John Robinson's Blog, page 10

Job Opportunity: Associate Editor half-time | Amplitude Magazine

JOB TITLE: Amplitude Magazine Associate Editor (half-time)

SEND COVER LETTER, RESUME, AND WRITING SAMPLES TO:
Larry Borowsky, Editor larry@livingwithamplitude.com

Amplitude Magazine is the nation’s number-one lifestyle publication for people with limb loss and limb difference. Our publication reflects amputees’ growing visibility and influence in sports, fashion, technology, recreation, health care, the media, and other sectors. We also address the broader cultural shift toward greater inclusion and understanding of people with disabilities.

We’re seeking a half-time Associate Editor to help us broaden and deepen our coverage. While all qualified candidates will be considered, Amplitude prefers to offer the position to a qualified candidate who has limb difference.

Required Skills:

Superior grasp of grammar, punctuation, and editorial styleExcellent writing ability, with examples providedStrong story judgment—ability to formulate editorial ideas and translate them into
contentComfort with deadline pressure

Preferred Skills and Experience:

Degree and/or work experience in journalismDigital media / social media skillsExperience producing audiovisual content, with examples provided

Core duties / responsibilities:

Edit, revise, and proofread articles for Amplitude’s digital and print publicationsParticipate in story generation and editorial planningReport and write original articles, blog posts, and other contentAssist with special editorial projects that are ancillary to core content

Core Objectives:

Broaden and deepen the scope of Amplitude’s editorial coveragIncrease Amplitude’s visibility, name recognition, and relevanceAttract new readers and build Amplitude’s subscriber baseBuild Amplitude’s reputation as an essential resource for the limb-loss community

TO REVIEW AMPLITUDE’S PRINT AND DIGITAL CONTENT, VISIT:
Web https://livingwithamplitude.com
Instagram @livingwithamplitude
Facebook @AmplitudeMediaGroup
Twitter @_Amplitude_

Job Opportunity: Information Specialist Part-time | Starbridge

TITLE: INFORMATION SPECIALIST PART TIME 25 HOURS PER WEEK
PROGRAM /
DEPARTMENT: FAMILY ADVOCACY
SUPERVISOR:  DIRECTOR OF FAMILY ADVOCACY                   
FUNCTION: Provides information regarding Starbridge and community resources.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Information and Referral

Responds to telephone inquiries about available services.Gathers information from callers, including information on consumer needs, program eligibility and demographics.Collects required paperwork (NOD, Eligibility) for IPAN Program.Enters customer information into database.Maintains and distributes welcome packets.Maintains monthly, quarterly and annual statistics on program activity.Refers consumers to appropriate resources, both internally and externally.Solicits consumer feedback.Participates in program planning, including development and evaluation of program objectives.

 

Demonstrates Professionalism

Adheres to Starbridge organizational values.Develops and implements a professional development plan, including continuous improvement in cultural competencies.Maintains knowledge of current activities and philosophies in the field.

Additional Responsibilities

Abides by Code of Conduct, which incorporates the corporate compliance section.Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Special Education, Social Work or related field preferred.Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals/families with disabilities.Experience as a parent/caregiver of a child with disabilities and/or health/mental health needs – specifically, experience advocating for that child’s educational, health, and other needs preferred.Experience in call center environment preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Availability to work a flexible schedule, including one evening per week and one Saturday per month.Working knowledge of school and community systems and resources for young and adult children with disabilities and their families.Experience with, or willingness to learn and utilize, on-line training tools, such as webinars, distance learning and on-line learning portals.Bilingual skills preferred.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong verbal and written communication and teamwork skills.Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of cultures.Ability to work as part of a diverse team.Ability to effectively use technology required for the position, including Microsoft Office.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Job is performed in a typical office environment. 

Starbridge is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that best reflects the communities we serve. Our goal is to attract the best talent from a diverse cultural and experiential background. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals who would like to request an accommodation when applying for a position, please email Marilyn Kraitsik, Workforce Development Specialist/HR at mkraitsik@starbridgeinc.org.

