vol. 8, No.
2,
pgs. 71-81, 1996).
In the face of a growing interest in outcomes, the inconsistent use
of
[[Page 18367]]
terminology contributes to the confusion that exists in the application
of a
generally accepted outcomes approach. In the field of rehabilitation,
outcomes measurement has focused on creating outcomes management systems
and
measuring and communicating outcomes.  Rehabilitation has led the health
care field in its emphasis on changes in function as an outcomes
measure.
Still, even in rehabilitation, outcomes measurement systems have
typically
focused on process variables, i.e., the outputs of products and
services,
and not on gains to the individual or society in either the short or
long
term.  Wilkerson posits that this emphasis on process will change
because of
three factors: (a) The pressure to cut costs; (b) growth of consumerism
leading to increased input from users and increased focus on the needs
of
the end user; and (c) concerns about quality in relation to costs
(Wilkerson, D., "Outcomes and accreditation-The paradigm is shifting
toward
outcome," Rehab Management, August/September, pgs. 112-115, 1997).
Outcomes research is defined in different ways across
rehabilitation and health services research as well as in the social
services field. The Foundation for Health Services Research (Foundation
for
Health Services Research, Health Outcomes Research: A Primer,
Washington,
DC, 1994) characterized outcomes research as research focused on the
"end
results of medical care-the effect of the health care process on the
health
and well-being of patients and populations." The Institute of Medicine
(IOM)
(Feasley, J.C., ed., Health Outcomes for Older People: Questions for the
Coming Decade, Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1996) expanded
this
definition to include "the clinical signs and symptoms, well-being or
mental
and emotional functioning; physical, cognitive, and social functioning;
satisfaction with care; health-related quality of life, and costs and
appropriate use of resources." Outcomes research has also been defined
as
research designed to discover the sustained impact of rehabilitative
strategies and treatments in the everyday lives of persons with
disabilities. "Outcomes research attempts to build a bridge between
interventions and long-term improvements in the lives of persons served
as
they reenter the community" (Johnston, M., et al., "Outcomes research in
medical rehabilitation-foundations from the past and directions for the
future," Assessing Medical Rehabilitation Practices: The Promise of
Outcomes
Research, Marcus J. Fuhrer, ed., pgs. 1-42, 1997). Regardless of how it
is
defined, outcomes research is part of the larger framework of program
evaluation (Fuhrer, op cit., 1997), and includes both outcomes analysis
and
outcomes measurement also known as performance measurement (Jennings,
B.M.
and Staggers, N., The language of outcomes, Journal of Rehabilitation
Outcomes Measurement, Vol. 3, No.1, pgs. 59-64, 1999).
Rehabilitation outcomes are changes produced by rehabilitation
services in the lives of service recipients and their environments.
Outcome
indicators are measures of the amount and frequency of those
occurrences,
and include service quality. Within this perspective, some analysts use
the
word "impacts" to distinguish between longterm outcomes or end results
that
occur on a societal versus an individual level. Still others use the
term
"impact" more strictly to refer to estimates of the extent to which the
program actually "caused" particular outcomes (Hatry, H. et al.,
Customer
Surveys for Agency Managers: What Managers Need to Know, Washington, DC:
Urban Institute, 1998). Deconstructing these various definitions and
types
of outcomes and impacts requires recognition of complexity on many
levels.
Although AT has grown as a discipline and as an industry over the
past two decades, there has not been a corresponding maturity in
developing
or assessing the outcomes or impacts of AT upon individuals with
disabilities. AT devices and services outcomes also may be difficult to
define because of the ways AT is used. For example, AT is used to
increase
participation in the environment, enhance normative social roles,
promote
and sustain employment, and facilitate activities of daily living. Some
devices, such as computers, increase access to information and support
life
long learning. AT devices vary significantly from highly complex and
sophisticated computer-operated systems to low tech approaches that can
be
easily purchased or built.  Complicating the issue even further are the
individual characteristics of the AT user and the varied environments in
which users live, work, and learn.
Approximately one-third of AT devices will be abandoned by the user
(Phillips, B. and Zhao, H. "Predictors of assistive technology
abandonment",
Assistive Technology, Vol. 5, pgs. 36-45, 1995). There are many reasons
why
individuals with disabilities choose to accept or reject AT devices.
Since
public funds provide a major source for purchasing AT devices and
services,
useful and accurate measures of outcomes and impacts is critical for
accountability and to avoid wasteful outcomes. Is abandonment a negative
or
could it be a positive outcome? Abandonment has been viewed as the end
result of fragmented service provision, poor assessment techniques, lack
of
consumer choice in device selection, inattention to device use across
environments, inadequate training, costly repairs, need to upgrade and
obsolete or inappropriate technology. However, abandonment may be a
natural
phenomenon related to improved physical or cognitive function, the
result of
a technology upgrade or because different technology is a better fit
between
the end-user and the environment.
There are other reasons to account for the lack of momentum in
measurement development and outcomes and impact research on AT. Most of
the
endorsements of a particular device or service are based on anecdotal
information (Fuhrer, 1999) rather than data generated from research.
Frank
DeRuyter ("Evaluating outcomes in assistive technology: do we understand
the
commitment," Assistive Technology, Vol. 7, No. 1, pgs. 3-16, 1995),
observed
that historically, AT was considered a remedy to impairment or
dysfunction,
and the urgency of consumer need was of greater importance than relying
upon
data to document the efficacy of a particular device. In addition,
quality
was perceived as too abstract and difficult to measure and define.
Vendors
and practitioners may feel threatened by potential findings and
accountability demands, which may also have contributed to the lack of
outcomes studies (DeRuyter, op. cit, 1995).
While the AT arena is complex and broad, several outcomes studies
have focused on a discrete segment of the entire system. Smith says that
there are essentially two domains of outcome measurement: the
performance of
an individual using assistive technology and the cost of achieving the
level
of performance (Smith, R.O., "Accountability in assistive technology
interventions: measuring outcomes," Volume I-
RESNA Resource Guide of Assistive Technology Outcomes: Measurement
Tools, pgs. 15-43, 1998). Minkel proposed that the primary measure to
determine the value of the assistive technology is the basic formula of
outcomes divided by cost (Minkel, J., "Assistive technology and
outcomes measurement: Where do we begin?" Technology and Disability,
July, pgs. 285-288, 1996). There are others within the AT community who
operate under the assumption that improvements and innovation in
technology will
[[Page 18368]]
"naturally" lead to successful use and implementation, and therefore do
not
need to be evaluated. From this perspective, technological solutions
have
been viewed as a panacea without the benefit of data to support
prevailing
assumptions (De Ruyter, F., "Concepts and rationale for accountability
in
assistive technology," Volume I-RESNA Resource Guide of Assistive
Technology
Outcomes: Measurement Tools, pgs. 2-15, 1998).
At a minimum, the process of evaluating AT outcomes must measure
and establish a baseline of what works, identify how well and for whom
it
works, and at what level of economy and efficiency. This process will
necessitate taking information from several performance monitoring
dimensions (De Ruyter, op. cit., 1998). In approaching the challenges of
AT
outcomes measurement, it is important to identify if the outcomes relate
to
the AT product or service, the user, or to the environment in which the
technology is being used. While not standardized or widely endorsed, a
variety of measurement techniques and instruments are currently
utilized.
These measurement tools tend to be specific to a given practice area or
limited to a functional domain, (Volume I:
RESNA-Resource Guide for Assistive Technology Outcomes: Measurement
Tools,
1998).
To proceed with assessing AT outcomes and impacts, the following
questions need to be addressed. First, what are the key gaps and
weaknesses
in our knowledge of AT use and its impacts? Are the key research
questions
related to a particular intervention at a particular point in time? How
do
device modifications and upgrades change the intervention? How do
characteristics of the population including severity of impairment,
duration
of disability, presence of co-morbidities, aging and other
sociodemographic
factors influence technology utilization and bias outcomes study? What
is
the role of environmental, economic, awareness and training barriers in
AT
use and outcomes? These different levels of outcomes can look at impacts
and
effects of technology at one point in time, more typically a clinical or
functional outcome, or can be examined in terms of long-term impacts on
individual quality of life, productivity and social participation.  As
one
researcher expressed it, in addition to longitudinal studies, "the
research
agenda must consider lifelong use of assistive technology, documenting
effectiveness of that technology as an intervention, identifying stages
for
reconsideration of its use, and defining environmental and social
considerations" (Turk, M. A., "Early development-related condition,"
Assessing Medical Rehabilitation Practices-The Promise of Outcomes
Research,
Marcus J.  Fuhrer, ed., pgs. 367-392, 1997).
Innovations in AT will continue to evolve and many AT users, as
they have in the recent past, will experience increases in independence,
function, and general well being. Concurrently, the gap between the
promise
of technology and the ability of individuals and funding sources to
afford
them will continue to widen. This will result in a greater need for
knowledge about the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of particular
devices
and services (Fuhrer, M.J., "Assistive technology outcomes research:
challenges met and yet unmet," American Journal of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation, 2001, In press).
Proposed Priority 1: Assistive Technology Outcomes and Impacts
We propose to establish multiple research projects on assistive
technology (AT) outcomes and impacts to determine the efficacy and
utility
of AT interventions and the implications for abandonment of AT devices.
In
carrying out these purposes, the projects must:
(a) Assess the current status of AT outcomes and impacts
measurement systems and approaches, identifying measurement
methodologies,
characteristics of key instruments including utility to AT field, and
critical gaps in measurement;
(b) Based upon the findings of paragraph (a), evaluate efficacy of
existing measurement instruments or develop and evaluate new outcomes
and impacts measurement methodologies to meet the needs of AT
stakeholders; and
(c) Investigate and analyze the complexity of factors contributing
to the abandonment of AT, including age-related changes, and identify
how
these factors are incorporated into outcomes and impacts measurement
instruments.
In addition to activities proposed by the applicants to carry out
these purposes, each project must:
Develop and disseminate to AT stakeholders and other
interested and relevant audiences, as determined by NIDRR, materials on
AT outcomes studies and impacts analyses and, periodic updates on the
project's milestones, products and results; and
Collaborate with relevant NIDRR-sponsored projects, such
as the AT/IT Consumer Survey (University of Michigan), the RESNA
Technical
Assistance projects, and the RRTC on Medical Rehabilitation Outcomes, as
identified through consultation with the NIDRR Project Officer.
Proposed Priority 2: Assistive Technology Research Projects for
Individuals With Cognitive Disabilities
Background
Technology and assistive devices have commonly been used to assist
persons with mobility, communication and sensory difficulties. Because
of
the positive impact that technology has played in the lives of these
individuals, there is now a strong push toward the development of such
devices for people with cognitive disabilities. The Assistive Technology
Act
of 1998 defines an assistive technology device to be any item, piece of
equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf,
modified or customized that is used to increase, maintain or improve
functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Rapid advances
in
technology provide great potential for development of new devices or
adaptation of available devices to assist individuals with cognitive
disabilities to develop and maintain skills.
Technology professionals, such as computer scientists and
rehabilitation engineers, have limited experience applying assistive
technology solutions to users with cognitive disabilities. Nor do they
yet
understand the mapping between specific needs and equally specific
design
solutions. Most people with cognitive disabilities have a range of
learning
and processing capabilities. Wide variations in cognitive functioning
make
it difficult to develop generic solutions appropriate for all
individuals.
Functional capabilities associated with these disabilities may include
wide
ranges of ability in memory, reasoning, and language comprehension.
Cognitive functioning also includes perception, problem-solving,
conceptualizing, reading, thinking and sequencing (Electronic and
Information Technology Access Advisory Committee, "EITAAC Report, May
13,
1999," A Report to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance
Board). Common strategies to improve functioning in activities of daily
living across various cognitive disabilities need to be identified, as
do,
issues regarding information processing that may be unique to each of
these
groups.
Persons with cognitive disabilities often have difficulty in
carrying out Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) because of
problems with time management and information retrieval. Researchers
are experimenting with the use of electronic personal computers to
[[Page 18369]]
compensate for memory problems. Other researchers are examining methods
of
matching individual cognitive problems with compensatory strategies
provided
by a variety of commercially available portable electronic devices. In
traumatic brain injury treatment, researchers are investigating the use
of
virtual reality technology to test visual acuity and reaction times to
stimulus. Research is also being conducted on the use of text-based
messages
to enhance communication.
Technology is often viewed as facilitating employment of persons
with disabilities. However, inaccessible technology can be a barrier to
all
persons with disabilities. This is particularly true for persons with
cognitive impairments who may have difficulty using telephones,
computers,
and other equipment that are staples of most work environments.
Developers
and manufacturers of assistive technology often do not consider issues
of
cognitive access and flexibility when designing their products.
While the congruence between the promise of assistive technology
and the needs of many people attempting to achieve community integration
is
obvious, little has been written about the manner in which technology
affects community adaptation or the service needs of individuals with
cognitive disabilities in community settings. While specific
manifestations
of assistive technology have identifiable benefits, the central question
needs to be empirically addressed-how can assistive technologies
contribute
to community integration and in what manner can the linkage be
facilitated?
The state of knowledge about the use of assistive technology for persons
with cognitive disabilities, as well as the outcomes of that use or lack
of
use and the cost-effectiveness in achieving community integration is
limited.  There are only a few large assessments of the technology needs
of
persons with cognitive disabilities and results are ambiguous because of
difficulties in identifying persons with low incidence conditions and
specific technology needs within the study population (Lakin, C. et al.,
NIDRR Long-Range Plan Commissioned Paper on Community Integration,
1996).
In order to take advantage of any potential that technological
advances may have, it is important to define what makes a device easier
or
more difficult for a person with a cognitive disability to use.
Products
that are simpler and require fewer cognitive skills are easier to
operate
for everyone (Vanderheiden, G., 1992, "A brief look at technology and
mental
retardation in the 21st century," in Mental Retardation in the Year
2000,
Louis Rowitz, ed., New York: Springer-Verlag). "Design guidelines" must
then
be communicated to the manufacturers of consumer products and business
information systems.  Instructions for training on the use and
maintenance
of the device also need to be part of this design process. It is
important
for designers to be aware of the real world tasks with which the user
has
difficulty; hence, research needs to include persons with cognitive
disabilities at the front end of all technology development. End product
affordability is important not only in meeting consumer needs, but also
in
creating the market demand that will encourage manufacturers to enter
production.
The NIDRR Long-Range Plan discusses three objectives in developing
technology to meet the needs of people with limitations in cognitive
functioning: To assure that new technologies are accessible and do not
exacerbate exclusion from mainstream activities; to assist people with
cognitive limitations in the performance of daily activities; and to
develop
technologies that can enhance or restore some cognitive functions
(NIDRR,
Long-Range Plan: 1999-2003, pg. 57).
The University of Colorado recently accepted a gift of $250
million. The endowment will fund advanced research and development of
innovative technologies to enhance the lives of people with cognitive
disabilities. The endowment, to be paid over five years, will be used to
establish the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities located at
the
University of Colorado. Applicants for this project should provide
information on proposed coordination with the Coleman Institute.
Proposed Priority 2: Assistive Technology Research Projects for
Individuals With Cognitive Disabilities
We propose to establish multiple research projects on technology
access for persons with cognitive disabilities leading to practical and
affordable solutions to identified community and workplace needs of this
population. The projects must:
(a) Conduct an assessment of state-of-the-art technology
applications for persons with cognitive disabilities;
(b) Based on the assessment results of paragraph (a), identify
technology gaps and needs for persons with cognitive disabilities and
make recommendations for new technology and modifications to existing
technology; (c) Identify features that may be incorporated into
existing, commercially available technology that could benefit persons
with cognitive disabilities; and
(d) Develop and explore strategies for strengthening partnerships
with developers and manufacturers of devices in order to facilitate the
development of new technologies and applications to incorporate
cognitive
access.
In addition to the activities proposed by the applicants to carry
out these purposes, the projects must:
Coordinate with the appropriate Federal agencies and
privately-funded projects, such as the University of Colorado's Coleman
Institute for Cognitive Disabilities, that are relevant to the
applicants proposed activities as identified through consultation with
the NIDRR project officer; and
Involve individuals with cognitive disabilities in all
aspects of the project.
Applicable program regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
Program Authority:  29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(4).
Electronic Access to This Document
You may view this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe
Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site:
www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister.
To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free
at
the previous site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S.
Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in
the
Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.
Note: The official version of this document is published in the
Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the
Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO
Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/ index.html.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 84.133A, Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program)
Dated: April 2, 2001.
Andrew J. Pepin,
Executive Administrator for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services.
[FR Doc. 01-8464 Filed 4-5-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P



