National Industries for the Blind Seeks Applicants for Joseph Roeder Assistive Technology Scholarship

Application Deadline May 5

April 4, 2012, ALEXANDRIA, VA, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is seeking applicants for the Joseph Roeder Assistive Technology Scholarship, a $2,500 scholarship to an individual who is blind; interested in pursuing education in computer science, information systems or a related field; and pursuing a career in access technology. The scholarship is named in memory of Joe Roeder, who served as senior access technology specialist at NIB from 1997 until his death in 2010.

Mr. Roeder had 40 years of experience in the fields of design engineering, electronic information systems, training and business management, including experience as a mechanical and nuclear engineer at Bechtel Power Corporation. He was instrumental in the development of Section 508 of the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, which requires all federal government agencies to provide accessible data and information for employees with disabilities.

In late 2011, NIB launched a new Section 508 Assurance Service to address software, systems and website accessibility and usability conformance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The service provides conformance and usability testing, validation, and remediation services for websites, portals and applications; electronic documents; and legacy applications.

All applications and additional documents must be submitted online no later than May 5, 2012. The top candidates will be interviewed by phone during the week of May 21, 2012, and the winner will be announced in June 2012. The scholarship application is available online.

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About National Industries for the Blind (NIB) www.nib.org
NIB is a nonprofit organization focused on its mission to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment.  NIB and its network of 90 associated nonprofit agencies nationwide serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act.

Contact:
Gail Adams
Communications Manager
703-310-0568
gadams@nib.org