|
The STAR Center
Location: Tennessee (TN)
Abstract:
The STAR Center is a model demonstration, resource and training center dedicated to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities or other special needs maximize their potential for independence and achieve their personal goals of employment, effective learning and independent living through assistive technology, assistive aids and support services.
When their two youngest children lost their sight in the late 1980's, Margaret Doumitt and her husband Chuck searched exhaustively for local services to help their children cope with their blindness. Finding none, they resolved to ensure that not only would their children have those services, but that every other child and adult within their reach would have them also. Months later, The STAR Center was founded and has grown from an all-volunteer group of parents into a training facility with a professional staff numbering more than 60.
The STAR Center provides access to life changing technology services, creative therapy services, employment services, and support services. The STAR Center serves children and adults with disabilities, regardless of their age or ability to pay, as well as parents, employers, and professionals in health, education, and rehabilitation. The STAR Center opens new windows of opportunities to children and adults with disabilities that are many times considered impossible, and never turns anyone away due to their disability. The highly specialized staff provides individualized solutions to help achieve the personal goals of children and adults with disabilities, and is a place where limitations turn into limitless possibilities, a place of hope and new horizons.
Browse our site to learn more about the phenomenal growth of this organization and the impact it has had on people with disabilities throughout West Tennessee.
Website: http://www.starcenter.tn.org/
Practitioner Name: n/a
Practitioner Tel: 731) 668-3888
Practitioner E-mail: information@starcenter.tn.org
|
The Wilderness Technology Alliance
Location: Washington (WA)
Abstract:
The WTA began in 1995 as the "The Mount Rainier Technology Camp", a company-funded project of Trinity Technology, Inc. Trinity was a primary computer supplier to Washington State Schools. Being such, Trinity's founder recognized the effects of the digital divide early on. Thus Trinity devoted a portion of its profits to projects that benefited children. Over the course of years, the Mount Rainier Technology Camp was built through alliances with Metropolitan Parks District of Tacoma, the National Park Service, the US Department of Energy, Macromedia, Microsoft, and Washington State Schools.
Our goal is to improve the lives of disadvantaged youth using the wilderness to teach important skills including diligence, teamwork and self-confidence. This new environment, away from existing habits and social groups, places new demands upon students, promoting better ways to solve problems and learn. The myriad of successes and failures experienced during the trip creates an imprint for what it takes to cooperate with others to accomplish a goal. We then apply these newfound skills shortly thereafter to computer training and a one-year technology internship.
The program targets poorly funded Washington schools having high enrollment in free and reduced lunch programs. These schools typically contain high Native American, Mexican American, and African American populations. They are often located in rural or inner-city areas.
In 1995, the first program year, students took part in backpacking expeditions in Mount Rainier National Park. They then produced sections of the official Mount Rainier National Park CD-ROM, now sold at National Park gift stores. News of the program's success quickly traveled to Olympic National Park, where in 1996, students took part in a backpacking expedition and produced sections of the Olympic National Park official CD-ROM. After completing the program, students in both years were given free computers and software.
After a large pilot project in 1998, Mount Rainier National Park selected the program as a major part of its Centennial Celebration. In 1999, 100 At-Risk students from 33 schools took part in the program. Honorary leaders opened each of 11 expeditions and spent a day on the mountain with the students. These leaders included Dr. Terry Bergeson, (State Superintendent of Public Instruction), Mark Wolfram (VP - Microsoft), Paul Brainerd (Founder - Aldous), Doug Walker (CEO - WRQ), and US Senator Slade Gorton. In all, nearly $1million in technology hardware and software were provided to Washington Schools. On April 3rd, 2000, the program was inducted into the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC as an event of historic significance in technology education.
Out of the success of this Centennial Project was born the Wilderness Technology Alliance. Two clear functional areas were quickly identified; a statewide student-based computer hardware program, and a statewide project-based multimedia program. Both would complement each other and became integral components of "WildTech Student Enterprises." The WTA now proliferates its programs through the WildTech Franchise, were students are involved in relevant, highly motivating, project-based learning that supports their school and community.
As of February 1st, 2001, the 51 schools involved in WildTech's hardware program have refurbished nearly 5000 computers and placed them into needy schools and families. Numerous WildTech schools offer student-led evening software classes in the high school that is targeted to low income families. Both refurbished computers and student-led training bring sorely needed income to underfunded schools. The WTA is currently investigating a possible program with the Social Security Administration (SSA) where students will refurbish computers and provide them, along with training, to disabled adults. The SSA will then compensate the schools involved in this project through the new "Ticket To Work" legislation.