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Good Morning:

For your information!!

Sincerely,

Chris McMillan

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-disAbility-L@inet.ed.gov
[mailto:owner-disAbility-L@inet.ed.gov] On Behalf Of Griffin Clarence
(Dick)
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 12:44 PM
To: disability-l (E-mail)
Subject: FW: New Federal Guide for People w/ Disabilities Returning to
Work



-----Original Message-----
From:  McKinnon William
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 10:42 AM
To: Al-Salam Debra; Basha Rhonda; Bennett Paul; Button Christopher;
Clark Julie; Cooper Randy; Davey John; Goldstraw Robert; Griffin
Clarence
(Dick); Horne Richard; Klein Cheryl; Kontnier Linda; Ladipo Kathy; Lee
Regina; Plater Latoya; Reardon Michael; Saba Karen A; Sheehy Jennifer
Subject: FW: New Federal Guide for People w/ Disabilities
Returning
to Work



-----Original Message-----
From: NYAPRS@aol.com [mailto:NYAPRS@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 7:43 AM
To: NYAPRS@aol.com
Subject: New Federal Guide for People w/ Disabilities Returning
to
Work


NEW FEDERAL GUIDE ISSUED FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
SEEKING TO MOVE FROM BENEFITS ROLLS TO WORK
April 4         Washington

Three federal government agencies today released a new guide explaining
rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that apply to
individuals with disabilities who are receiving Social Security
disability
benefits but who want to become employed. The document, entitled A Guide
for

People with Disabilities Seeking Employment, was the result of a joint
effort
involving the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Equal Employment

Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"The new guide is significant because it will help benefits recipients
with
disabilities, many of whom may be new to the workplace, understand their


rights to be free from employment discrimination," said EEOC Chairwoman
Ida
L. Castro. "This collaborative effort by the federal government will
bring
about tangible results by assisting people with disabilities enter the
workforce at an increasing rate."

The guide sets out the ADA's key provisions, including the definition of

"disability" (which is different under the Social Security Act), and an
employer's obligation to make "reasonable accommodation" for applicants
and
employees with disabilities. The guide also explains the process for
filing
a
charge with EEOC if an individual believes that his or her rights under
the
ADA have been violated.

"It is important that these individuals who are returning to work, some
after
long periods out of the workforce, understand their rights under the
ADA.
This guide demonstrates our agencies' ability to work together to ensure
that
these individuals re-enter the workforce knowledgeable about their ADA
employment rights," said William R. Yeomans, DOJ's Acting Assistant
Attorney

General for Civil Rights.

"This guide provides practical information for Americans with
disabilities
who want to return to work," said Ken McGill, SSA's Associate
Commissioner
for Employment Support Programs. "We are committed to providing timely,
accurate and easy-to-understand information to our customers as we
implement

each phase of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Act."