Apply: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Starbridge-1/jobs

 

Job Opportunity: Business Development Intern – Executive | Join Our Team!

Join our Growing, Exciting Team!

 

Department: Sales
Exempt: No
Supervisor: Our Ability
Salary Level: Salary, Commission

Summary

Our Ability, New York’s leader in building the business case for employment of people with disabilities, is seeking to add a Job Opportunity: Intern for Business Development / Entry-level Business Development Executive to increase business outreach. Our Ability has two artificial intelligence products in the market for Fortune 1000 companies. These products are designed to assist and enhance recruiting individuals with disabilities into the workforce.

If you are a self-starter with the ability to work with a high degree of independence AND you are committed to our goal of expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities, this may be the opportunity for you. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Main Function: Increase contract and product sales of our network of businesses that participate with Jobs Ability and Abli.AI.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

Outreach to businesses for Our Ability, Inc.:Become familiar with products, services, and preferred sales approachIdentify/obtain sales leadsExceed individual sales goalsConduct timely, professional follow-up activities on all leadsLogs all contactsProvides regular feedback to management

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s diploma or equivalentDemonstrated sales interestExcellent communication skills

Ability to work independently, from home possible. Our Ability, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

If you have any questions about the application process or the Job Opportunity: Senior Business Development Executive position with Our Ability, Inc, please email: john.robinson@ourability.com

 

Job Opportunity: Senior Business Development Executive | Join Our Team!

Join our Growing, Exciting Team – High Income Potential!

 

Department: Sales
Exempt: No
Supervisor: Our Ability
Salary Level: Salary, Commission and Stock Incentive

Summary

Our Ability, New York’s leader in building the business case for employment of people with disabilities, is seeking to add a Job Opportunity: Senior Business Development Executive to increase business outreach. Our Ability has two artificial intelligence products in the market for Fortune 1000 companies. These products are designed to assist and enhance recruiting individuals with disabilities into the workforce.

If you are a self-starter with the ability to work with a high degree of independence AND you are committed to our goal of expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities, this may be the opportunity for you. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Main Function: Increase contract and product sales of our network of businesses that participate with Jobs Ability and Abli.AI.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

Outreach to businesses for Our Ability, Inc.:Become familiar with products, services, and preferred sales approachIdentify/obtain sales leadsExceed individual sales goalsConduct timely, professional follow-up activities on all leadsLogs all contactsProvides regular feedback to management

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s diploma or equivalentDemonstrated sales success (3-5 years)Excellent communication skills

Ability to work independently, from home possible. Our Ability, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

If you have any questions about the application process or the Job Opportunity: Senior Business Development Executive position with Our Ability, Inc, please email: john.robinson@ourability.com

 

Job Opportunity: Senior Account Manager | Join Our Team!

Join our Growing, Exciting Team!

 

Department: Sales
Exempt: No
Supervisor: Our Ability
Salary Level: Salary, Commission and Stock Incentive

Summary

Our Ability, New York’s leader in building the business case for employment of people with disabilities, is seeking to add a Senior Account Manager to increase business outreach. Our Ability has two artificial intelligence products in the market for Fortune 1000 companies. These products are designed to assist and enhance recruiting individuals with disabilities into the workforce.

If you are a self-starter with the ability to work with a high degree of independence AND you are committed to our goal of expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities, this may be the opportunity for you. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Main Function: Increase contract and product sales of our network of businesses that participate with Jobs Ability and Abli.AI.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

Outreach to businesses for Our Ability, Inc.:Become familiar with products, services, and preferred sales approachIdentify/obtain sales leadsExceed individual sales goalsConduct timely, professional follow-up activities on all leadsLogs all contactsProvides regular feedback to management

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s diploma or equivalentDemonstrated sales success (3-5 years)Excellent communication skills

Ability to work independently, from home possible. Our Ability, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

If you have any questions about the application process or the Senior Account Manager position with Our Ability, Inc, please email: john.robinson@ourability.com

 

Our Ability Announces New Hire to Support AI & Engineering

Blind Advocate who has Paved the Way for others in Technology Now Living the Mission of Our Ability

(Albany, N.Y.) – Our Ability has hired Kartik Sawhney to lead the artificial intelligence (AI) and engineering initiatives at the company. He started at the end of August. Sawhney, currently located in Seattle, is a disability advocate and technologist who was the first blind student to pursue science education in high school in India in 2011. He has not allowed his disability to create any barriers in his pursuit of personal and professional successes.

