Author: Maria Cruz

  • Le conditionnement physique à l’université

    Pour certains, le concept de faire de l’exercice physique durant ses études universitaires est presque aussi plausible que le monstre du Loch Ness, et avec raison. Vous passez la majorité de la journée assis dans une chaise ou à prendre une sieste dans la librairie, pace que celui qui dit qu’il préfère s’entraîner sur un tapis roulant plus que faire la sieste ment. Par contre, il y a ces moments où vous allez être en retard pour votre cours et vous vous transformez en Usain Bolt afin d’y arriver à temps. Mais, à part ça, il n’y a pas grand mouvement qui se passe.

    Cependant, il n’est pas impossible d’être actif. Entre les devoirs et étudier, il y a assez de temps pour intégrer de l’activité physique ici et là, en plus de manger plus santé.

    Au courant de vos années à l’université, les applications feront partie de vos amis proches. Certaines applications comme MyFitnessPal et N+TC Nike Training App sont des bons endroits où commencer. MyFitnessPal prend vos mesures et vos objectifs, et analyse votre consommation alimentaire quotidienne pour vous. Vous tapez ce que vous mangez dans leur moteur de recherche – et trouver ce que vous recherchez ne sera pas difficile parce qu’il y a des millions d’options – et l’application vous donne une analyse des calories, du sodium, des matières grasses et des autres nutriments. C’est un bon coup de pied dans le derrière afin de garder vos habitudes alimentaires sur la bonne voie en ayant votre niveau de consommation quotidien devant les yeux.

    De plus, si vous arrivez à brûler de l’eau (comme moi), cette application publie constamment de nouvelles recettes rapides, quelque chose que vous pouvez utiliser à votre avantage. Soyons honnêtes, personne ne veut manger du Pizza Pizza ou des biscuits de chez Starbucks sans cesse.

    Nike, de l’autre côté, va véritablement vous faire suer. Même si c’est juste pour 15 minutes, cette application vous permet de suivre des séances d’entraînement de certains athlètes internationaux et de célébrités tels qu’Alex Hipwell, Kirsty Godso, Marie Purvis, et Christen Press. Il est difficile de ne pas trouver du temps pour ces genres de choses lorsque certaines de ces séances d’entrainement durent littéralement six minutes.

    De plus, cette application offre d’autres foncions géniales, incluant une variété d’entraînements physiques basés sur le type d’athlète avec lequel vous vous identifiez. Elle vous montre comment correctement faire les différents exercices à l’aide de vidéo exemplaires, vous offrant la chance de vous fixer un programme d’entraînement et d’y adhérer afin de maximiser vos résultats. Elle vous indique également le montant de calories que vous brûlerez, et vous donne du NikeFuel et des trophées le plus que vous vous entraînez.

    Studentrecipes.com est un autre outil formidable. Ce blog fournit des recettes conçues pour ceux d’entre nous qui sont encore à l’école, et inclut une cotation à côté de chaque recette, alors vous pouvez sélectionner celles qui vous intéresses le plus. Il y a aussi divers catégories organisées par ingrédient, ce qui vous permet de naviguer à travers ceux avec lesquels vous aimeriez cuisine.

    Une des choses les plus importantes que je tiens à vous dire est de ne pas se rabaisser soi-même. Ne commencez pas à vous faire sentir mal en vous interdisant les choses que vous aimez. Vous faites ceci pour être en bonne santé et vous sentir bien, pas pour se faire sentir moche tout au long du processus. Manger un morceau de gâteau ne va pas vous tuer, ni une séance d’exercice de 15 minutes avec de bons athlètes – mettez-vous à bouger!