The SSA will make more than 150,000 copies of the guide available, in
English
and Spanish, to recipients of Social Security disability benefits
seeking
employment. Additionally, EEOC and DOJ also will offer a limited number
of
copies of the guide upon request. The text of the guide, as well as
further
information about EEOC (www.eeoc.gov), SSA (www.ssa.gov/work), and DOJ
(www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada), is available on the respective web sites of the

three agencies.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
--

--
Americans with Disabilities Act
A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment

There are more opportunities now than ever before for people who are
receiving SSDI and SSI benefits to learn job skills and find permanent
employment.

If you are seeking a job or are new to the workforce, you should become
familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), a
federal
civil rights law designed to prevent discrimination and enable
individuals
with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of society. One
fundamental principle of the ADA is that individuals with disabilities
who
want to work and are qualified to work must have an equal opportunity to

work. This brochure answers questions you may have about your employment

rights under the ADA.

How do I know if I am protected by the ADA?
To be protected, you must be a qualified individual with a disability.
This
means that you must have a disability as defined by the ADA. Under the
ADA,
you have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits a major life activity such as hearing, seeing,
speaking,
thinking, walking, breathing, or performing manual tasks. You also must
be
able to do the job you want or were hired to do, with or without
reasonable
accommodation.

What are my rights under the ADA?
The ADA protects you from discrimination in all employment practices,
including: job application procedures, hiring, firing, training, pay,
promotion, benefits, and leave. You also have a right to be free from
harassment because of your disability, and an employer may not fire or
discipline you for asserting your rights under the ADA. Most
importantly,
you
have a right to request a reasonable accommodation for the hiring
process
and
on the job.

What is a "reasonable accommodation"?
A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job, the
work
environment, or the way things usually are done that would allow you to
apply
for a job, perform job functions, or enjoy equal access to benefits
available
to other individuals in the workplace. There are many types of things
that
may help people with disabilities work successfully. Some of the most
common

types of accommodations include:
* physical changes, such as installing a ramp or modifying a workspace
or
restroom;
* sign language interpreters for people who are deaf or readers for
people
who are blind;
* providing a quieter workspace or making other changes to reduce noisy
distractions for someone with a mental disability;
* training and other written materials in an accessible format, such as
in
Braille, on audio tape, or on computer disk;
* TTYs for use with telephones by people who are deaf, and hardware and
software that make computers accessible to people with vision
impairments or
who have difficulty using their hands; and
* time off for someone who needs treatment for a disability.

What should I do if I think I might need a reasonable accommodation?  If
you
think you might need an accommodation for the application process or on
the
job, you have to request one. You may request a reasonable accommodation
at
any time during the application process or any time before or after you
start working.
How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
You simply must let your employer know that you need an adjustment or
change
because of your disability. You do not need to complete any special
forms or
use technical language to do this. For example, if you use a wheelchair
and
it does not fit under your desk at work, you should tell your
supervisor.
This is a request for a reasonable accommodation. A doctor's note
requesting
time off due to a disability or stating that you can work with certain
restrictions is also a request for a reasonable accommodation.
What happens after I make a request for a reasonable accommodation?
Once
you have made a request for a reasonable accommodation, the employer
should
discuss available options with you. If you have a disability that is not
obvious, the employer may request documentation from you demonstrating
that
you have a disability and explaining why you need a reasonable
accommodation. You and the employer should work together to determine an
appropriate accommodation.
What should I do if I think my ADA rights have been violated?  You
should
contact the nearest office of the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission
(EEOC). Someone will help you determine whether you should file a charge
of
discrimination. Charges may be filed with the EEOC in person, by mail,
or by
telephone.
There are strict time frames for filing charges of employment
discrimination
In most states, you have 300 days from the time the alleged
discrimination
occurred to file a charge, but in some states you may have only 180
days.
The EEOC field office nearest you can tell you which time period applies
to
you.  However, you should file a charge as soon as possible after you
believe the discrimination occurred.
To contact the EEOC, look in your telephone directory under U.S.
Government
or call 1-800-669-4000 (voice) or 1-800-669-6820 (TTY).
Is there any cost to file a charge?
No. There is no cost to file a charge.

Do I need a lawyer to file a charge?
No. You may file a charge on your own without a lawyer, though some
people
do choose to retain one. Your local bar association may be able to help
you
locate a lawyer, and many communities have organizations that can
provide
free legal services or legal services at a reduced rate to people who
qualify for them.
What happens after I file a charge with the EEOC?
First, the EEOC notifies your employer that a charge has been filed.
In some instances, the EEOC will suggest mediation as a way of resolving
the
charge. Mediation is a process by which an impartial party tries to help
people resolve a dispute. Mediation is voluntary, free, and completely
confidential.
If a charge is not referred to mediation or if mediation is
unsuccessful,
and the EEOC determines that a violation has not occurred, your charge
will
be dismissed and you will be sent a letter telling you that you may file
your own lawsuit.
If the EEOC concludes that you were discriminated against, it will
attempt
to settle the claim informally. If this is unsuccessful, the EEOC will
decide whether to bring a lawsuit or issue you a letter giving you the
right
to file a lawsuit on your own.
For more information about work support, contact the Social Security
Administration at:
1-800-772-1213 (voice)
1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.ssa.gov/work

For more information about the ADA, contact the Equal Employment
Opportunity
Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) at:
EEOC
1-800-669-4000 (voice)
1-800-669-6820 (TTY)
www.eeoc.gov

DOJ
1-800-514-0301 (voice)
1-800-514-0383 (TTY)
www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada

For free information about many types of reasonable accommodations,
contact
the Job Accommodation Network at:
1-800-526-7234 (voice/TTY)
http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/

This "Mental Health E-News" posting is a service of the New York Ass'n
of
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, a statewide coalition of people who
use
and/or provide community mental health services dedicated to improving
services and social conditions for people with psychiatric disabilities.
To join our list, e-mail us your request and, where appropriate, the
name of
your organization to NYAPRS@aol.com.

Good Evening:

FYI!!

Sincerely,
 
Chris McMillan


-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Odom [mailto:DaveO@hj.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 5:27 PM
To: Christopher McMillan
Subject: @Freedom Scientific

To Friends of Freedom Scientific,

We invite you to access the link below to review Issue 2 of our new
company newsletter @Freedom Scientific.  We would like to thank you for
all the comments and suggestions we received after the posting of our
first issue last month.

This second issue will cover:

1.  Free update of OPENBook 5.01 provides optimum functionality
Users of OPENBook 5.0 can now download a free version update of one of
the world's most popular software programs for computer users who are
blind or vision-impaired.

2.  Move up to the Lite with an attractive trade-in credit
Freedom Scientific has a variety of trade-in offers to make it easier to
purchase the new Braille Lite M20.

3.  Real estate businessman opens more doors with assistive technology
Erodio Diaz has been a successful real estate professional for 31 years.
He credits much of his success to Freedom Scientific products.

4.  Freedom Scientific "rolls" on national radio
Greg Smith hosts the nation's only syndicated program on life and
disability. Broadcast in 17 markets, Freedom Scientific recently became
a sponsor of the popular On A Roll talk show.

5.  Free Product CD provides comprehensive customer information
Now, users and prospective users of Freedom Scientific hardware,
software and tutorials can get an electronic overview of our products
via a unique interactive format.

6.  TECSO's "Listening to…" series assists users as well as trainers
The TECSO tutorial series has been staple for blind and vision-impaired
computer users and now trainers are finding them to be an excellent
solution for working with students.

Please access the link below to take you directly to the newsletter
http://www.hj.com/newsletter/@freedomnews.html

Each month, the newsletter will be posted on our website at
www.FreedomScientific.com.

Each month, we will send you an email notice of subsequent issues. If
you would prefer to be taken off this reminder list, please reply to
this email by typing in REMOVE in the Subject line.

Good Morning:

Here is an important article I wanted to send out!!

Final rules governing IT accessibility issued
Tanya N. Ballard

Much-anticipated final regulations designed to make information
technology more accessible to federal employees with disabilities were
published Wednesday in the Federal Register.

Under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, agencies
are required to ensure that federal employees and members of the public
with disabilities, such as hearing or vision impairment, have access to
information, computers and networks comparable to the access enjoyed by
people without disabilities, assuming doing so would not cause an undue
burden on an agency. The accessibility regulations, which become
effective on June 20, also require changes in federal procurement
policy, since procurement officials must ensure that purchased
technology is Section 508-compliant.

"It has huge ramifications," said Olga Grkavac, executive vice president
of the Information Technology Association of America. "We're very
supportive, but I think we are also concerned. We don't want to see any
slowdown in terms of the government contracting process while people are
trying to comply with the letter of the law."

The final rules differ in significant ways from proposed rules published
in January. Procurement officials had originally suggested that the
regulation apply only to contracts solicited, not awarded, after the
effective date. But the final regulations state that all contracts
awarded after June 25 must be Section 508-compliant. Therefore,
contracts that have already been solicited and are to be awarded
sometime after June 25 must be reviewed to ensure they are Section
508-compliant.

"We were surprised that it applies to contracts awarded after June 25,"
Grkavac said. "We had hoped it would [apply] to solicitations issued
after the effective date. That would give individuals and the government
time to ascertain that they were meeting government standards. We were
trying to have as seamless a change a possible."

Grkavac praised the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) Council on its
decision to exempt off-the-shelf "micropurchases" made with the
governmentwide commercial purchase card from the accessibility
regulations until Jan. 1, 2003, when assistive technology is expected to
be the industry standard. Micropurchases are defined as purchases of
less than $2,500.

Click here for related stories and links:
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0401/042601t3.htm


Sincerely,
 
Chris McMillan
Access Technology Specialist
ALVA Access Group, Inc.
East Coast Region
chris@aagi.com  Personal E-mail
cs@aagi.com  Customer Service E-mail
888 803 9994  CT Telephone
708 585 6130  CT Fax
888 318 2582  CA Telephone

Good Evening:

Take a look at this!!

