Blogabilities

Upcoming Job Fairs and Workshops in Ohio

Justin Blumhorst — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:23:52 +0000

One of our counselors who we work with at the Ohio RSC shared an awesome link with me today.

Ohio Means Jobs collects all upcoming job fairs and workshops for people looking for employment in Ohio.

Here is the link to check them all out:

https://ohiomeansjobs.com/omj/workshoplist.do?selectId=0

Here are a few of notes that I think can really help you find more information out on this site:

Click on the county header to find events near you
If you do this, it will sort all of the events by what county there are in. By doing this, it makes it much easier to see all of the events in your county.
Click on the event name to find out more about the specific event
When you do this, you can event get a link to the actual event page. Some events make you register to attend, and most likely you will have to go to the individual page of the event to register.
Add any events you are planning on attending to your personal calendar
For me, if I don’t put things in my calendar, I can easily double book myself or forget about the event all together. I use an electronic calendar which helps me keep organized. I good quality one for free is Google Calendar, which you can sync up with any mobile device you may have.

Capabilities routinely takes people who are in our services out to job fairs and/or lets them know of events so that they can attend on their own. We do this in our Job Placement service. We also work on skills to get the most out of events like this in our Job Seeking Skills Training service. If you are interested in receiving services from us, please contact us at info@capabilitiesinc.biz.

If you have any ideas for how to get the most out of this site, or have any general tips for job fairs or workshops, please share!

Free Screen Reader for Google Drive

Justin Blumhorst — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:58:18 +0000

I have heard of Read and Write Gold for Google Docs before, but this is the best overview of the solution and how to install it:

Big Thanks to Wade Wingler, the Director of Assisstive Technology at Easter Seals Crossroads for this.

Here are some links to some of the things they mention in the video for your convenience:

Google Chrome:
https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/

Read&Write Gold Chrome Extension:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/readwrite-for-google-docs/inoeonmfapjbbkmdafoankkfajkcphgd?hl=en-US

Tim’s Place: Restaurant Owned By Person with Down Syndrome

Justin Blumhorst — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:43:53 +0000

So I was just ending up my workday, and I came across a video that gave me an awesome dose of positive energy.

Here is the video:

So, of course I had to look a little more into this… Here is a link to the restaurant’s webpage: http://www.timsplaceabq.com

Tim’s positive attitude flies through this video, and you can tell why his business is successful. It also seems that he has a great support team, which is important for any business.

The restaurant is in Albuquerque, New Mexico, so if you are there, support this restaurant!

Good luck Tim, and keep up the great work!

Also, next time I am in Albuquerque, I fully expect a hug…

When to Discuss Your Disability With a Potential Employer

Justin Blumhorst — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:36:21 +0000

One of the blogs that I subscribe to is called Career Tips for the Perfectly Abled, a section of gettinghired.com. In it, they had an interesting article titled, When to Discus Your Disability With a Potential Employer by Jim Hasse.

In the article, they list 3 strategies for disclosure:

Getting Your Foot in the Door First
Disclosing Your Disability to a Prospective Employer as Soon as Possible
Positioning Your Disability as a Competitive Edge

In the article, Jim lists benefits, drawbacks, and needed preparation for each strategy. Go to the full blog post to read all of those. Here is the link to the whole article:

http://community.gettinghired.com/blogs/perfectlyable/archive/2013/02/11/when-to-discuss-your-disability-with-a-potential-employer.aspx

In the end, Jim states that you really need to find which companies are “disability friendly,” and with this information, you can decide which strategy will work for you. Hopefully, one day we will not have to worry about this, but I have to say that I agree with Jim. The best way for your to disclose your disability is to research the company and find which strategy will work best in that scenario.

Capabilities‘ professional career consultants are well versed in when to disclose. We use these strategies, and many others in our Job Development Service. Our Career Consultants know the community, and have relationships with employers which help in disclosure. We help people with disabilities find jobs, and are professionals in this field. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

Dragon Success Story for Person with Multiple Sclerosis #MS

Justin Blumhorst — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:08:55 +0000

I just was reading through my Dragon NaturallySpeaking Newsletter for February, and I came across a great article in it. It talks about how Evan Upchurch, a former Microsoft Employee, uses Dragon NaturallySpeaking to help make computers more accessible for him to use.