  • La discrimination sur les campus

    Comme partout ailleurs, il y a de la discrimination qui prend place sur les campus, autant que nous voudrions espérer qu’il n’y en a pas. Selon la Commission ontarienne des droits de la personne, la discrimination est le fait « de ne pas juger une personne sur ses mérites et ses capacités propres, dans les circonstances qui sont les siennes; de plutôt appliquer des suppositions stéréotypées, reposant sur des attributs prêtés à la personne; d’avoir pour effet d’exclure une personne, de lui refuser certains avantages ou de lui imposer certaines exigences. » La discrimination peut être fondée sur la race, la classe sociale, le sexe, l’identité et/ou l’orientation sexuelle, le statut social ou les capacités.

    Votre campus a fort probablement un syndicat étudiant qui offre un éventail de services qui répondent aux besoins des personnes qui subissent de la discrimination, ces services peuvent également être un bon point de départ afin d’apprendre davantage sur les personnes qui font l’objet de la discrimination. Nous avons tous vécu une certaine forme de discrimination au courant de notre vie – que ce soit basée sur notre sexe, race, classe sociale ou orientation sexuelle. Les services offerts par votre école vous aideront aussi à mieux comprendre pourquoi il y a des gens qui discriminent contre les autres. Ceux qui intimident et font preuve de discrimination ont souvent plusieurs problèmes sous-jacents et beaucoup de stress dans leur vie qui les poussent à agir comme ils le font.

    Si vous sentez que vous faites l’objet de la discrimination, que ce soit en classe ou durant vos temps libres, assurez-vous d’en parler à vos amis, à votre famille et aux personnes qui pourront vous aider, par exemple consultez vos services aux étudiants ou un conseiller ou conseillère. Le collège et l’université est un temps pour apprendre et se développer sur le plan personnel et professionnel, et la discrimination n’a aucune place sur les campus, jamais.

  • La question « Dans 5 ans …

    « Où pensez-vous que vous seriez dans cinq ans?» Nous avons tous entendu différentes versions de cette question, de différentes personnes; de nos amis à nos professeurs, de conseillers en orientation et dans les articles de revues. Mais ce que vous ne savez peut-être pas est que cette question est en effet un excellent point de départ pour planifier et gérer votre temps – plus particulièrement en ce qui concerne votre carrière. Ces pensées et questions peuvent être utiles et productives lorsque vous planifiez pour votre éducation postsecondaire. La question “Dans 5 ans…” vous fait réfléchir au sujet de ce que vous voulez faire de votre vie; comment y arriver, et les objectifs que vous pourriez avoir à fixer afin de s’approcher (pensez petits pas) de votre but ultime.

    Comment y arriver …

    À l’école secondaire, par exemple, vous pensez de façon générale: dans quel domaine vous aimeriez travailler (et d’autres domaines connexes parce que vous changerez d’idée), et quel niveau de scolarité vous aurez besoin afin d’y arriver. Si c’est une carrière dans la science, vous allez prendre des cours de sciences: mais ceci peut être divisé en chimie, physique ou biologie. Si c’est de travailler avec les ordinateurs, vous voudrez peut-être savoir quels types de cours en informatique (la programmation informatique par rapport à la conception graphique) vous aurez besoin, ce qui peut aussi signifier des cours en mathématiques. Si c’est l’histoire et l’anglais qui vous intéressent, vous allez vous concentrer sur les sciences humaines. Est-ce que vous avez les notes scolaires nécessaires afin d’obtenir la carrière que vous désirez? Comment pouvez-vous gérer votre temps afin d’obtenir les notes que vous avez besoin? Comment savez-vous vraiment ce que vous voulez faire de votre vie? Il y a tellement de questions à se poser. Dans un tel cas– chercher de l’aide plus tôt vous aidera à prendre la bonne décision pour vous dans le long terme.