Chris
----- Original Message -----
From: "john R vaughn" <jrvaughn@olsusa.com>
To: <k1000@kurzweiledu.com>
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 7:50 PM
Subject: Lernout & Hauspie Co-Founders Arrested on Fraud


  The latest on L and H. John
  Lernout & Hauspie Co-Founders Arrested on Fraud Charges in Belgium

  im/djn_toplogo

  04-27-01  06:19 AM EST  | Associated Press

  IEPER, Belgium -- Investigators have charged the co-founders of Lernout
&
  Hauspie Speech Products NV with fraud, a prosecutor said Friday.

  Jo Lernout and Pol Hauspie were brought in for questioning Thursday
Morning by a judge investigating accusations of fraud. They were charged
Thursday night with falsification and stock manipulation and ordered
held pending a court appearance Monday, prosecutor Jean-Marie Coppens
said.

The same charges were filed Friday against fellow former board member
Nico  Willaert, who was also being detained pending the court
appearance, at which
a judge will decide whether the three should remain in custody or be
released pending trial, Coppens said.

The co-founders had already been sidelined for several months after a
slew of accounting scandals and fraud allegations sent the stock
crashing late last year and forced the firm to seek bankruptcy
protection in Belgium, the U.S. and South Korea.

At the extraordinary shareholders meeting ordered by a bankruptcy judge,
new
CEO Philippe Bodson said Mr. Lernout and Mr. Hauspie's personal legal
troubles
"will not have an impact" on the gathering.

He also declined to comment on reports of the company's imminent
disintegration.

The Wall Street Journal, citing unidentified sources, reported Friday
that the new management has asked investment bank Credit Suisse First
Boston Corp.to explore selling most of the remaining assets to repay
more than $600 million in debts.



  ______________________________________
  To unsubscribe from the Kurzweil 1000 list, send an e-mail request to:
majordomo@kurzweiledu.com and in the body of the message, write
UNSUBSCRIBE
K1000.
> For further assistance, please contact the list owner via e-mail at:
owner-k1000@kurzweiledu.com.  Thanks.
>
>

Good Evening:

For your information!!

Sincerely,

Chris McMillan
chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
chrismmcmillan@home.com
203 934 5432 Ext 3 Telephone
708 585 6130  Fax

-----Original Message-----
From: blindjob - Employment Issues Concerning Blind People
[mailto:BLINDJOB@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU]On Behalf Of Nicole Gant
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 5:38 PM
To: BLINDJOB@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: New Disability Guide from EEOC

New from the EEOC:

A Guide for People with Disabilities
      Seeking Employment

Press release: http://www.eeoc.gov/press/4-4-01.html

Guide: http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/adaguide.html

Nicole

Nicole Gant, M.A.
Equal Opportunity Specialist
Equal Opportunity Center
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA 98225-9023
nicole.gant@wwu.edu
www.wwu.edu


Should you ever wish to leave the BLINDJOB mailing list
in the future, you may do so by sending an e-mail message to
listserv@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU. Leave the subject line blank, and in the
body of your message put the line

unsubscribe BLINDJOB

Good Afternoon:

Take look at the link below for Office XP Accessibility.

Sincerely,

Chris McMillan
Access Technology Specialist
ALVA Access Group, Inc.
East Coast Region
chris@aagi.com  Personal E-mail
cs@aagi.com  Customer Service E-mail
888 803 9994  CT Telephone
708 585 6130  CT Fax
888 318 2582  CA Telephone

-----Original Message-----
From: Microsoft
[mailto:0_13297_906523A4-E5C4-DD4B-AFA2-4D4E676334CE_US@Newsletters.Microsof
t.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2001 1:15 PM
To: chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
Subject: Office News Service, May 2001

Welcome to this month's edition of the Office News Service, your insider's
guide to Microsoft Office and the Office family products as well as the
Office Web site:
<http://www.microsoft.com/office/>

To cancel your subscription to this newsletter or stop all e-mail
newsletters from microsoft.com, please read the directions at the bottom of
this message.

-- Highlight: Register for the Office XP Launch; Get a Free Preview Copy of
Windows XP
-- Highlight: Exclusive: Glimpse Office XP Through the Eyes of the Microsoft
Person in Charge of Office XP
-- Highlight: Say Goodbye, Clippy!
-- Preorder Office XP and Get Free Shipping
-- Launch a Direct Mail Campaign from Your Desktop
-- Need Immediate Language Translation Help?
-- Office Bookstore Offer: Troubleshooting Microsoft Access Databases
-- IT & Developer Corner: Office XP Resource Kit Now Online
-- IT & Developer Corner: Step into the Office XP IT & Developer Corner
-- IT & Developer Corner: Keep Your Organization on the Cutting Edge of
Technology
-- IT & Developer Corner: Discover SharePoint Technologies
-- Receive This Newsletter in Full Color -- It's as Easy as 1-2-3
-- Since You Asked...
-- Tip of the Month: Enter Our New Contest
-- Get to Know the Accessibility Features in Office XP
-- Support WebCast: SharePoint Team Services
-- Need Office Support? Read All About It on Office Support News Watch
-- Monthly Focus on Office Programs: Microsoft Project

THIS MONTH'S HIGHLIGHTS:

REGISTER FOR THE OFFICE XP LAUNCH; GET A FREE PREVIEW COPY OF WINDOWS XP
Register now for an Office XP launch event near you, and get exclusive
offers, including a $100 US rebate off Office XP Professional Special
Edition, a free preview copy of Microsoft Windows XP and a free copy of
Microsoft MapPoint 2002 ($249 US value). Events begin May 31, 2001, in
cities across the United States. Come and see Office XP in action and be one
of the first to get a closer look at Windows XP, due for release later this
year. Seats are limited so register now.
<http://www.microsoft.com/office/XPWatch/>

EXCLUSIVE: GLIMPSE OFFICE XP THROUGH THE EYES OF THE MICROSOFT PERSON IN
CHARGE OF OFFICE XP
In anticipation of the release of Office XP, the Office News Service sat
down with Microsoft Senior Vice President Steven Sinofsky to find out why
he's saying Office XP is "the most significant version of Office ever
released." Sinofsky describes new features, cites reasons to upgrade, and
reveals how many people were involved in the making of Office XP. Read this
interview -- exclusive to Office News Service subscribers -- at:
<http://www.microsoft.com/office/ons/sinofsky.htm>

SAY GOODBYE, CLIPPY!
Office XP is so simple to use, it has put this Office Assistant out of a
job. Poor Clippy just found out that new Office XP features like smart tags
and task panes have made him almost obsolete. Clippy has launched a campaign
to keep his old job, or find a new one. Visit his Web site and view Flash
animations, play the Clippy game, or download his new song, "It Looks Like
You're Writing a Letter." You can even cast a vote for what he should do
next. See what Clippy's up to at:
<http://www.microsoft.com/office/clippy>

(P.S. If you're one of Clippy's fans, don't miss this month's "Since You
Asked..." below.)


------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS & SPECIAL OFFERS
------------------------------------------------------------------

PREORDER OFFICE XP AND GET FREE SHIPPING
Office XP hits the stores May 31, 2001. But why wait? Starting today, you
can place an early order for Office XP at shop.microsoft.com for shipment on
May 31, through free express delivery. Choose from full and upgrade versions
of Office XP Standard, Office XP Professional, and Office XP Developer. Add
any other product to your Office XP order, and you'll receive $20 US off
your total order. For more details -- and to reserve your copy of Office XP
today -- visit:
<http://shop.microsoft.com/redir/officexp3.htm>

LAUNCH A DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGN FROM YOUR DESKTOP
Want a quick, affordable method for initiating a direct mail campaign? Then
Office eServices and Zairmail have a solution for you. Just send your
Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher document and customer mailing list
over the Internet, and Zairmail will print, fold, insert, address, and mail
your pieces. And because Zairmail routes documents to print and mail
facilities close to the recipients, your letters will arrive in one to two
business days. Find out more about how this new Office eService works at:
<http://office.microsoft.com/services/home/redir/Zairmail.ONS.htm>

NEED IMMEDIATE LANGUAGE TRANSLATION HELP?
Get it online from WorldLingo and Office eServices. You can quickly and
easily translate your Microsoft Outlook e-mail messages, Word documents, or
Web pages into more than 40 languages. Other helpful features include
subject dictionaries, special characters, and an automated price quote for
human translation services. Begin translating your documents and Web sites
at:
<http://office.microsoft.com/services/home/redir/worldlingo_ONS.htm>

OFFICE BOOKSTORE: TROUBLESHOOTING MICROSOFT ACCESS DATABASES
Get immediate help diagnosing and solving your database problems with
"Troubleshooting Microsoft Access Databases." This book offers immediate
solutions for troubleshooting Access 97 and Access 2000 tables, forms,
reports, queries, datasheets, and more. Get an additional 10 percent
discount on this title by typing MSOFFICE in the discount code field of the
checkout page. For more details, visit:
<http://www1.fatbrain.com/partners/msoffice/home.asp?from=msoffice>


------------------------------------------------------------------
IT & DEVELOPER CORNER
------------------------------------------------------------------

OFFICE XP RESOURCE KIT NOW ONLINE
The Office XP Resource Kit is now available online, offering new and updated
administrative tools and utilities -- such as the Setup INI Customization
Wizard and Corporate Error Reporting. You will also find articles on
platform strategies, messaging, and worldwide support, as well as
information on emerging technologies, strategies, and issues related to
deploying and maintaining Office XP in your organization.
<http://www.microsoft.com/office/ork/>