Sawhney advocated to change rules in India’s educational system and now, any blind student from across the country may pursue sciences in high school. Similarly, after several months of advocacy, he convinced the top technical universities in India to open their doors to blind students, leading to at least fifteen students in India pursuing engineering today.

“Having someone with the reputation and ability of Kartik Sawhney join Our Ability is exciting,” said Our Ability CEO John Robinson. “It speaks volumes to what we can build to assist individuals with disabilities worldwide seeking employment. Now, it is our collective responsibility to fulfill the promise of inclusion. We will continue to enhance our AI platforms to advance our mission. This is a great day.”

Sawhney, in his new role, will be responsible for furthering the usage of Jobs Ability, the ablest language filter, Abli.AI, and additional accessibility products.

“Technology, and AI in particular, has a lot of potential in leveling the playing field for people with disabilities,” said Sawhney. “To be able to have an impact on the employability of people with disabilities and scale this using technology is very exciting, and I can’t wait to contribute to the amazing work that Our Ability is already doing.”

Sawhney is a computer science graduate of Stanford University. He co-founded the nonprofit Project StemAccess, now called I-Stem, which provides technical training, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities to blind students across the country. The nonprofit develops technical solutions to empower individuals to access educational and employment opportunities.

As an engineer on the accessibility innovation team at Microsoft, Kartik continues to help identify and develop accessible technologies. Further, given his experience in accessibility and assistive technologies, he serves as an adjunct faculty at the Indian Council of Medical Research, besides serving on boards of several organizations and other high-level committees, such as the Education Commission’s Expert Panel on Technology and Education . His work and views have been published in several journals including UNICEF’s State of the world’s children Report, among others.

In recognition of his leadership potential and work, Kartik received the Queen’s Young Leaders Award 2016 from Her Majesty The Queen. In addition, he has received the National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (India’s highest honor for contributions to the disability sector) and was selected as one of the 17 UN young leaders for Sustainable Development Goals 2018 by the Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth.

To learn more about Our Ability and Jobs Ability, visit https://www.ourability.com/.

About Our Ability. As pioneers in disability inclusion, employment and workplace accessibility, Our Ability acts as a bridge between individuals and businesses through education and collaboration. Our goal is to empower employers to understand and leverage the increasingly valuable employment population of people with disabilities, proven to lower job turnover rates and boost morale and productivity

New Video Program Seeks to Help Adaptive Golfers

By John Robinson

My grandfather was the one who pitched baseballs to me and taught me how to hold a bat and grip and throw a baseball. But when it came to golf, I had no such mentor. I had to figure it out all on my own and be my own swing coach.

Granted, I did have some help. The day my grandfather learned that I had been booted out of Little League for being an injury risk, he got out the lawnmower and created a four-hole short course for me, complete with plastic margarine containers for cups. Each hole was approximately 40 yards long, and I went out there every day that summer with my cut-down 7-iron and putter, trying to figure out how to get the ball in the plastic cup in the fewest number of strokes possible.

Neither my grandfather or my dad, who played some, really knew how to teach me. But I quickly figured out that the golf swing wasn’t much different from my baseball swing—albeit on a much more titled plane. The hardest thing for me was adjusting to the ball being on the ground, versus sitting on a two-foot-high tee like we had in Tee-ball.

