Episode Notes
The Government opened its COVID testing website a day early and Kim and I have all the information about this first Phase, Accessible tests and some Advocacy information.
Jeanine joins us to share some great and helpful tips for self-home testing and to tell us how AIRA is ready, willing and Trained to help.
In our second hour Anthony speaks with Katie and Richard about their new roles and all things APH Connect.
Katie Frederick currently serves as the Digital Content Manager for VisionAware, part of the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) ConnectCenter. In this role, she works with colleagues creating and promoting content for individuals and families impacted by blindness or vision loss. Prior to joining APH, Katie was the Community Manager and Accessibility Lead for the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), supporting the organization’s committees, chapters, taskforces, and providing digital accessibility guidance. Katie previously worked at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), as a Program Administrator, responsible for outreach and community engagement efforts. In addition, Katie worked as an Accounting Technician for the federal government, served as a Digital Accessibility Specialist at the Ohio State University, and was the Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind of Ohio for several years. An active member of many nonprofit boards, Katie advocates for people who are blind or experiencing vision loss in Ohio and nationwide.
Richard Rueda has worked in the field of Human and Social Services specializing in Blindness and Low Vision since 1992. Richard began his professional career in 2001 with the State of California’s Department of Rehabilitation (DoR) as a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. In 2005, Richard stepped into the statewide role of Transition Coordinator at DoR where he worked with students and staff at the California School for the Blind as well as hosting summits and Transition forums across California. Since 2010 Richard worked with well-known nonprofits in southern and northern California, including Junior Blind of America and LightHouse for the Blind, where he continued to organize, implement, lead and influence Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre ETS) residential and nonresidential programs.
Relocating to Sacramento in 2015, Richard joined Society for the Blind to develop CareersPLUS, a one-of-a-kind Transition program for youth, young adults and families.
In autumn 2020, Richard joined the American Printing House for the Blind’s ConnectCenter, where he manages CareerConnect.
Presently, Richard continues to collaborate with agencies for the blind and disability organizations seeking consultation on promising practices in the Pre-ETS Transition field. Richard also participates on committees and boards of non profits advancing wellness and social justice for blind and under served populations.
Richard is a 2001 graduate of California State University of Los Angeles where he holds his bachelor’s degree in Vocational Counseling.
nter.org home page is where our community events calendar lives as well as links to the sites that make up the ConnectCenter.
FamilyConnect.org is our one-stop resource for parents and families impacted by blindness or vision loss.
APHCareerConnect.org is the place to go for jobseekers, individuals who are employed and others.
VisionAware.org is an excellent resource for adults adjusting to blindness or vision loss and their family and friends, to learn about support groups, blogs, and more.