STEP INTO THE NEW OFFICE XP IT & DEVELOPER CORNER
Looking for Office XP news that's relevant to you? Find business-value and
technical information about Office XP, plus developer resources at the new
IT and Developer Corner for Office XP:
<http://www.microsoft.com/office/xp/ITDev/>

KEEP YOUR ORGANIZATION ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Order the Office XP Professional with FrontPage Corporate Preview Beta for
$19.95 US. These preview kits, intended for evaluation purposes only, can be
installed on up to 10 computers. Order one for your organization at:
<http://www.microsoft.com/office/XPTry/default.htm>

DISCOVER SHAREPOINT TECHNOLOGIES
Learn about Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server, the complete portal solution
for content aggregation and document management, and SharePoint Team
Services, the smart solution for ad hoc collaboration and information
sharing, at:
<http://www.microsoft.com/sharepoint/evaluation/overview/technologies.asp>

And then download this white paper to learn about the advantages of using
SharePoint Portal Server to create a corporate portal and how Office XP can
help you quickly customize your own portal solution at:
<http://www.microsoft.com/sharepoint/techinfo/XPportal.asp>


-------------------------------------------------------------------
USING OFFICE: ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT
-------------------------------------------------------------------

RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER IN FULL COLOR -- IT'S AS EASY AS 1-2-3
Add a little excitement to your e-mail inbox. Sign up for the HTML version
of this newsletter, and enjoy an enhanced reading experience, with
full-color design and clickable links. It's free for any Office News Service
subscriber with an e-mail program that accepts HTML formatting. (The
plain-text version of the ONS will remain available also.)

To begin receiving the HTML version of this newsletter:
1. Reply to this e-mail message.
2. Type the letters "HTML" in the subject line.
3. Click Send.
That's it.

SINCE YOU ASKED...
Questions: "I'm thinking about not upgrading to Office XP because I heard it
will not include Clippy. Why did you get rid of him?"

Answer: We appreciate your comments and concerns about the announcement of
Clippy's retirement. Clippy will still be available in Microsoft Office XP.
However, he will be turned off by default. To activate Clippy in Office XP,
simply click "Show Office Assistant" in the "Help" menu. You can find out
more about Clippy's future by reading this article on the Microsoft Press
Pass site:
<http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2001/apr01/04-11clippy.asp>

TIP OF THE MONTH: ENTER OUR NEW CONTEST
We are now premiering the Office XP "T-Shirts for Tipsters" contest. Be
among the first to share your Office XP expertise by ordering the Office XP
30-Day trial and then sending us your Office XP tips and tricks. We will
announce the first round of contest winners in June 2001. Complete contest
details are available at:
<http://www.microsoft.com/office/using/tipstricks/submittip.htm>

You can order the trial at:
<http://www.microsoft.com/office/XPTrial/>

While this contest is getting started, you can still enjoy our compilation
of some of the best tips from the Office 2000 contest, including a tip about
scheduling e-mail responses in your Outlook calendar, sent in by Michael
Swain of Bermuda. You will find these tips at:
<http://www.microsoft.com/office/using/tipstricks/tip1.htm>

GET TO KNOW THE ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES IN OFFICE XP
These built-in features enable you to customize Office programs to meet your
needs and preferences. Learn all about them at:
<http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/officexp/>

SUPPORT WEBCAST: SHAREPOINT TEAM SERVICES
Have you heard about Microsoft SharePoint Team Services (STS) but are not
sure how it can help you? Join this live Support WebCast on Tuesday, May 15,
2001, at 10:00 A.M. Pacific time, and receive an overview of STS
collaboration features and requirements.
<http://support.microsoft.com/servicedesks/webcasts/wc051501/wcblurb051501.a
sp>

NEED OFFICE SUPPORT? READ ALL ABOUT IT ON OFFICE SUPPORT NEWS WATCH
Each month on Support Online, Microsoft's award-winning technical support
Web site, you can view highlights from recently published or updated
articles. To take advantage of this support resource, visit:
<http://support.microsoft.com/support/newswatch/office.asp>


-------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTHLY FOCUS ON OFFICE PROGRAMS: MICROSOFT PROJECT
-------------------------------------------------------------------

IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT
You've used Microsoft Project to create a detailed plan for your project,
and you believe you've accounted for everything. What could possibly go
wrong? Plenty! The ability to assess and manage risks is the best weapon you
have against project catastrophes. This article from Office Update explains
how Microsoft Project can help you evaluate your plan for potential problems
and develop strategies to address them:
<http://office.microsoft.com/assistance/2000/ProjRiskAnalysis.aspx>



-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Copyright 2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft,
FrontPage, IntelliMouse, MapPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Visio, and Windows
are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in
the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and
products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.





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3. This document may not be distributed for profit

Good Morning:

For your information!!

Sincerely,
 
Chris McMillan

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-disAbility-L@inet.ed.gov
[mailto:owner-disAbility-L@inet.ed.gov] On Behalf Of Griffin Clarence
(Dick)
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2001 9:07 AM
To: DisAbility. gov (E-mail); disability-l (E-mail)
Subject: FW: USDA TARGET Center



-----Original Message-----
From: MK RICHARDSON [mailto:MK.RICHARDSON@usda.gov]
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2001 6:45 AM
To: webmaster@disability.gov
Subject: USDA TARGET Center


Could you please circulated that following information. This event is
opened
to anyone interested in demonstrations of Assistive Technology and
Section
508. Thank you for your assistance- Katherine 202-720-7950

USDA TARGET Center Open House

Visit demonstrations of the latest assistive technology and learn more
on
the accessibility standards outlined in Section 508 of Rehabilitation
Act.

When:Wednesday, May 9, 2001
      10 am - 2 pm
Where:USDA Headquarters
       Room 1006 South Building
       Metro: Orange/Blue Line Smithsonian Stop
       Accessible entrance on 12th and Independence

Visit the new Section 508 Workstation!
-Learn more about Web Accessibility and Section 508 requirements.
-Stop by for resource information on Section 508 implementation.
-Tour eight different workstations for continuous demonstrations of
assistive technology.
-Test new hardware and software technology recently added to the
Center's
facility.

For more information please contact:
202/720-2600 (V/TTY)
target-center@usda.gov

Technology at Work

USDA TARGET Center
202/720-2600 (V/TTY)
202/720-2681 (Fax)
www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm

Good Afternoon:

Updates from the Access Board!!

Sincerely,
 
Chris McMillan

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Yanchulis [mailto:yanchulis@ACCESS-BOARD.GOV]
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2001 1:10 PM
To: news
Subject: Access Currents - March/ April 2001

Access Currents
Volume 7, No. 2 March/ April 2001

Board Continues Work on New Accessibility Guidelines
At its March meeting, the Board further deliberated on final rules that
will
update its Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines
(ADAAG)
and establish new guidelines for recreation facilities.  The Board
previously published these rules in proposed form for public comment and
is
finalizing the text for each according to its review of the comments.

The rulemaking to update ADAAG is a two-fold undertaking that serves to
harmonize design criteria between the private and government sectors.
It
overhauls and reformats ADAAG and also updates similar design
requirements
for Federal facilities that the Board maintains and enforces under the
Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).  The ABA requires access to facilities
designed, built, altered or leased with Federal funds.  The Board has
coordinated its update of the ADA and ABA guidelines into a single rule
in
an effort to make them more consistent.  Both guidelines provide scoping
provisions, which specify what has to be accessible, and technical
criteria,
which spell out how access is achieved.  The final rule, like the
proposed
version, will contain a scoping document for ADA facilities, a scoping
document for ABA facilities, and a common set of technical criteria.
Besides updating the requirements so that they continue to meet the
needs of
persons with disabilities, the Board is also striving to make these
guidelines more consistent with model building codes and industry
standards
in order to facilitate compliance.  The Board will continue work on this
rule at its May and July meetings.

The recreation rule, once finalized, will supplement ADAAG by adding a
new
chapter specific to recreation facilities.  This new section will cover
a
variety of recreation facilities, including amusement rides, boating
facilities, fishing piers and platforms, golf courses, miniature golf,
sports facilities, and swimming pools and spas.  The Board may approve
the
final rule at its next meeting in May.

  While both rules have been proceeding on separate tracks, the remaining
steps to publication are the same for each.  The Board will have to
approve
both final rules in complete form and prepare an accompanying discussion
that summarizes the comments received and the changes made from the
proposed
version.  In addition, the Board will update a "regulatory assessment"
(a
cost-benefit analysis) on the final rules which, along with the rule
itself,
will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for clearance.
Once cleared by OMB, the rule will be published in the Federal Register
and
posted on the Board's website.

Due to these remaining steps and variables involved, it is difficult to
reliably estimate when the final rules will be published. However,
publication will likely not occur for several months at the earliest.
It is
possible that the recreation guidelines could be published by late
summer
and the new ADA and ABA guidelines by this fall.

The design requirements of the ADA and ABA are developed in two steps.
They
are first prepared by the Board as a "guideline," which is not mandatory
on
the public.  Instead, the Board's guidelines serve as the baseline for
enforceable standards maintained by other agencies, such as the
Department
of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) under the
ADA.
Thus, the new guidelines to be issued by the Board will not be
enforceable
until they are incorporated into the standards.  The effective date of
the
updated standards will indicate when the new requirements are to be
followed.  Until that time,  ADAAG, as originally published, and the
Uniform
Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) remain largely in effect under
the
ADA and ABA.  The type of facility typically determines which law and
which
standards apply.

* Private sector places of public accommodation and commercial
facilities
covered by the ADA (title III) are subject to ADAAG as contained in DOJ
regulations.  This version of ADAAG has changed little since 1991 (there
were two limited revisions pertaining to ATMs and detectable warnings).

* State and Local Governments currently have the option of using the
original ADAAG (with some exceptions) or UFAS under DOJ regulations
issued
under the ADA (title II).  Federal funding can also trigger coverage of
the
ABA.