For several summers, the four-hole farm course was the only course I played. It wasn’t until I was 11 years old that I would start joining my Uncle Douglas and his friend Charlie on Friday afternoons at Skaneateles Greens, an 18-hole course in Borodino, N.Y., just outside of Syracuse. That’s where I got my first real indoctrination into golf and all of the subtleties that make it such a challenging game. The greens were much faster than the makeshift greens I had on the farm, and there were sidehill lies, sand bunkers and, oh yes, water. Worst of all for me, there were hills, and lots of them.

Looking back now, I can only imagine how much faster the learning curve would’ve been and how much better I’d be today if there were a training program designed specifically for golfers with disabilities. Had I learned the basic fundamentals, set-up adjustments and correct neuromuscular patterning movements back then, I’d be much more consistent in every part of my game today.

Now, that program is here. It’s called The Golf Fundamentals Model for Adaptive Golfers. This nearly 40-minute-long video course, developed by long-time PGA Teaching Professional and Golf Fundamentals Model President & CEO Kirk Jones, is the first digital training platform of its kind geared specifically for the adaptive golfer. Much like the other courses and series in the Golf Fundamentals Model, it follows a simple, sequential and scientifically-validated approach to learning the game. There are a lot of swing tips out there online, on TV and in magazines and books, and it can be very confusing and frustrating to learn how to play golf well. It’s why so many people with and without disabilities quit the game out of frustration, or don’t bother trying in the first place. This model helps eliminate much of the contradictory information that is out there, and makes the game so much easier to learn.

I had the great privilege of representing the adaptive golfer community and serving as the model student for this video learning platform. In the time since I filmed this course in February, my game has improved substantially. Yes, I had a bit of a head start, and I certainly wouldn’t classify myself as a beginner, but my understanding of the game and ability to apply what I learned in those 40 minutes has made me a much more consistent ball-striker, with every club in my bag. The modifications that Kirk made to my driver and putter have also paid huge dividends.

Best of all, the Adaptive Golfers model doesn’t require you put in a ton of time on the practice tee to get better. You’ll see an almost immediate improvement in your performance, just by going through the exercises and drills in the video as little as 15 minutes per day, three or four times per week. Two exercises, in particular, have played a vital role in my improvement. The Golf Fundamentals Strength and Speed Trainer exercises have given me a few extra miles per hour of clubhead speed with my driver. I swing the weighted clubs two or three times per week in my living room, trying to get the shaft to make an audible “whoosh” sound, and I can feel my body moving through the ball faster. I have a much fuller range of motion now. And by placing the Flex-Head G3 Tees in front of the ball, as Kirk showed me, I’m able to hit down and get through the ball much more efficiently. When I’m on the course and I’m not hitting the ball well, whether it’s with my irons or around the greens with my wedges, I envision the tee in front of the ball and it really helps.

In filming this video, it’s instilled in me something I’ve always believed, and that’s despite being different, the golf swing and putting stroke really aren’t that different. It’s all about making pure contact with the ball. The more square the clubface and putterface are at impact, the better contact you’re going to make, and the better opportunity you’re going to have to make the ball go where you want it to go.

Before I tell you where you can purchase this video, I want to applaud Kirk for doing this. It’s fantastic that he sees the value and ability of golfers with disabilities. Anyone that has a physical or intellectual disability and has played or is new to the game of golf, that wants to learn how to play the game better or just for fun, this is a great place to start. It’s really wonderful.

The Golf Fundamentals Model for Adaptive Golfers is available for purchase on www.GolfFundamentalsModel.com as an individual course ($15) or Complete Learning Series ($400) of courses. The Complete Learning Series consists of the Adaptive Golfers course and six other individual courses, including Putting, Chipping/Short Game and Full Swing Longs (i.e., driver, fairway woods). You also receive one Golf Fundamentals Training Mat, which teaches you how to aim correctly while also outlining how to alter your swing path to make the ball draw or fade; 10 Flex-Head G3 tees; one Putting Arc training aid; one Golf Fundamentals Strength and Speed Trainer; one soft, plastic training ball and a mirror. You also have an option to purchase The Golf Fundamentals Model book for an additional $60.