    Si vous êtes au collège ou à l’université (ou si vous avez été accepté à l’un ou l’autre), vous avez déjà passé la première ou deuxième étape vers décider ce que vous voulez faire de votre vie, mais si vous n’êtes pas encore rendu à l’université ou au collège, ne vous inquiétez pas. Les gens changent leur parcours professionnel tout le temps. Je peux nommer dix de mes amis qui ont ajouté à, soustrait de ou ont complètement changé leur parcours professionnel. Dans mon propre cas, après ma première année d’études, je suis passé d’un programme de trois ans en histoire à un baccalauréat spécialisé de quatre ans en histoire et en humanités classiques; cette une année que je ne regrette pas, même après avoir rédigé une thèse de cinquante pages. C’est ici que votre planification pour les prochains 15 ans vous sera utile. Demandez-vous: Est-ce que cette école est la bonne école pour moi pour ce que je veux atteindre? Est-ce que programme/cette spécialisation est reliée à la profession que je veux pratiquer une fois que j’obtiendrai mon diplôme? Est-ce que ce programme/cette spécialisation est en demande?

    Répondre à la question de 5 ans, peu importe où vous en êtes rendu dans votre vie, cette question est difficile. Si vous êtes à l’école secondaire, cette question peut paraître étrange et votre réponse incertaine; ceci est normal. Toutefois, ne pas y penser risque de causer des dommages à votre avenir, en vous empêchant de profiter des occasions qui se présentent. La planification et la gestion du temps vous aideront à établir tout ce que avez besoin, et à diviser pour régner. Lorsque vous êtes au collège ou à l’université et la même question survient, vous pourrez peut-être avoir plus peur de la répondre qu’autre chose. Le collège et l’université est un endroit où vous pouvez changer d’idée, et, au bout de la ligne, changez vous-même si l’envie vous prends. Il n’est jamais trop tard pour expérimenter et essayer différentes options (mais soyez conscient de vos finances!). Dans l’ensemble, en toute vérité cette question de 5 ans peut être assez arbitraire – vous ne savez jamais ce qui va se passer dans l’avenir, mais vous pourrez toujours vous avancer vers ce que vous ressentez est la meilleure chose pour vous. Si vous essayez quelque chose pour 5 ans et que cela ne fonctionne pas, remettez-vous et essayez à nouveau en vous posant la même question: Où serai-je d’ici 5 ans?

  • Employment Spotlight: ARC Industries Inc.

    Employment Spotlight: ARC Industries Inc.

    What is ARC Industries?

    ARC Industries is a company that provides employment to adults 18 and over with developmental and physical disabilities. It is an exciting and social work environment that can lead to accomplishing your greatest working potential. You can earn money, make friends and be your complete independent self. For many years, ARC Industries has partnered with Community Living Centers across Ontario, and continues to be a great work option for adults over 18. You may find yourself leaving school and wanting a job; ARC Industries is here for you!

    What kind of work does ARC Industries provide?

    • Wrapping and packaging shower rods for the construction industry
    • Compilation of electrical component kits
    • Collating and packaging
    • Corian tile sales kits
    • Packaging water bailer safety kits
    • Mailings and collations
    • Binder collations
    • Labeling bottles and other containers
    • Custom light industrial, tailor made to the customer’s requirements repackaging and wrapping
    • packaging services
    • labeling services
    • laminating services

    While working for ARC, you will gain confidence and skills that you didn’t have before. You would be providing your local businesses with items and work that will help them function and grow- that is something to be proud of!

    Facilities:

    Most ARC workshops in Ontario are of industrial size, leaving lots of space for creating and putting together products. They are sheltered, safe facilities that are built with your comfort in mind. There are instructors to help you with your work every step of the way!

    Locations:

    There are several ARC work locations in Ontario. Contact your local Community Living Center for more details, or read the information below and give them a call!