As of February 1st, 2001, the 16 schools involved WildTech's multimedia program have selected 64 students to produce a "Virtual Backpacking" web site during the summer of 2001. This adventure-based site leads viewers through an experiential journey that will teach those unfamiliar with the wilderness many of the skills and all of the equipment they will need for a safe and enjoyable trip. In the fall of 2001, these students will act as teacher's aids in a project-based multimedia class. The first semester will be devoted to learning the technology tools, and the second semester will be devoted to tackling paid-for web development projects for low-income organizations in the local community. The WTA is currently negotiating with five Federal agencies to perform paid-for student-created web sites.
There are currently 52 high schools taking part in WildTech, with nearly 20 new schools added per semester. We have received inquiries from the States of California, Oregon, and South Carolina for possible additional schools.
Website: http://www.wildtech.org
Practitioner Name: Lou August
Practitioner Tel: 206) 595 - 4247
Practitioner E-mail: laugust@wildtech.org
|
Tri-City Community Action Program (Tri-CAP)
Location: Massachusetts (MA)
Abstract:
The primary service is free Internet access and free e-mail accounts that are used for professional and/or employment-related activities, as well as recreational ones such as researching family trees, hobbies, etc. Classes in computer basics and one-on-one tutorials are available for people new to IT. Numerous other services are available through the seven-member Community Technology Access Coalition that conceptualized, launched, and now oversees the Cyber Caf鮠They include: support and services for the elderly; access to and updates on civic matters; a host of human services and early childhood education; opportunities to learn video technology; housing search help; pro bono legal services; fuel assistance; and a wide range of employment services, from skills assessment and on-line classes to job search assistance. The goals of the Cyber Caf頡re to provide:
IT access to the community, especially residents who do not have ready access or are unskilled in its use
An informal, welcoming environment to help overcome the fear sometimes associated with new technology
Various forms of instruction to increase IT competencies
Pre-employment services to those interested
An opportunity for social interaction through technology and the Cyber Caf頥nvironment.
Website: http://www.masscap.org/itaccess2003.html
Practitioner Name: n/a
Practitioner Tel: n/a
Practitioner E-mail: n/a
|
Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League, Inc
Location: Illinois (IL)
Abstract:
Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League, Inc is a non-for-profit agency serving the Peoria community with the mission to improve the educational, economic and social well-being of disadvantaged individuals. The agency is strategically located in the neighborhood where Peoria's Title I schools have the highest concentrations of low-income families qualifying for free/reduced lunches
Website:
Practitioner Name: Bola Bamgopa
Practitioner Tel: 309-672-4361
Practitioner E-mail: bola@tcpul.com
|
U.S. Basic Skills
Location: Maryland (MD)
Abstract:
U.S. Basic Skills is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help schools, correctional institutions, and community-based organizations deliver the most effective basic skills instruction possible.
The U.S. Basic Skills Learning System was developed based on the most effective research-based elements for delivering basic skills instruction to at-risk students. Incorporated into the system are the following instructional elements which have been proven in numerous scientific research based studies to be effective: individualized instruction; self-paced instruction; competency based instruction; mastery based instruction; open-entry and open-exit; and, use of multiple media to meet various learning styles. Proper implementation of this program ensures the effective use of these foundational elements. This alternative educational approach specializes in diagnosing deficiencies and prescribing appropriate print, computer, and audiovisual materials at the correct level to help students master their learning objectives. It is a competency-based program that is individualized and self-paced. The computer management system gives immediate student feedback as students receive individualized attention in a supportive environment.
Website: http://www.usbasicskills.org/
Practitioner Name: n/a
Practitioner Tel: n/a
Practitioner E-mail: info@usbasicskills.org
|
United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development
Location: New York (NY)
Abstract:
The Alliance responds to the need and demand for an inclusive global forum and platform for cross-sectoral policy dialogue on the use of ICT for enhancing the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, notably reduction of poverty. The Alliance will seek to contribute to: -Mainstreaming of the global ICT agenda into the broader United Nations development agenda
-Bringing together key organizations involved in ICT for development (ICT4D) to enhance their collaboration and effectiveness for achieving the internationally agreed development goals
-Raising awareness of policy makers on ICT4D policy issues;
-Facilitating identification of technological solutions for specific development goals and pertinent partnerships
-Creating an enabling environment and innovative business models for pro-poor investment and growth and for empowering people living in poverty
-Acting as a "think-tank" on ICT4D-related issues and as an advisory group to the Secretary-General.