In the very near future, I’m hoping to be able to sell the individual course and Complete Learning Series right here, at OurAbility.com. For right now, make sure to visit www.GolfFundamentalsModel.com and get started on your path to playing your best golf ever!

Golf Opening Its Arms to Adaptive Athletes Everywhere

By John Robinson

For years, people with disabilities were treated differently in sports. Doors were not open to us. We were considered “insurance liabilities,” not a means to grow or advance the games. Certainly, nobody thought of profiting off our love of the games.

I learned this first-hand as an 8-year-old growing up in the small Binghamton, N.Y., suburb of Greene. After playing my first love, baseball, for three years, I was one day told I couldn’t play anymore. The local Little League organization decided I was too much at risk of getting hurt. Naturally, I was devastated. I had played Tee-ball for three years and even had a designated runner. So what changed? Why was I now suddenly deemed a “liability” in their eyes?

Little did I know at that moment what a game-changing event this would be in my life. That very same day, my father went to the local golf course in town, bought me a used, left-handed 7-iron and putter, cut them down, presented them to me and said, “They can never take this away from you.”

Boy was he right!

Fast forward some 45 years, and not only am I still playing golf, but I’m playing almost every day. I have a membership to one of the best country clubs in the Albany, N.Y., area. I’m competing and having a blast. Thanks to the USGA Handicap System, shorter tees and modified golf equipment, I’m able to play golf on a fairly level playing field with others, including able-bodied golfers. For more than 30 years now I’ve been playing in Member Guest tournaments, Wednesday night leagues and various other tournaments throughout Central and Upstate New York.

But it wasn’t until last month that I played in my very first Adaptive Golf tournament, a 36-hole event in Brunswick, Maine, hosted by the Amputee Association of Maine. This came just days before the very first U.S. Adaptive Open (pictured) was held at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in Pinehurst, N.C.—the USGA’s 15th national championship. Ninety-six golfers from around the world with various physical, intellectual and neurological impairments competed in the 54-hole event on Pinehurst No. 6, with individual winners being crowned in eight separate categories. One of those individual champions was World Golf Hall of Famer and “seated golfer” Dennis Walters, who has been entertaining and inspiring hundreds of thousands of people over the years from his wheelchair with his amazing trick-shot show.

The USGA (United States Golf Association) is the governing body of golf here in the U.S., and for them to sanction and hold a golf tournament for adaptive golfers, it just gives you goosebumps. It shows you that people with disabilities matter. Dennis Walters matters. I matter. It makes other golfers look at you differently when you’re on the golf course. If I saw myself golfing, I might think it was a gimmick, but having the USGA and other organizations sanction us, it gives us some validity, and that’s really important not only for us, but the next generation of people with disabilities.

We’ve been on a good trajectory of late with adaptive sports. As the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games have gotten bigger, especially in the last decade, there have become more opportunities for people with disabilities to ski, cycle, run, golf and play other sports. Our Ability, Inc., was invited to witness the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and we saw a packed Olympic Stadium for many of the track events. That was incredible to see, and such a big testament to the validity of adaptive sports. I realized then it was a much bigger universe than I ever imagined it was, and when I got home, I couldn’t wait to get involved in other activities. That’s when I took up hand cycling and came up with the idea of biking the Erie Canal.

But golf has been my greatest and longest love, and with various organizations such as the USGA, U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA), U.S. Disabled Golf Association and Adaptive Sports USA now funding so many adaptive golf tournaments, it’s fair to say the sky is the limit for adaptive golf. The National Golf Foundation (NGF) estimates there are approximately 600,000 disabled golfers in the U.S., and another 6 million more who once played golf but gave it up after becoming disabled.

If you’re one of the latter people and are thinking of taking up the game again, or you’re reading this and thinking this might be a great time for you to learn how to play golf, do it! There are so many life skills and advantages to playing golf, probably none more valuable than the camaraderie that you feel playing golf with others—whether they’re able-bodied or not.