     


     

    Burlington

    3057 Mainway, Burlington, ON L7M 1A1

    905-335-6711

    http://www.clburlington.ca/

     


     

    Guelph

    8 Royal Rd, Guelph, ON N1H 1G3

    519-824-7147

    http://www.clgw.ca/

     


     

    Haileybury

    513 Amwell St, Haileybury, ON P0J 1K0

    705-672-5619

    http://www.clts.ca/

     


     

    Tillsonburg

    126 Concession St E, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 1P7

    519-842-8406

    http://www.communitylivingtillsonburg.ca/site/

     


     

    Ajax

    177 Dowty Rd, Ajax, ON L1S 2G3

    905-683-6732

    http://arcind.com/

     


     

    Scarborough     

    64 Crockford Blvd, Scarborough, ON M1R 3C3

    416-759-1764

    http://cltoronto.ca/

     


     

    Hamilton

    Community Living Hamilton – 191 York Blvd

    905-528-0281; 905-528-5156

    http://www.hnhbhealthline.ca/displayservice.aspx?id=80628

  • Scholarships for September 2015: Apply Now!

    Scholarships for September 2015: Apply Now!

    Beggs-Dowling-Mathieu (BDM) Union Scholarships for Post-Secondary Study in Canada, 2015

    United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) is offering 18 post -secondary scholarships of $1,000 each to pursue full time studies at a Canadian university, college. To qualify for the BDM Union Scholarship program applicants must be a UFCW Canada member in good standing or a dependant/spouse of a UFCW Canada member in good standing.

    Application deadline is September 30, 2015.

     See website for application and details:

    http://www.ufcw.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1267&Itemid=138&lang=en

     Via http://scholarship-positions.com

     


     

    Aboriginal Clean Energy Scholarship

     Scholarship Value: $3,000

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: September 15th, 2015

    BluEarth awards $3,000 Aboriginal Clean Energy Scholarships (ACES) annually to aboriginal students pursuing post-secondary education, including trade certification, diploma, degree programs, etc. Successful candidates will have an opportunity for a paid internship at the conclusion of their academic year and an opportunity to be partnered with a BluEarth team member who will act as a learning partner throughout their academic year.

    For application and details follow this link:

    http://www.bluearthrenewables.com/community-investment/aboriginal-clean-energy-scholarship/

     


     

    ILWU Canada Scholarships

    Scholarship Value: $1,200

    Awards Available: 9

    Award Deadline: September 30, 2015

    The following ILWU Canada scholarships are administered though the ILWU Canada office. They are offered to active members, dependents, sons and daughters of active members in good standing with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. VOCATIONAL/CAREER TECHNICAL – Seven (7) scholarships of $1,200.00 each. DON GARCIA VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP – A $1,200.00 scholarship in honour of our late President Don Garcia. ROY SMITH VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP – A $1,200.00 scholarship in honour of our late founding First Vice President Roy Smith.

    Application and details: http://ilwu.ca/ilwu-canada-scholarships-2/

     


     

    J.D. “PAT” Patterson Memorial

    Scholarship Value: $1,500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: September 30, 2015

    CIM National, its branches, as well as the CIM Foundation (CIMF), offer numerous annual scholarships, bursaries and financial awards. Scholarships are awarded to deserving students pursuing a career in particular facets of/or related to the mining industry. These scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of corporate donors wishing to foster excellence in mining.

    Click on link for application and more details: http://www.cim.org/en/Students/Scholarships.aspx

     


     

    Nursing Scholarships

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 10

    Award Deadline: September 30, 2015

    Nursing Scholarships offers a variety of scholarships for students between the ages of 16 and 35. The scholarship website is dedicated only to students wishing to enter the field of Nursing.

    Follow link for more details: http://www.nursingscholarships.ca/

     


     

    Women’s Ministries Scholarship Program

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 60

    Award Deadline: September 30, 2015

    The General Conference Women’s Ministries Scholarship Program is established to give scholarships to women who are committed to serving the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who would otherwise be unable to afford a Christian education. Scholarship awards are based on academic achievement, financial need, and community outreach.

    Follow link for more details: http://www.nadwm.org/article/267/resources/scholarships

     


     

    Employment Equity Bursary

    Scholarship Value: $1,500

    Awards Available: 11

    Award Deadline: October 1, 2015

    Eligibility:

    1. A) Member of designated diversity group;
    2. B) Entering 1st year of a 4-year degree program at University of Manitoba, Winnipeg or Brandon in the following:

    Engineering, Computer Science, Business.

