College students with disabilities looking for an opportunity to jump start their career path may need to look no further.

Emerging Leaders, coordinated by the National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) at The Viscardi Center, is a highly competitive program that places top undergraduate and graduate college students with disabilities in fulfilling summer internships nationwide that provide them with meaningful leadership development and networking opportunities.

“Since NBDC began offering the Emerging Leaders program, qualified applicants have been placed in internship positions at a wide spectrum of businesses all across the United States,” explained, Laura M. Francis, Executive Director at the National Business & Disability Council at The Viscardi Center, a comprehensive resource for Fortune 1000 companies seeking to include people with disabilities in the workplace, marketplace and supply chain. “Given the tough competition for jobs at all levels and the fact that people with disabilities continue to be employed at much lower rates than people without disabilities, it is clear that employment preparation and engagement for our younger generation is more important than ever.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Monthly Employment Report, the unemployment rate in October for people with disabilities is 12.9%, far greater than the general unemployment rate of 7.9%. In fact, the unemployment rate has been in the 13% range for people with disabilities most of the past year. The BLS report also noted that in October there were 23.3 million people with disabilities who were not working.

Further, people with disabilities who have the educational requirements to find rewarding and satisfying jobs continue to participate in the workforce at a lower rate than the general population. Only 33% of people with disabilities, holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher, are employed versus 80% of those without disabilities.

“Often intelligent, young men and women with disabilities are denied the opportunities for a strong start to their career that other college students enjoy, such as internship experiences,” noted John D. Kemp, President & CEO of The Viscardi Center, “and many studies have proven that volunteering or participating in an internship are the best predictors of future success in the workplace.”

The program gives students priceless insight that can positively impact their career development. “My Emerging Leaders internship was an ideal introduction into corporate America and opened my eyes to possible career paths. My manager and colleagues mentored me and ensured that I had every opportunity to gain new skills, grow my strengths, and network. My experience this summer is invaluable,” said Kylie Long, Emory College, Emerging Leaders Class of 2012.

Jason Lee, a New York University student, summed up his experience, “The internship has prepared me to tackle the real world and have confidence in doing so. Truly, Emerging Leaders is like no other program. You receive guidance and opportunities to grow and learn. I will forever remember this program as the first major stepping-stone to the real world.”

Applications for the program are due by January 18, 2013. For more information about the program and to apply, undergraduate and graduate college students with disabilities may visit http://emerging-leaders.com.

Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as disability advisor to eight U.S. presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center provides Pre-K through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and businesses. A global leader, it employs more than 300 professionals, including experts in education, human resources and technology. Learn more at viscardicenter.org .

THIS BLOG POST IS A COPY OF A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE VISCARDI CENTER

QUESTIONS? CONTACT: Kim Brussell, kbrussell@viscardicenter.org, 516.465.1608

The West Elevator in Cordley Hall is being replaced. The elevator will be out of service starting December 3. It is expected to be finished in March 2013.

Until then, there is another elevator on the northeast side of the building, so the upper and lower floors will still be accessible. If you experience difficulties because of this project, or to express any concerns, please contact Facilities Services at 541-737-2969.

Oregon State University and Opsis Architecture will be conducting an accessibility workshop about the upcoming New Classroom Building, on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 4pm to 5pm in the Memorial Union room 208. We welcome and value your participation.

The accessibility workshop is a design workshop/brainstorming session meant to focus on the specific challenge of access, and will set the project on a course to meet and exceed accessibility goals. It will help transform the project from a static, complex issue to a successful, buildable plan. Oregon State University is committed to holding accessibility workshops for all major capital projects.

We expect roughly 15-20 participants that will consider the following topics during the session:
1. Define current conditions and OSU project expectations
2. Establish principals and goals for access, universal design and overall inclusiveness
3. Identify specific features for access

The workshop will engage the group in interactive discussions regarding the feasibility of implementing the topics and specific features discussed. In addition, the workshop participants will explore the opportunities and obstacles inherent in these strategies and decide what strategies and approaches would work best for the proposed project. The overall goal is for this project to be a model of excellence in accessible new construction at OSU.

