Free, Federally Funded Accessible Book Initiative Demonstrated by DCPS Students with Disabilities - Bookshare Student Technology Showcase

Washington, DC (PRWEB) May 16, 2011

Students with print disabilities and administrators from the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), along with library and government officials, shared their stories and progress toward improving academic equality and lifelong learning through the use of assitive technology devices and Bookshare at the DC Public Library last week.

Students can immediately download and access books with Bookshare, an online accessible library of copyrighted content federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). As a result, students who were once waiting long periods of time for books to be transcribed to Braille or large print, or those who had aides reading to them, can start reading their books independently at the same time as their non-disabled peers.

DCPS is the first large urban district to undertake such a ground-breaking project promoting independence and inclusion for students with print disabilities, said Betsy Beaumon, Vice President and General Manager of Literacy Programs at Benetech, the nonprofit organization that operates Bookshare. We congratulate the District on their reform that is improving the lives of students who may fall through the cracks, and expect other districts will be inspired to follow in their example.

DCPS students demonstrated how to read accessible books and textbooks using the technologies that best accommodate their visual impairments, learning or other physical disabilities, and commented on the changes in their lives due to the technology and Bookshare:

McDivitt Law Firm Makes A DifferenceLaunches Year-Round Community Initiative

Colorado Springs, CO (Vocus) February 16, 2010

To McDivitt Law Firm, community service isnt an obligationit just comes naturally. Whether its paying for more than 800 safe cab rides home on New Years Eve, sponsoring Drive Smart Colorado Springs High School Challenge, or supporting local charities, the members of the firm genuinely care about the safety and well-being of their neighbors. Because of this commitment to helping others, theyve created McDivitt Makes A Differencea year-round program that encompasses all the firms community service efforts.

McDivitt Makes A Difference raises awareness about the needs and services for those in the Colorado Springs and Pueblo areas. Events include the firms Safe and Sober Free Ride Home program, which is held four times a year, and supporting local events to raise funds for those in need.

Community service is a big part of who we are and what we stand for, said firm founder and attorney Mike McDivitt.

Fame and Fortune Await Winner!

To kickoff McDivitt Makes A Difference, the law firm is holding a video public service announcement (PSA) contest to teens in Colorado Springs and Pueblo this spring. High school students (grades 9 to 12) must enter a 29-second video PSA about the importance of driving safely, which can include distracted driving, impaired driving, or seatbelt safety, to name a few. Entries will be judged on students abilities to analyze the topic and produce quality videos.

Whether texting or playing with the radio, too many distracted drivers are taking their lives and the lives of others on the road for granted, said Karen McDivitt, Business Manager of McDivitt Law Firm. Our PSA contest is meant to award originality, conscientiousness, and active participation in the prevention of this grave issue.

The first place prize includes:

the choice between an Apple MacBook Pro with Final Cut Express and software tutorial from a licensed Apple Consultant from ASSISTech, a Colorado Springs computer consulting company OR a $ 1,500 gift card to a local electronics store
local television placement of the winning PSA, which will air in early April
a monetary donation to the winners school
Thanks to McDivitts and the wonderful prize of a Mac computer, I have been able to take my video making to the next level, said last years contest winner Sara Khan, an 11th-grade student at the Colorado Springs School. Over the summer, I formed my own production company, Khankrete Pictures. Since then, Ive produced two videos for my school and been a finalist in this years I Am What I Learn video contest hosted by the Department of Education.

Entries must be postmarked by April 7, 2010. Click here to learn more about the contest and watch entries.

McDivitt Makes A Difference

McDivitt Makes A Difference recognizes the importance of giving back to the Colorado Springs and Pueblo communities. The year-round initiative encompasses the law firms community service efforts and encourages both community and firm members to prevent injuries, improve health and fitness, and aid organizations committed to bettering health and well-being. Ongoing projects include the firms Safe and Sober program, which has provided more than 2,600 safe rides home, as well as the annual spring PSA contest for local teens. To learn more, visit http://www.McDivittMakesADifference.com.

About McDivitt Law Firm

McDivitt Law Firm is a highly visible and respected personal- and work-injury law firm that provides legal advice and representation for a wide variety of issues, including those related to workers compensation, Social Security Disability, and general personal injury claims for those injured in Colorado and beyond. With offices in downtown Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Denver, McDivitt Law Firm was founded by Attorney Mike and Dr. Karen McDivitt and includes lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. Visit http://www.McDivittLaw.com to learn more.

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