    OR

    1. A) Entering 1st year of studies at Red River College, Assiniboine Community College or University College of the North in a 2–2.5 year Diploma Program studying:

    Computer Analyst/Programming, Information Systems Technology, Business Information Technology, or Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Communications or Power Engineering Technologies.

    Selection criteria will include academic performance, financial need, and community involvement.

    Follow link for more details: http://www.hydro.mb.ca/careers/student_opportunities/awards/employment_equity_bursary.shtml

     


     

    Al Larson Memorial Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $2,500

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: October 15, 2015

    Children or grandchildren of an Alberta REALTOR® are eligible to apply for AREA’s Al Larson Memorial Scholarships, two scholarships of $2,500 awarded annually to one student entering or enrolled in a university program and one student entering or enrolled in a college or technical school program.

    Follow link for more details: http://www.areahub.ca/about-area/AREA-Scholarships.aspx

     


     

    UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships Program

    Value: ($1,000)

    Deadline: September 30, 2015

    Each year UFCW Canada offers 18 annual UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships of $1,000 each to active members and their family members for post-secondary study to honour three past leaders of our union: William Beggs, Fred Dowling, and Roméo Mathieu.

    If you are a UFCW Canada member in good standing, and the student is attending full-time studies at a Canadian university, college, or other recognized post-secondary institution then you, your spouse and children are eligible to apply for the union scholarship.

    More info at: http://www.ufcw.ca/BDMScholarships

    Via http://scholarship-grants.org

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • New School Year, New Beginnings…

    New School Year, New Beginnings…

    Welcome Back!

    This month, you will be back at school- refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on everything and anything that comes your way. Starting a new school year can be scary sometimes, but it can also give you an opportunity to start over. If you feel like last year wasn’t your best, this year is your chance to make it better! Saying that, JobsPeopleDo will help you along the way with some resourceful articles like a new column called “If I Knew Then”, advice for your career from the acclaimed Harvard School of Business Class of 63′, campus safety advice, new Aboriginal scholarship options, campus safety advice, and being an introvert in school. We also have some exciting new articles in our Community section, including a profile on ARC Industries and how to apply for jobs within Ontario.

    Where will you be 5 years from now? College or University; which one is for me? How do I keep fit and healthy on a busy university schedule? Is a business empire in my future? These are just some of the questions this month’s Jobs People Do articles may be able to answer for you.

    In our October issue, we will be hearing from someone with firsthand experience in working with assistive technology for disabled individuals. We will also have advice on living with new roommates, how to be an activist, and what you can do if you aren’t feeling challenged in school.

    Happy Reading, Writing and Arithmetic!

     

    All the Best,

    Erin Lynne Bouman

    Content Editor

     

  • Women in the Trades, Statistics and Perceptions

    Women in the Trades, Statistics and Perceptions

    When you picture a construction worker, plumber, electrician or pipefitter, what image comes to mind? Most people imagine a burly, middle-aged man, wearing overalls, covered in dirt or grease. Trades jobs have been predominantly dominated by men throughout history. Across Canada women are still under-represented in the industry.

    The Status of Women in Canada factsheet (http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/initiatives/wesp-sepf/fs-fi/es-se-eng.html) stated, “In 2014 women represented 47.3 % of the labour force. Women aged 15 years and over were most likely to be employed in sales and service occupations (27.1%).” It also states, “Women continue to have low representation in the skilled trades and other traditionally male dominated professions. For example in 2012, women held just 11.8% of the construction jobs, 19% of forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas jobs, and 30.5% of agriculture jobs. In 2011 women accounted for only 2% of carpentry apprentices, 1.9% of plumbing apprentices and 1.5% of heavy equipment apprentices.”

    So why are there so few women working in the trades? An article on the website TalentEgg.com (http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2012/03/12/women-working-skilled-trades/) suggests “even in this day and age, women can be discriminated against in the skilled trades workforce. Women are usually in the top 10-15% in their class, but they are almost always among the last 10% to get hired.”