* Public Transportation Facilities are subject to DOT regulations issued
under the ADA which contain a version of ADAAG that includes a special
occupancy section on transportation facilities, such as bus stops and
stations, rail stations, and airports.  Like that contained in the DOJ
regulations, this version of ADAAG has changed only with respect to
requirements for ATMs and detectable warnings.

* Federal Facilities are subject to UFAS under the ABA, although some
Federal departments have elected to apply ADAAG as well. (Those wishing
to
confirm a particular agency's policy can consult the Board for the
appropriate agency contact.)

The Board has issued several supplements to ADAAG that are not yet part
of
the standards and thus not yet enforceable. These additions cover state
and
local government facilities, particularly prisons and courthouses,
children's environments, and play areas.  While not yet part of the
standards, these guidelines may provide an interim source of guidance in
addressing access to the kinds of facilities they cover.

Questions about the ADA's or ABA's design requirements or which standard
to
follow can be directed to the Board through its technical assistance
line at
(800) 872-2253 (v) or (800) 993-2822 (TTY) or by e-mail to
ta@access-board.gov.


Board Elects Holmes New Chair
The Board elected Pamela Holmes of Madison, Wisconsin, its new chair at
its
last meeting. Holmes is Director of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs for
Ultratec, Inc., a leading manufacturer and developer of TTYs and other
equipment that makes telecommunications accessible to people who are
deaf or
hard of hearing. President Clinton appointed Holmes to the Board in
1994.
She was reappointed to a second term in 1997.  During her Board tenure,
Holmes has played a lead role in the Board's development of
accessibility
requirements for telecommunications equipment and Federal electronic and
information technology.  She also has been instrumental in shaping the
Board's research agenda.

Holmes has worked on issues of access to communications, and special
education for over 25 years. Aside from her work at Ultratec for the
last 14
years in the area of consumer and government affairs, Holmes taught deaf
middle school and high school students and consulted with school
districts
with deaf and hard of hearing students for 11 years. She received her
master's degree in deaf education from the University of
Tennessee-Knoxville
and her bachelor's degree in English from Gallaudet University.

Besides her work on the Board, Holmes is active in a variety of national
organizations, such as  Telecom-munications for the Deaf, Inc. and the
National Association of the Deaf. She serves on several state
organizations
as well, including the Wisconsin Advanced Telecommunications  Foundation
Board, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission Universal Ser-vice Fund
Council, the  Wisconsin ADA Partnership Committee, and the Wisconsin
Association of the Deaf.

The Board is structured to function as a coordinating body among Federal
agencies and to directly represent the public, particularly people with
disabilities. About half of its governing 25-member Board is made up of
representatives from most of the Federal departments. The other half is
comprised of members of the public, like Holmes, appointed by the
President
to four-year terms. Every year the Board elects officers, including a
new
chair and vice-chair. These posts alternate between a public and a
Federal
member.  As chair, Holmes succeeds Thurman Davis, Sr. of the General
Services Administration, who was elected vice chair.

Board to Issue Resources on New Electronic and Information Technology
Standards
Last December, the Board published new standards for electronic and
information technology in the Federal sector under section 508 of the
Rehabilitation  Act.  The standards cover various means of disseminating
information, including computers, software, and electronic office
equipment.
Section 508 applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure,
maintain, or use such technology.

The Board recently issued a new brochure on section 508 and its
standards.
Additional guidance material will be released in coming months.  This
material, which is being developed under a contract with a private firm,
will include  fact sheets, answers to frequently asked questions,
training
modules,  multimedia presentations, narrated slide shows, practical
"how-to"
tips on making websites accessible to people with disabilities, and
comprehensive annotated lists of reference materials.  These resources
will
be available on the Board's website at www.access-board.gov.  The
completed
brochure is posted on this website or can be ordered by calling (800)
872-2253 (v) or (800) 993-2822 (TTY).

Board Hires New 508 Access Specialist
In March, David Baquis joined the Board as an accessibility specialist
whose
chief responsibility is providing technical assistance and training on
the
new section 508 standards as well as the Board's guidelines for
telecommunication products and services issued under section 255 of the
Telecommunications Act.  Baquis comes to the Board from Self Help for
Hard
of Hearing People (SHHH), a national consumer organization,  where he
served
as Director of the National Center on Assistive Technology for four
years.
Prior to that, he was Assistant Director of the Tele-Consumer Hotline
where
he managed the Disability Access program,  specializing in information
about
telecommunications.

Board Issues Guidance on Movie Captioning
The Board has issued a technical bulletin on closed captioning
technologies
for movie theaters to provide access for people who are deaf or hard of
hearing.  This bulletin describes several new systems that present movie
captions in a discreet manner that does not interfere with the typical
viewing experience.  Guidance is provided on how the different systems
work,
their design requirements, costs and availability.  Information is
included
on:

* "Rear Window" and "Bounce Back Mirror Image"  systems that reflect
captions from a reverse-text display at the back of the theater onto
adjustable reflective panels attached to seats that individually serve
users;

* a captioning system which projects captions below the movie screen in
a
manner which is noticeable only through the use of polarized glasses;

* personal captioning glasses equipped with a small monitor for
displaying
captions; and

* caption displays that are mounted on the backs of seats.

The Board is making this guidance, which is advisory only, available for
use
by the operators and designers of movie theaters and specialty film
theaters
who wish to explore captioning solutions.  Captioning presents a means
of
access for people with significant hearing loss who may not benefit from
other technologies, such as assistive listening devices.  These devices,
which are required by the Board's ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
in
certain assembly areas, work by amplifying the volume of an audio system
through a special receiver.  However, they are not sufficient for people
who
have a severe hearing loss or are deaf.  The bulletin is available on
the
Board's website at www.access-board.gov/news/captioning.htm or can be
ordered free by calling the Board at (800) 872-2253 (voice) or (800)
993-2822 (TTY).

Workshop to be Held on Human Factors
The Board is sponsoring an international workshop on human factors
research
to be held May 31 and June 1, 2001 in Buffalo, New York.  Organized by
the
Rehabilitation Engineering and Research Center (RERC) on Universal
Design at
SUNY, Buffalo, this workshop will bring together experts in
anthropometry,
data analysis, and disability research for the first time.  Its focus
will
be to generate innovative ideas and approaches for collecting,
analyzing,
and applying human factors data on persons with disabilities to better
inform the design of the built environment and communications.  A key
objective is to improve the knowledge base used in the development of
accessibility codes and standards.

Papers and panel discussion will cover issues such as the current state
of
knowledge, effective sampling strategies, structural measurement
methods,
functional anthropometry, data handling and analysis, human modeling in
computer aided design (CAD), and impacts on design.  A monograph
including
invited papers and summaries of discussions will be published after the
workshop.  For more information, contact A.J. Imiolo at
ajimiolo@ap.buffalo.edu or (716) 829-3485 (x 336).

Update on the Board's Research Agenda

The Board's research program is focused on the study of accessibility
relating to architecture and design, communication, and transportation.
Most
Board research projects are designed to develop information for its use
in
writing or updating these design criteria. The Board also funds the
development of technical assistance and training materials useful to its
audience, including designers, specifiers, and consumers. Such materials
offer guidance on accessible design, compliance with Board guidelines,
and
best practices.  Projects currently underway which are to be completed
later
this year include:

* Roundabout Design
The Board is providing additional support for research at the Department
of
Blind Rehabilitation at Western Michigan University to assess the
problems
for visually impaired pedestrians in current roundabout design. This
research will provide technical assistance materials on good practice
for
accessible roundabout designs.

* Toilet and Bathroom Access
Under a contract with the Board, the Atlanta Research and Education
Foundation is obtaining information on design for assisted use of toilet
and
bathing fixtures. This will assist the Board in identifying,
understanding,
and evaluating key issues and features.  (Current Board guidelines only
cover access for unassisted use of such fixtures).  The material to be
developed includes graphic solutions and related analysis and rationale
on
usability and effectiveness of various design approaches.

* Play Surfaces
This project will test coatings identified in previous USDA's Forest
Products Laboratory research findings for use on fibrous playground
surfacing materials to improve maintainability and usability. The focus
will
be on developing methods to improve the usability of engineered wood
fiber
surfaces that meet ASTM standards for fall attenuation (F-1292) and
accessibility (F-1951).

* Construction Tolerances
This project will bring together construction industry interests through
the
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) to develop recommendations
on
construction tolerances and measurement protocols for surface flatness,
slope, vibration, and rollability. A technical assistance bulletin will
be
produced. Completion is scheduled for Spring 2002.

The Board welcomes information on research initiatives related to
accessibility and accessible design. The Board maintains a strong
interest
in coordinating research with other entities and in exploring potential
partnerships. For more information, contact Lois Thibault, Coordinator
of
Research, at research@access-board.gov or visit the Board's website at
www.access-board.gov/research&training/research.htm.

Classroom Acoustic Standard Advances
Since 1999, the Board has collaborated with the Acoustical Society of
America (ASA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on
developing new standards for classroom acoustics that take into account
children who are hard of hearing.  This effort was inspired by a
petition
the Board received to develop guidelines in this area.  Instead, the
Board
sought to partner with an existing ASA/ANSI working group, which it
helped
fund, to develop appropriate standards.  At the Board's request, ASA
agreed
to commit to a 2-year standards development process and to broaden the
working group's membership to include representatives of school systems,
school designers, disability organizations, the Department of Education,
and
the Board.

In January, the working group completed a final draft of proposed
standards
which were submitted  to the ASA/ANSI Committee on Noise (S-12) for
review
and ratification.  It is anticipated that the review and approval
process
will be completed by May.  Once the standard has been ratified, the
Board
will pursue its enforceability. It is likely that the new standard will
be
submitted to the International Codes Council during its fall revision
cycle
for reference in the new International Building Code. This course of
action
is consistent with the Board's goal to take a leadership role in the
development of codes and standards for accessibility.