In Maine, I got to play with two golfers who both lost a leg due to motorcycle accidents. By day two, I was more interested in talking to these guys about our similar experiences with disabilities than I was playing golf. When people with disabilities get together, there comes a point where you start talking about two things: 1) how other people treat you differently; and 2) how your disability manifests. One of the guys was from Singapore and we talked about what it was like to play there, and what the other members were saying (about his disability). And we talked about the physical pain of golfing. Not the challenge of playing golf, but the challenge of getting around when we play.

The funny thing about golf is that it’s a game of excuses. But playing with other people with disabilities, we actually can talk about our disabilities without feeling like we want pity from an able-bodied person, which we don’t. When I play with my buddies, I can’t say my hips are killing me because they’re going to think I’m looking for pity. But when I play with other disabled golfers, I can say that and they’ll understand.

In addition to the organizations above, there are many state-run golf associations creating opportunities for people with disabilities to play golf against one another. I’m currently in talks with the New York Golf Association about hosting a New York State Adaptive Open in 2023.

Of course, I’d love to tee it up in the second U.S. Adaptive Open in Pinehurst next July as well. It’s definitely a big goal of mine. But it’s just as important for me to play Saturday mornings with my normal crew and have fun. That’s the important part, that I can play. It wasn’t too long ago that I couldn’t, and that sports weren’t inclusive for all. We’ve come a long, long way since the 1970s, and with golf leading the way, the best is still yet to come.

Disability:IN New Jersey Annual Virtual Job Fair

September 8th, 2022: 11 AM EST – 1PM EST

Objective

Learn about the participating organizations, universities, their DEI initiatives, the support programs, educational & training programs, intern programs, and how to apply for potential open positionsInteractive Q & A with participating organizations

DisabilityIN New Jersey – Annual Job Fair Flyer

REGISTER HERE

Job Opportunity: Chief Program Officer | Starbridge

Who We’re Looking For
A mission-driven visionary, passionate and committed to supporting
individuals with disabilities and families, our workforce, and our community.
We’re looking for a role model for servant leadership, a person who brings energy and enthusiasm, who will complement our talented team, and help direct efforts to support our hybrid workforce and our work within the community. We expect intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, agility and resilience – a leader not deterred by barriers or obstacles, but committed to making things happen in a way that’s aligned with our vision, mission and values!
We’re looking for a person who will work closely with our President/CEO, Leadership Team, and Program Directors to assure programmatic and financial outcomes are achieved, and who will demonstrate substantial impact in advancing Starbridge’s mission.
Our ideal candidate will have:

Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, promote collaboration, facilitate cooperation, and drive decision-making and action.Knowledge and understanding of disability rights, issues, and related legislation at both the local and national levels, and an understanding of disability from a cross-disability and intersectionality perspective.Significant analytical skills and hands-on experience developing and monitoring multi-million-dollar budgets.Effective fundraising, resource development, and community relations experience.Proven ability to ensure a positive and inclusive work environment.

Check out our detailed position description on Indeed, and apply through Indeed if you’re interested.

We Are Starbridge

Starbridge Services, Inc. is an independent nonprofit serving more than 11,000 individuals with disabilities and families each year in education, employment, and healthy living. Through the service and support of more than 450 employees, services are focused in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes Regions of New York, while our Parent Center serves all of upstate New York.

At Starbridge, we challenge ourselves to identify and address issues that pose barriers to providing equitable service delivery and are focused on delivering service to previously excluded and/or underserved communities and identity groups. Starbridge is a member of the Al Sigl Community of Agencies.

Our Vision
Every person leads a fulfilling life in their community.

Our Mission
We partner with individuals who have disabilities, their families, and others who support them, to achieve success in education, employment, and healthy living. Together we transform communities to include everyone.

Our Values
Respect * Diversity * Inclusion * Partnership * Innovation

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
A workplace that works for everyone. A workforce that will support anyone.
Starbridge is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.