    The Government of Canada Skilled Trades website points out another reason there are fewer people in general working in the industry. It says there is a “negative perception towards skilled trades among youth and their influences, with many believing that these jobs are low paying, involve physical work, are dirty, and are less academically challenging.”

    Though this may be a common perception, it isn’t entirely true. The work may be more physical than an office job, but it can also be rewarding. Imagine being able to drive by a building, knowing you helped construct it. Stats Canada stated on average trades employees make $22.36/hour. Canadianbusiness.com stated in 2014, Electrician and Telecommunications Contractor held the number 10 spot on the Top 10 Best Jobs in Canada, with a median salary of $72,800/ year.

    Many skilled trades’ workers are hard-working individuals. Although a lot of people feel the trades are for students who are less academically inclined; this is also another myth. Trades workers need to have a good academic foundation with knowledge in math, literacy, problem solving and analytical skills. Depending on the type of trade you pursue you could be deciphering complex blueprints on a construction site, operating technical equipment, or installing intricate plumbing systems at an industrial site.

    There are a number of apprenticeship programs geared toward women. You can search online to see what’s available in your area. In Ontario there is a website with information on Women in Skilled Trades and Information Technology: http://www.grants.gov.on.ca/GrantsPortal/en/OntarioGrants/GrantOpportunities/OSAPQA005168.

    Careersintrades.ca (http://www.careersintrades.ca/) has information on how to get started.

    If you think you might be interested in pursuing a career in a skilled trade, it’s always a good idea to talk to someone who currently works in the field. They will be able to explain the ins and outs of the job, tell you what is involved, and what it is really like to work on a job site. They can also give you an idea of job availability and pay. You could also do a work study or internship, which will provide you with the hands on training and experience. This will be a great way to see if you like the job and the work environment, and to decide if the trades are the right field for you.

     

  • Feminism and Its Many Perspectives

    Feminism and Its Many Perspectives

    When you ask people what they think feminism means, you will likely get a variety of answers. Some may say it means a feminist is a woman who can do anything that a guy can do, while some may say a woman who is happily single.

    Such definitions sometimes hit a moot point, however, and are entirely generalized. If a woman can’t do hard labor, does that mean she can’t be a feminist? And what about women who are leading blissful lives with their male partners? Does this mean they can’t be feminists?

    People that are active on social media tend to have a lot of opinions of what feminism is, and what it means to be a feminist. In our digital age, there is a lot of attention paid to how women are illustrated and portrayed on and off the internet, causing many debates and discussions to commence around the world.

    One thing that is not arguable, is that feminism encourages women to speak their minds and be themselves. Being a feminist also means supporting the rights of women, whether it is concerning their reproductive system, or the ability to speak up when threatened by violence or other means.

    A good thing to do is to stop putting the term “feminism” in a box. The media has an incredible influence on young people, and it tends to confuse the masses. Feminism may mean different things to people, but it absolutely means equal rights for both genders in work, home and beyond. Whatever your beliefs are, be supportive of other women, regardless of the differences in beliefs and opinions. Just be your own individual and always make the best effort to achieve your dreams and ambitions. Feminism is about togetherness, so let’s get together!

    SOURCES:

    http://feminist.com/resources/artspeech/genwom/feministteacher.html

    http://www.genderandeducation.com/issues/why-is-feminism-a-%E2%80%9Cdirty-word%E2%80%9D-among-teenage-girls/

    http://lipmag.com/opinion/why-teenage-girls-need-feminism/

    http://elitedaily.com/women/thats-just-like-rules-feminism-5-instances-support-fellow-women/872867/

  • Assessing Assistive Technology

    Assessing Assistive Technology

    Purchasing technology can crash your bank account but there are ways to cut the cost.

    Let’s face it: Apple is cool. Apple is cool for a variety of reasons, but mostly because they are innovative. Five years ago, who would have thought that a blind person could use a touch screen phone? (Apple, apparently.)