We realize that this meeting calls for a commitment of time from already busy schedules; however, your insights are greatly needed and we hope you will consider joining in this effort as an important investment in our campus. If you cannot attend, please recommend others who can take your place. Also, please advise if we should invite anyone else.

Should you have any questions or need any further information, please feel free to call Larrie Easterly, Project Manager for Facilities Services, at 541.230.0802 or by email at larrie.easterly@oregonstate.edu.

You are welcome to come at any time, but if possible, please RSVP by May 16, 2012 by contacting Gabriel Merrell by phone 541.737.3671 or email (gabriel.merrell@oregonstate.edu) to ensure we have scheduled a large enough space.

If you cannot attend you are welcome to submit comments to Gabriel Merrell. Please do so by the day of the event, so your comments can be incorporated into the conversation.

Sincerely,

Larrie Easterly, Gabriel Merrell & Opsis Architecture

New Student Programs & Family Outreach is now hiring 2012 START Leader and U-Engage Peer leader positions. Both positions allow you to work closely with new students and assist them with their transition to OSU.

U-Engage Peer Leader

U-Engage Peer Leaders work with a faculty member to coordinate a U-ENGAGE First-Year Experience course during Fall term. The U-Engage Leader position is not paid, but you can receive internship credit. Peer Leaders are also required to take a Spring Quarter training course.

START Leader

START Leaders work throughout the summer assisting with OSU?s orientation, advising, and registration program: START. START Leaders also have the opportunity to participate in CONNECT programs. START Leaders are required to take a Spring Quarter training course. This position is a paid position, with pay beginning during the summer.

For more information go to http://oregonstate.edu/newstudents or attend one of the information sessions below. Each session last about 30 minutes.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012
4:00pm Student Life Classroom Kerr Admin B009

Monday, January 23, 2012
12:00pm Student Life Classroom Kerr Admin B009

Tuesday, January 24, 2012
5:30pm Student Life Classroom Kerr Admin B009

Applications are due on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Go to http://oregonstate.edu/newstudents to apply.

For any questions please contact New Student Programs & Family Outreach at 541-737-7627 or newstudents@oregonstate.edu

When: Friday, January 20, 2012
Time: 12:00pm until 1:00pm
Location: MU 213

Through a discussion about the role of disability within the lens of diversity; we’ll explore possible similarities between the civil rights movement and the disability rights movement, and the intersection of concepts such as ableism and able bodied privilege. We’ll also approach disability as culture and the various models of disability in society today. Along the way, we’ll also address how we all play an important role in effectively engaging campus, and society, to break the norms that have placed barriers in front of people with disabilities.

The Office of the Dean of Student Life is pleased to invite you to the 2012 Interfaith Community Service (IFCS) Conference taking place on Saturday, January 21 in the Memorial Union. The IFCS Initiative at Oregon State University (OSU) aspires to initiate meaningful dialogue between religious and nonreligious individuals, bringing together students from all walks of life under the common umbrella of community service. This conference will provide an open forum for students to engage with one another and share how their beliefs and values influence their decisions in life.

We hope to foster rich, eye-opening conversations through several service projects, followed by lunch and a debrief activity. Afterwords, we will host several round-table discussions and informational sessions for students that will encourage personal reflection and civil discourse with one another on topics tied to the value of service, personal meaning, and diverse religious/spiritual beliefs and practices. We will conclude our time together with a reception and keynote speaker.

The conference is free, and morning snacks and lunch will be provided!

Register now at https://atrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9NChmWONDMewimE

Additional information, including a formal schedule, will be made available in the near future. If you have any questions, please contact Nicholas Martin or Hannah Pynn at the following email addresses:
Nicholas.Martin@oregonstate.edu
Hannah.Pynn@oregonstate.edu

The new Emerging Leaders Course, designed for students new to leadership, aims to accomplish the following goals:

 
• Assist students in personal and professional development;

• Introduce students to different leadership styles and leadership identity development;

• Present opportunities for students to learn about and reflect on their personal leadership style, communication
style, talents, strengths and goals; and

• Provide a foundation for participation in future student leadership opportunities, internships, and other professional development.

Registration information: Emerging Leaders, AHE 499, CRN 38642, 2 credits, Wednesdays, 4-5:50pm, Instructor – Melissa Yamamoto