It talks about how he was able to really concentrate on his writing, and not his typing. Evan said that like in many other jobs, Microsoft had a high volume of emails. Using Dragon, he was much better at getting back to emails. I specifically appreciated his quote, “At Microsoft, email is lifeblood. If you can’t do email, you do’t exist.”

To check out the full article, check this link out:

http://www.nuance.com/ucmprod/groups/dragon/@web-enus/documents/collateral/nc_019870.pdf?elq=712b7f4b330247c4a6974ab342817552&elqCampaignId=677

Capabilities provides training on Dragon NaturallySpeaking in our Computer Assistance and Training Service. Contact us today to find out how we can help you use Dragon and many other accessibility programs.

Saint Patrick’s Day – March 17, 2013 Drunk Driving Prevention Campaign

Justin Draper — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:11:05 +0000

According to NHTSA, on average, every 51 minutes a person is killed in a drunk-driving crash in the United States and the majority of these crashes involve drunk drivers who have blood alcohol concentrations of .15 grams per deciliter or higher, almost twice the legal limit of .08 g/dL.

To prevent these tragedies from occurring, Capabilities recommends the following steps to have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day:

>> Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

>> Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.

If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.

Be the MVP of Safe and Responsible Driving on Super Bowl Sunday

Justin Draper — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:04:02 +0000

Driving Drunk Is a No-Win Situation

[ST. MARYS, Ohio] – As one of America’s most anticipated and celebrated sporting events, the Super Bowl brings together families, friends and fans each year to enjoy the excitement of the big game. In many instances, fans will gather to watch the game at sports bars, restaurants or Super Bowl-themed parties. The U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, along with the National Football League, TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) and Capabilities Driving School, have joined forces with St. Mary’s local highway safety and law enforcement officials to spread an important safety message to the public about designating a sober driver on Super Bowl Sunday – Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

“Before choosing to drink, choose a sober designated driver. Avoid the unsportsmanlike conduct of driving drunk by handing off your keys so that you, your passengers and everyone on our roads can safely arrive home,” said Justin Draper, Capabilities Driving School “Drunk driving is always preventable, and driving drunk could result in seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else. Motorists can expect local police, sheriff, and highway patrol departments to have a visible presence and to stop anyone who makes the dangerous decision to drink and drive.”

According to NHTSA, 10,228 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2010. These drunk-driving fatalities accounted for 31 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States. In addition, alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was almost twice as high during the weekend (31%) than during weekdays (16%) and four times higher at night (37%) than during the day (9%).*

If you’re attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant:

Designate your sober driver before the party begins.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself. Eat plenty of food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or if possible stay where you are for the night and don’t drive until you are sober.
Never let friends drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home.
Always buckle up. It’s still your best defense against other drunk drivers.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party:

Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
Host your party just like they do at the stadium. Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game. The fourth quarter is perfect for serving coffee and dessert.
Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.
Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
If an underage person drinks and drives, the parent may be legally liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.
Likewise, parents or other adults who provide alcohol to, or host a party where alcohol is available to, those under age 21 could face jail time.

For more information, please visit http://www.capabilitiesinc.biz/driving.php.

Stay connected with Capabilities Driving School via:

Facebook.com/CapabilitiesED

Twitter.com/CapabilitiesED

YouTube.com/CapabilitiesStMarys

Stay connected with NHTSA via:

Facebook.com/NHTSA

Twitter.com/NHTSAgov

YouTube.com/USDOTNHTSA

SaferCar.gov

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*Note: Daytime – 6 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.; Nighttime – 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.;

Weekday – Monday 6 a.m. to Friday 5:59 p.m.; Weekend – Friday 6 p.m. to Monday 5:59 a.m.