    I’m speaking of course of the iPhone 3GS, which has an assortment of accessibility features like VoiceOver and is probably the most easy to use voice activated software on the market. But the tech market is constantly being flooded with new hardware and software, most of which will cost a good chunk of your newly acquired pay cheque or your government funded education. Although far from universal, accessibility options on commercial software and hardware is certainly a step in the right direction when it comes to raising the minimum level of access.

    Uh, Where’s the Start Button?

    “The problem with going and buying something off the shelf,” says Ryan Vernon, faculty member and librarian at B.C. College and Institute Library Services, Langara College, “ is that it’s really expensive and if doesn’t work out for you, you’ve probably made a huge capital investment that can’t be recouped.” Vernon spends much of his time formatting print sources into alternative formats for disabled students. He recommends looking for programs that are free and programs that have trials, like Kurzweil, which offers free runs of some of their software. A Kurzweil license, however, can run close to two thousand dollars. Yikes.

    But with the recent popularity of open source software and a general push towards offering more free programs and information online, the time is ripe to start picking from the proverbial tech tree. Pack a lunch and spend a little time online. Adaptech (www.adaptech.dawsoncollege.qc.ca) has an extensive list of free and inexpensive software and the recently re-vamped NEADS website has links to all kinds of technology related sites.

    Many companies, like TD, have labs where employees with disabilities can test drive new hardware and programs. The employee will work with an expert, find out what works best, and then that particular piece of hardware or software will be ordered.

    “I think we’re going to see this with all big companies who do business in the states,” Vernon says. A law in the U.S., Section 508, requires that companies that do business with the federal government have certain accessibility standards built in, he says. “So for a company like Xerox who sell a lot of copiers to the government it’s a necessity to them.”

    Funding

    For students, much of the funding is done at the provincial level, through various grants and loans. You have to be eligible for a student loan, have to have persons with a disability status in addition to other requirements. If you don’t meet those requirements, chances are you won’t get hardware support. There are also numerous organizations that provide assistance. Check with your local disability services to see what’s out there. Your school may even have a research lab that specializes in assistive technology as much of the research going into this field is done at the academic level.

    Another good thing to keep in mind is that hardware can be re-purposed. Those old PC’s still have some miles left, so ask around. You may be able to find decent hardware that your friends, family and local businesses don’t need. And again, there are plenty of free software programs available that are just as good as the commercial ones.

    BY JASON RHYNO

    Via NEADS ( http://www.neads.ca/ )

  • Spotlight: ACCESS ‘Your One Stop Shop’ for Aboriginal Apprenticeship

    Spotlight: ACCESS ‘Your One Stop Shop’ for Aboriginal Apprenticeship

    Who? “ACCESS Trades is committed to providing apprentices with the resources and support necessary to successfully complete the full term of their apprenticeship.  Our only goal is to help Aboriginal men and women attain Red Seal or Provincial certification in a trade.”

    How? Join the hundreds of ACCESS Trades apprentices who have found rewarding careers in the trades.

    Check out this link for instructions and process of obtaining your apprenticeship:

    http://accesstrades.accessfutures.com/apprenticeship/

    Training Schedules ( Updates Regularly) :

    http://accesstrades.accessfutures.com/training/

    Types Programs:

    Electrical Foundation, Piping Foundation, Metal Fabrication, Welding Level B, Sheet Metal Foundation, Machinist Foundation.

    Contacts:

    ACCESS Trades Office #109 – 100 Park Royal West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2 TEL:  604 922-4077 FAX: 604 922-4088

    Helen Boyce Director of Access Trades

    Rob Egan Training & Apprenticeship Counsellor

    Larry Webster Training & Apprenticeship Counsellor Pauline Hanuse Administrative Assistant Donna Anderson Job Coach

    For more information on Aboriginal Employment and Programs, visit the main website at http://www.accessfutures.com/ .

    Via http://accesstrades.accessfutures.com/