In addition, the Board is partnering with other groups on the
development of
a video on classroom acoustics that will be made available to the public
without charge.  The video is due to be completed this fall.

*        *         *         *         *         *

Access Currents is a free newsletter issued by the Access Board every
other
month by mail and e-mail.  Send questions or comments to
news@access-board.gov or call (202) 272-5434 ext. 127 (voice) or (202)
272-5449 (TTY).  Mailing address: 1331 F Street, N.W., Suite 1000;
Washington, D.C. 20004-1111.

To be removed from this mailing list, send a message to
news@access-board.gov with "unsubscribe" in the subject field.

Good Morning:

For your information!!

Sincerely,

Chris McMillan
chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
chrismmcmillan@home.com
203 934 5432 Ext 3 Telephone
708 585 6130  Fax

-----Original Message-----
From: MauriceS@pulsedata.com [mailto:MauriceS@pulsedata.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2001 2:11 AM
To: BrailleNote discussion list
Subject: [braillenote] Press Release From Pulse Data

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

   May 7, 2001  Christchurch, New Zealand, and
                  Rotterdam, The Netherlands


    Pulse Data International Intends to Acquire Humanware from Tieman Group


____________________________________________________________________________
________



   Pulse  Data  International Ltd, the New Zealand based maker of technology
   for   the  visually  impaired, announced today its intention to acquire
100% of
   the shares of Humanware Inc. from Humanware's Dutch parent company, Tieman
   Group.  With  the provision that the intended deal is confirmed following
   due diligence, the acquisition will occur on 18 May 2001.

   HumanWare  Inc.,  which  is  based  in Loomis, CA, is the national master
   distributor  for  leading  Braille and speech products for the blind from
   Pulse  Data, Tieman, Kurzweil Education Systems and Quantum Technologies.

   It is highly respected as a full service provider of technology for the
   visually  impaired,  to education, rehabilitation, employers and visually
   impaired individuals.

   For further information, contact:

   Russell  Smith  of  Pulse  Data  on  Phone:  +64  3  384  4555  or email:
   russells@pulsedata.com

   Paul  van  Wingaarden  of Tieman Group on Phone: +31 10 2313510 or email:
   paul.vanw@planet.nl



Maurice Sloane
Pulse Data International Ltd
Direct Dial:  +64 3 353 2866
email:  maurices@pulsedata.com
Website: www.pulsedata.com


---------------------
You are currently subscribed to braillenote as: chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
To unsubscribe, Send a blank message to:
leave-braillenote-399903K@lyris.pulsedata.co.nz

Good Morning:

For Your information!!

Sincerely,

Chris McMillan
chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
chrismmcmillan@home.com
203 934 5432 Ext 3 Telephone
708 585 6130  Fax

-----Original Message-----
From: VICUG-L: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:VICUG-L@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU]On Behalf Of Justin Philips
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2001 10:51 AM
To: VICUG-L@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Elan Informatique" launches PocketSpeech the new text-to-speech
product for Pocket PC(TM)

I wonder if someone has or might give this a try!!!!!!


"Elan Informatique" launches PocketSpeech the new text-to-speech product for
Pocket PC(TM) http://www.elan.fr/
"Elan informatique", a supplier of Text-To-Speech (TTS) software, announced
PocketSpeech, the new text-to-speech product for Pocket PC(TM). PocketSpeech
will read any text out loud, smoothly recognizing abbreviations, numbers,
currencies and proper names. PocketSpeech speaks 6 languages with 12
different voices. Keeping track of the news, traffic reports, weather
forecasts, plane or concert reservations, stock market updates or e-mails:
users can hear everything they want to know without interrupting other
activities.


Justin


VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
To join or leave the list, send a message to
listserv@maelstrom.stjohns.edu.  In the body of the message, simply type
"subscribe vicug-l" or "unsubscribe vicug-l" without the quotations.
  VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/vicug-l.html

For Your Information!!

Sincerely,

Chris McMillan
chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
chrismmcmillan@home.com
203 934 5432 Ext 3 Telephone
708 585 6130  Fax

-----Original Message-----
From: ZDNet Help & How-To Alert! [mailto:helpalert@zdemail.zdlists.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2001 4:27 PM
To: chrismcmillan@EARTHLINK.NET
Subject: Help Alert: Homepage worm strikes Outlook

May 9, 2001:  Homepage worm strikes Outlook with pornography
It's all too easy to create a fast spreading virus these days.
Remember Anna?  That worm was created with a worm generator kit
with very little skill or effort.  Now there's Homepage, another
kit-generated worm, that can clog up your e-mail system without
really damaging your system.  Homepage, at least for now, is
outpacing Anna in terms of spread.  Why?  Peer pressure, at its
lowest level.  Instead of promising a picture of a beautiful
tennis star, Homepage leads users into believing they'll miss out
on something if they *don't* click on the attachment.

Don't fall victim to this e-mail worm.  Be smart. With a little
know-how, you can stop Homepage before it wreaks e-mail havoc on
the rest of the computing world.

Robert Vamosi
Virus and Security expert
ZDNet, Help & How-To

HOMEPAGE WORM ATTACKS OUTLOOK USERS WITH PORN
Created with a hacker kit, this worm spews pornography through
Outlook, clogs e-mail servers, and threatens to take over the
world. Find out how to prevent this worm from taking over your
PC.
http://cgi.zdnet.com/slink?98801:13858544

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WORM GENERATOR KIT SPARKS THREAT OF EPIDEMICS
This worm generator promises to take the world by storm, and
damage computers along the way.
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ESSENTIAL ANTIVIRUS UPDATES
Download the latest and greatest antivirus signature files from
the major antivirus vendors.
http://cgi.zdnet.com/slink?98803:13858544

Good Evening:

For your information!!

Sincerely,
 
Chris McMillan


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-disAbility-L@inet.ed.gov
[mailto:owner-disAbility-L@inet.ed.gov] On Behalf Of Griffin Clarence
(Dick)
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2001 3:23 PM
To: DisAbility. gov (E-mail); disability-l (E-mail)
Subject: "Hot Topics" added to WWW.disABILITY.GOV today

Announcement: "Hot Topics" added to WWW.disABILITY.GOV today



WHAT'S NEW?

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel of the Social
Security
Administration is proud to announce the launch of its new Web Site on
Tuesday, May 8, 2001.  Log on to <http://www.ssa.gov/work/panel> PANEL
to
learn about the Panel and its role
in the implementation of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives
Improvement
Act of 1999.  Meet the members, find out about the Panel's activities
and
upcoming events.

We are also proud to announce that our staff has moved into new offices
located at 400 Virginia Avenue, SW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20024.
Our
phone number is (202) 358-6430 and our fax is (202) 358-6440.  If you
would
like to have your name added to our electronic mailing list for periodic
updates and announcements, please contact our webmaster at
TWWIIAPanel@ssa.gov <mailto:TWWIIAPanel@ssa.gov> .


This is a publication of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory
Panel. It is being shared with you in an effort to keep you informed
about
various aspects of the implementation of the Ticket to Work and Work
Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.  If you would like to be added or
removed from the Panel's Listserv, please contact our Communications
Coordinator at TWWIIAPanel@ssa.gov.

*********************************
Other new 'Hot topics' at DisAbility.gov include:

A Guide for People With Disabilities Seeking Employment

Employment and Disability Employment Policy Institute to be held on
Thursday
and Friday, October 18-19

Tools and techniques that support rapid, remote, and automated testing
and
evaluation of website usability

Lionbridge Announces First Industry-Wide Program For Technology
Accessibility Certification

Cathy_Maloney@lionbridge.com

  05/10/01
  PR Newswire

   -----------------------------------------------------------------

  Abstract

  Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LIOX), a provider of
  solutions for worldwide deployment of technology and content,
  today announced the first industry-wide program for accessibility
      testing of technology products. • The program will launch on June
  21, 2001 to coincide with the effective date for the Americans
  with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 508, which requires that
  technology purchased by the government be accessible to people
  with disabilities. • For more information about Data Dimensions,
  or for a free Web site stress test, visit the company's Web site  at

http://www.data-dimensions.com/

Full Text
Program Coincides with Government Implementation of Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 508

WALTHAM, Mass., May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Lionbridge Technologies, Inc.
(Nasdaq: LIOX), a provider of solutions for worldwide deployment of
technology and content, today announced the first industry-wide program for
accessibility testing of technology products. The program will launch on
June 21, 2001 to coincide with the effective date for the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 508, which requires that technology purchased
by the government be accessible to people with disabilities.

The ADA Section 508 certification testing will be conducted by Lionbridge's
VeriTest labs, based on accessibility testing solutions developed by Data
Dimensions, Inc., a Seattle-based testing business. Lionbridge has
previously announced its agreement to acquire Data Dimensions in a
transaction expected to close during the second quarter of 2001.

All certified technology will obtain the "Verified by VeriTest" logo.
VeriTest will offer certification logos for accessible software and hardware
meeting ADA Section 508, as well as for accessible websites and products
that support Accessible Technology (AT). VeriTest will maintain an online
database of compliant products.

"As the world leader in operating software certification programs, VeriTest
is highly qualified to lead in this crucial area of IT product development,"
said Rory Cowan, chairman and CEO of Lionbridge. "Neither the government nor
any other purchaser of software and hardware should have to guess whether
technology is accessible for people with sight or hearing disabilities, or
people who have difficulty working with a mouse. We are embracing ADA 508
and endorsing several other recognized standards for websites, and
accessible technology interfaces."