Super Bowl XLVII Drunk Driving Prevention Campaign February 3, 2013

Justin Draper — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:10:15 +0000

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches and excitement swells for the kickoff to the big game, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Capabilities Driving School advises football fans to make the safe and responsible decision to avoid driving after having too much to drink. According to agency statistics, 10,228 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2010. These drunk-driving fatalities accounted for 31 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States. In addition, alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was almost twice as high during the weekend (31%) than during weekdays (16%) and four times higher at night (37%) than during the day (9%).*

NHTSA and Capabilities reminds everyone that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Before choosing to drink, choose your team’s MVP – a sober designated driver – whether you’re attending the game or watching it at a sports bar or Super Bowl party.

CHECKLIST AND TIPS FOR Safe Winter Driving

Justin Draper — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:00:45 +0000

Get your car serviced now.

No one wants to break down in any season, but especially not in cold or snowy winter weather. Start the season off right by ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition.

Visit your mechanic for a tune-up and other routine maintenance.

» Have your entire vehicle checked thoroughly for leaks, bad worn hoses, or other needed parts, repairs, and replacements.

Check your battery.

When the temperature drops, so does battery power. For gasoline-powered engines, be aware that it takes more battery power to start your vehicle in cold weather than in warm. For electric and hybrid vehicles, the driving range is reduced and the battery systems work better after they warm up. Make sure your battery is up to the challenges of winter by:

» Having your mechanic check your battery for sufficient voltage;

» Having the charging system and belts inspected;

» Replacing the battery or making system repairs, including simple things like tightening the battery cable connections;

» Making sure to keep fresh gasoline in an electric vehicle, to support the gasoline system.

Check your cooling system.

When coolant freezes it expands. This expansion can potentially damage your vehicle’s engine block. Don’t let this happen to your vehicle this winter. You should:

» Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and that it’s designed to withstand the winter temperatures you might experience in your area.

» See your vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations on coolant. A 50/50 mix of coolant to water is sufficient for most regions of the country.

» Thoroughly check the cooling system for leaks or have your mechanic do it for you.

» Check to see if your system has been flushed (draining the system and replacing the coolant). If it hasn’t been flushed for several years, have it done now. Over time, the rust inhibitors in antifreeze break down and become ineffective. Coolant also needs to be refreshed periodically to remove dirt and rust particles that can clog the cooling system and cause it to fail.

Fill your windshield washer reservoir.

You can go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid fairly quickly in a single snowstorm, so be prepared for whatever Mother Nature might send your way.

» Completely fill your vehicle’s reservoir before the first snow hits.

» Use high-quality, “no-freeze” fluid.

» Buy extra to keep on hand in your vehicle.

Check your windshield wipers and defrosters.

Safe winter driving depends on achieving and maintaining the best visibility possible.

» Make sure your windshield wipers work and replace worn blades.

» Consider installing heavy-duty winter wipers if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice.

» Check to see that your window defrosters (front and rear) work properly.

Verify floor mat installation to prevent pedal interference.

Incorrect or improperly installed floor mats in your vehicle may interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Remember these tips when installing new floor mats to ensure safe operation of your vehicle:

» Remove old mats before the installation of new mats.

» Never stack mats, as that may increase the potential for pedal interference.

» Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation and use the available retention clips to secure the mat in the proper position. This will prevent the mat from sliding forward.

» Check that the mats are the correct size and fit for the vehicle and do not interfere with the full operation of the foot controls (accelerator, brake and clutch pedals). Whenever the interior of the vehicle is cleaned or the mats have been removed for any reason, verify that the driver mat has been re installed correctly.

Inspect your tires.

If you plan to use snow tires, have them installed before the snow storms hit. Check out www.safercar.gov for tire ratings before buying new ones. For existing tires, check to ensure they are properly inflated (as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer), the tread is sufficient with no uneven wear, and that the rubber is in good overall condition. Note that tire rubber starts to degrade after several years, and older tires need to be replaced even if they have not seen much wear.

Regardless of season, you should inspect your tires at least once a month and always before setting out on a long road trip. It only takes about five minutes. If you find yourself driving under less-than-optimal road conditions this winter, you’ll be glad you took the time.

