The Computer Center for Visually Impaired People (CCVIP) and The School of Public Affairs at Baruch College recently hosted its 6th annual conference focused on employment policy and practice. This year’s theme, “Living and Working in a Connected Community – Accessible Technology for All” highlighted ways in which those with vision impairment can best advance their careers and other life goals through assistive technology and community action.The conference featured ten interactive workshops, including “21 Apps We Can’t Live Without,” delivered by keynote speaker Dr. Judith M. Dixon, Consumer Relations and Braille Development Officer for the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Other workshops included techniques for working with cable companies to make video programs accessible to the vision loss community; the present and future state of Braille, covering the impact of technology and the role of Braille in education; a boot camp with tips on getting ready for employment; the ins and outs of starting a business; and addressing workplace laws covering accessibility.
In addition, there was a “Breaking Barriers” awards ceremony featuring Kees Kruythoff, CEO of Unilever U.S. Kruythoff spoke about why a diverse workforce matters, and how it helps business. “I have seen and really experienced so much diversity globally – I’ve had the true privilege of meeting people from so many cultures and I’ve witnessed the powerful impact diversity has had on our business over the last two decades.” Kruythoff says he views Unilever’s “philosophy and strategies about managing diversity and inclusion in the workplace…[as] a truly natural extension of our business plan.”
Demonstrations highlighted small Braille displays that sync up with tablet computers and smart phones. #
Pictured above: Kees Kruythoff, CEO of Unilever U.S.
This article appeared in the May/June 2013 issue of Education Update. Read the full issue here.
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