The U.S. government created the ADA Section 508 standard in order to
guarantee access to information technology across government agencies as new
products are purchased. The regulation focuses primarily on providing
accessible technology for government agency employees with disabilities.
Section 508 covers such areas as access to computer functions for those who
cannot manipulate a mouse, and support for such technologies as an
eye-tracking mouse, high-contrast displays and screen magnifiers.

"Accessibility for people with disabilities is a long-standing issue in
information technology," said Jim Bampos, Lionbridge senior vice president
of worldwide testing. "Section 508 of the ADA has two consequences of
significance to the IT industry. First, it sends a message that the 20%, or
roughly 50 million Americans with disabilities must not be alienated due to
inaccessible technology products. Second, it underscores the government's
commitment to ensure accessibility for all employees of government
agencies."

VeriTest Services from LionbridgeVeriTest is the premium provider of testing
services that enable technology companies to release proven enterprise-scale
applications. With Datacenter-equipped labs in North America and Europe,
VeriTest delivers test consulting, test plan development and test execution
services. The VeriTest labs are the sole authorized facilities for some of
the industry's leading logo-validation programs, including "Certified for
Microsoft Windows 2000," "Ready for Microsoft Pocket PC," "AT&T Wireless
Certified Solutions," "BMC Software Certified," and others. VeriTest is also
authorized to perform Palm OS certification of hardware devices, as well as
Novell Yes! and IBM ServerProven tests. To learn more, visit
http://www.veritest.com/

About Lionbridge

Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. provides solutions for worldwide deployment of
technology and content to the information technology, telecommunications,
life sciences and financial services industries. Lionbridge's integrated
globalization technologies and services enable global businesses to create
and maintain their products and dynamic databases in multiple languages and
cultural formats. Based in Waltham, Mass., Lionbridge maintains facilities
in Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Germany, China, South Korea,
Japan, Taiwan, Brazil and the United States. To learn more, visit
http://www.lionbridge.com/

About Data Dimensions

Data Dimensions, Inc. is an international information technology services
company that delivers quality assurance and testing, as well as application
development and maintenance services to organizations ranging from emerging
companies to the Fortune 100. For more information about Data Dimensions, or
for a free Web site stress test, visit the company's Web site at
http://www.data-dimensions.com/

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties, including statements regarding the timing and effect of
the proposed Data Dimensions acquisition. Lionbridge's actual experience may
differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Factors that might cause such a difference include difficulties Lionbridge
may encounter in the integration of operations of Data Dimensions; market
acceptance of new service offerings; and Lionbridge's ability to attract and
retain key personnel. For a more detailed description of the risk factors
associated with Lionbridge, please refer to Lionbridge's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
April 9, 2001, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2001.

Contacts: Cathy Maloney Ian Race

Lionbridge Technologies Marenghi Public Relations

(781) 434-6010 (781) 915-5022

Cathy_Maloney@lionbridge.com

irace@marenghi.com

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here

http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X82644327

Source: Lionbridge Technologies, Inc.
Contact: Cathy Maloney of Lionbridge
Technologies, 781-434-6010,
Cathy_Maloney@lionbridge.com
or Ian Race of Marenghi Public Relations,
781-915-5022, irace@marenghi.com

Sincerely,

Chris McMillan

Good Afternoon:

Here is some information I wanted to share that David had posted on Blind
Job List Serve.

Sincerely,

Chris McMillan
chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
chrismmcmillan@home.com
203 934 5432 Ext 3 Telephone
708 585 6130  Fax

-----Original Message-----
From: blindjob - Employment Issues Concerning Blind People
[mailto:BLINDJOB@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU]On Behalf Of David Poehlman
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2001 12:32 PM
To: BLINDJOB@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Fw: Web Accessibility Tutorials in June

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wendy A Chisholm" <wendy@w3.org>
To: <w3c-wai-ig@w3.org>; <w3c-wai-gl@w3.org>
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2001 12:22 PM
Subject: Web Accessibility Tutorials in June


Wendy Chisholm, Web Accessibility Engineer at W3C, and Shawn Lawton Henry of
Optavia will give tutorials at the 7th Annual Human Factors and the Web
Conference being held in Madison, Wisconsin, USA on 4-6 June.

Web Accessibility Workshop: More People. More Situations. More Business. [1]
runs on 5 June, and Advanced Topics in Web Accessibility
[2] runs on 6 June.

Registration is open. [3]

[1] http://www.optavia.com/hfweb/tutorials/tutorial_02.htm
[2] http://www.optavia.com/hfweb/tutorials/tutorial_07.htm
[3] http://www.optavia.com/hfweb/registration.htm
--
wendy a chisholm
world wide web consortium
web accessibility initiative
seattle, wa usa
tel: +1 206.706.5263
/--


Should you ever wish to leave the BLINDJOB mailing list
in the future, you may do so by sending an e-mail message to
listserv@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU. Leave the subject line blank, and in the
body of your message put the line

unsubscribe BLINDJOB

Guys and Gals, especially those in Alanta, I was in the midst of throwing
out last Sunday's paper when I read "Taylor remains on a respirator and
can't speak " but she's able to point to a sign board to communicate with
the family""

I know its short term need as she is expected to recover in a few weeks,
but hasn't anyone gotten a simple speech output device to her in the
meantime?

just curious


mark




Mark I. Bresler MBME, PE, President
Trudy Posner, MS, OTR/L, Director of Product Services
Southwest Assistive Technology Inc.
PO Box 639
West Haverstraw, NY 10993
(888) 388-SWAT                  ***PLEASE NOTE NEW TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBER*****
(845) 947-0377 voice 		 AND NEW ADDRESS!!!
email: sales@swattech.com
website: http://www.swattech.com

Good Evening:

Please review the information below!!

Thanks!!

Sincerely,

Christopher McMillan

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-disAbility-L@inet.ed.gov
[mailto:owner-disAbility-L@inet.ed.gov]On Behalf Of Griffin Clarence (Dick)
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2001 3:55 PM
To: DisAbility. gov (E-mail); disability-l (E-mail)
Subject: NEWS ADVISORY


NEWS ADVISORY


NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY TO CONDUCT NEWS CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE
OF ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY

WASHINGTON--The National Council on Disability (NCD) will conduct a news
conference to highlight the release of its report on the future of
accessible technology on June 21, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. in the First
Amendment Room, National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington,
DC.

The report examines the status of those federal entities responsible for
implementing laws (the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 255 of
the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973) that protect the rights of people with
disabilities that relate to accessible electronic and information
technology, specifically the Internet, the World Wide Web, and select
information/transaction machines. Included in this report are public
policy interventions that NCD recommends as part of an overall strategy
to make the electronic bridge to the 21st century available to all
Americans.

A June 21 release is significant because Section 508 regulations go into
effect on that date.

For more information, contact Mark S. Quigley at 202-272-2004,
mquigley@ncd.gov.

# # #

Note: NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the
President and Congress on disability issues. In 1986, NCD first proposed
and then drafted the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). NCD is
currently coordinating a multi-year study on the implementation and
enforcement of ADA and other civil rights laws.


NCD #01-326
May 18, 2001
Contact: Mark S. Quigley
202-272-2004
mquigley@ncd.gov

Good Morning:

Microsoft, AOL ink Windows XP pact

By Peter Galli, eWEEK
May 25, 2001 7:36 AM ET
America Online Inc. and Microsoft Corp. have reached a tentative agreement
under which the AOL 6.0 client will be bundled into Windows XP, sources
close to both companies said late Thursday.
The agreement was due to be reviewed and signed by both parties this week,
the sources said. Both AOL spokesman Jim Whitney and Microsoft spokesman Jim
Cullinan declined to comment.
The sources said the agreement stipulated that AOL was currently required to
deliver AOL 6.0 for Windows XP, known as the Steppenwolf client, by
mid-July. As such, it was sending a team of developers and other staff to
the Redmond campus for several weeks to work on integration issues around
the bundling, followed by another visit to test application compatibility.
This was necessary to ensure that Steppenwolf met Microsoft's internal
deadlines and did not delay the official global launch of Windows XP on
October 25.
The five-year contract between the two companies that guaranteed AOL
prominent placing on Microsoft's Windows operating system in exchange for
exclusive support for Internet Explorer on AOL's online service expired in
January.
AOL was widely expected not to renew the deal, particularly given its
acquisition of a competing browser through its purchase of Netscape
Communications in 1999. Microsoft and AOL have also repeatedly clashed in
their rivalry over instant messaging.
News of the latest agreement first surfaced on the BetaNews.com Web site.
One of the issues currently facing AOL is the fact that the English language
bundling of its client on XP requires about 84 MB, with another 42 MB if the
Compuserve online service is added. Microsoft has apparently informed AOL
that there is only 70 MB left on the XP CD.
As such, AOL is considering an improved single installer that would detect
and install the required country resources at install time, allowing a
single installer for multiple countries. It is also looking at what could be
removed from the bundled client to reduce its size.
AOL is also working on getting Steppenwolf compliant with the XP Logo
specifications, a source said, adding that six issues were currently being
addressed, including the client installation directory and the shared
components installation directory.
But Steppenwolf will apparently not include Komodo, AOL's new software
currently in alpha testing and which is designed to allow the embedding of
third-party Windows-based browsers into the AOL consumer browser, the
sources said.
AOL and Microsoft are also discussing the possible integration of the
Windows Media Player, but any agreement will have to comply with AOL's
current exclusivity agreement with RealNetworks around its RealPlayer, which
ends in mid-July,
While AOL has not ruled out making the Windows Media Player its exclusive
player, it is concerned about supporting it on other platforms and in older
versions of Windows that have not shipped with a compatible player, the
sources said.

Thanks!!

Sincerely,

Christopher McMillan
chrismcmillan@earthlink.net
chrismmcmillan@home.com
203 934 5432 Telephone
708 585 6130 Fax