» Check tire pressure and make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is listed in your owner’s manual and on a placard located on the driver’s side doorjamb (called the “B-pillar”). If a vehicle does not have a B-pillar,then the placard is placed on the rear edge of the driver’s door. Tire pressure drops as the temperature drops. Properly inflated tires ensure optimum tire performance and optimum vehicle driving range.

» Keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle at all times and check pressure when tires are “cold” — meaning they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours.

» Look closely at your tread and replace tires that have uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least 1/16 of an inch or greater on all tires.

Check the age of your tires.

The structural integrity of tires can degrade over time and when that occurs tires are more prone to failure. The effects of aging may not be visibly detectable.

» Check the age of your tires including your spare tire. Look for the tire identification number on the sidewall of the tire, which begins with the letters “DOT.” The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was manufactured.

» Check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations for when to replace a tire. manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use.

Know your car.

Every vehicle handles differently; this is particularly true when driving on wet, icy, or snowy roads. Take time now to learn how to best handle your vehicle under winter weather driving conditions.

» For electric vehicles, several things can be done to minimize the drain on the batteries. If the vehicle has a thermal heating pack for the batteries, make sure your vehicle is plugged in whenever it is not in use. If the vehicle has a pre-heat function to warm the car interior, set it to warm the passenger compartment before you unplug it in the morning.

» Practice cold weather driving when your area gets snow — but not on a main road. Until you’ve sharpened your winter weather driving skills and know how your vehicle handles in snowy conditions, it’s best to practice in an empty parking lot in full daylight.

» Drive slowly. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.

» A word of caution about braking: Know what kind of brakes your vehicle has and how to use them properly. In general, if you have antilock brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure. If you don’t have antilock brakes, pump the brakes gently.

» Stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go if you find yourself in a skid. Stay off the pedals (gas and brake) until you are able to maintain control of your vehicle. This procedure, known as “steering into the skid,” will bring the back end of your car in line with the front.

» When renting a car you should become familiar with the vehicle before driving it off the lot. For instance, you should know the location of the hazard lights in case of emergency. Take a minute to review the owner’s manual in the rental car so that you are prepared.

Plan your travel and route.

Keep yourself and others safe by planning ahead before you venture out into bad weather.

» Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic; plan to leave early if necessary.

» Don’t rush! Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely.

» Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS system, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.

» Keep your gas tank close to full, even with an electric vehicle. If you get stuck in a traffic jam or in snow, you might need more fuel to get home or keep warm. Note: To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when stuck in snow, be sure to keep your vehicle’s exhaust pipe clear of snow and ice, run your vehicle only in the open with t partially down, and run it only long enough to keep warm.

» Wait until road and weather conditions improve before venturing out in your vehicle. If road conditions are hazardous, avoid driving if possible.

Stock your vehicle.

Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving tasks, such as cleaning off your windshield, as well as any supplies you might need in an emergency. Keep the following on hand:

» Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper;

» Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow;

» Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares and markers;

» Blankets for protection from the cold;

» And a cell phone with charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas).

Learn what to do in a winter emergency.

If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, follow these safety rules:

» Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself

» Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light turned on

» To avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If youclear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm.

Protect yourself and your loved ones.

» Remember to always wear your seat belt. Ensure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up as well.

» Do not text or engage in any other activities that may distract you while driving.

» While thick outerwear will keep your children warm, it can also interfere with the proper harness fit of your child in their car seat. Place blankets around your child after the harness is snug and secure.

» Never leave your child unattended in or around your vehicle.

Toledo Community Rehabilitation Partner Meeting

Justin Blumhorst — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:42:19 +0000

Yesterday, we met with a lot of the counselors from the northwest area of the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Comission. We appreciate all the feedback that we received and all the time that we were given to share some great information.

At this meeting, we shared a bulk of information. We started off with some statistics for the 1st Financial Quarter for the northwest area, and then broke down into some more specific information regarding our services. We talked about vocational evaluations, benefits analysis, and our computer training services.

If you are interested in any of the files, here they are all.

If this widget doesn’t work for you, you can view it directly from this link: https://www.box.com/s/d9amul80ozqys86itgz1.