Website: http://www.un-gaid.org
Practitioner Name: n/a
Practitioner Tel: 212 963 5796
Practitioner E-mail: gaid@un-gaid.org
|
Urban Underground Technology Center
Location: Wisconsin (WI)
Abstract:
Now more than ever, Milwaukee teens need opportunities to access alternatives to violence, support for academic achievement, and guidance toward college instead of incarceration. The Youth Empowerment Center will provide a space for youth to pursue these opportunities through programming in leadership, technology, education, and enterprise.
Since its birth in 2000, thousands of teens have turned to Urban Underground for support in pursuing educational and career goals while developing skills in leadership and technology. Urban Underground has implemented a successful model for engaging youth ages 14-19, primarily from low-income backgrounds in developing their social, academic, and leadership skills. In recent years the number of youth seeking to join Urban Underground has jumped from 264 in 2001 to 1,025 in 2004. The YEC will allow us to triple the number of youth we can serve at one time. In a city where students of color have a 50/50 chance of completing high school, over 90% of Urban Underground members successfully complete high school, and more than 60% go to college. Using a social justice framework, Urban Underground has provided opportunities for some of Milwaukee's most challenged youth to transform their lives while transforming the lives of those around them.
In 2001 Urban Underground engaged its members in a discussion concerning the future of the organization and its ability to meet the growing demand for its programs and services. This conversation led to a two-year research and planning process that included site visits to youth centers throughout the country, most notably, The Spot located in Denver, CO. The Spot has created a nationally recognized model for providing a safe and productive space for teens to access education, health, arts, and career development opportunities. With support from NBA Coach George Karl, Urban Underground has acquired a property at 4850 W. Fondulac Avenue. This 13,000 square foot facility will become the new home of Urban Underground and partner organizations serving teens and families. If you would like to learn how you can support this amazing endeavor please contact Reggie Moore at 414.444.URBN (8726)
Website: http://www.urbanunderground.org/
Practitioner Name: Reggie Moore
Practitioner Tel: 414.444.8726
Practitioner E-mail: moore4youth@yahoo.com
|
ValleyNet
Location: Vermont (VT)
Abstract:
Founded in October 1994, the primary purpose of ValleyNet is to provide and facilitate community-based information resources for the Upper Connecticut River Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont. ValleyNet is a community resource for local residents and a tax exempt charitable organization. Their office is located at 58 North Main Street in White River Junction, Vermont. As a non-profit, they provide valuable education and information about the Upper Valley. They have an on-line events calendar, help pages, directory listings, computer recycling collections, and free workshops to help community members learn more about the Internet and their computers.
Website: www.valley.net
Practitioner Name: n/a
Practitioner Tel: 802-359-4162
Practitioner E-mail: n/a
|
Vermont Telecommunications Authority
Location: Vermont (VT)
Abstract:
The mission of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority was established by the Vermont General Assembly in Act 79, passed into law in June 2007. that all residences and business in all regions of the state have access to affordable broadband services not later than the end of the year 2010.
the ubiquitous availability of mobile telecommunication services including voice and high-speed data throughout the state by the end of the year 2010.
the investment in telecommunications infrastructure in the state which will support the best available and economically feasible service capabilities
that telecommunications and broadband infrastructure in all areas of the state is continuously upgraded to reflect the rapid evolution in the capabilities of available mobile telecommunications and broadband technologies, and in the capabilities of mobile telecommunications and broadband services needed by persons, businesses, and institutions in the state.
the most efficient use of both public and private resources through state policies by encouraging the development of open access telecommunications infrastructure that can be shared by multiple service providers.
Website: http://www.telecomvt.org/
Practitioner Name: Bill Shuttleworth
Practitioner Tel: 802-828-1788
Practitioner E-mail: wshuttleworth@telecomvt.org
|
Wide Angle Youth Media, Inc.
Location: Maryland (MD)
Abstract:
Wide Angle Youth Media provides Baltimore youth with opportunties to tell their stories using video technology, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Our video workshops, public screenings of student work, and youth-run television programs aim to make media make a difference. We train over 130 youth yearly in media literacy and production, and community-based distribution.
In partnership with community organizations and educational institution, we host public events that share our students' work with 5000 audience members annually. Wide Angle also supports the broader youth media field through professional development for educators, and distribution opportunities such as our citywide Youth Media Festival.
Website: http://www.wideanglemedia.org
Practitioner Name: Gin Ferrara
Practitioner Tel: n/a
Practitioner E-mail: gin@wideanglemedia.org
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
