Keeping up: Technology's Rapid Changes and Effects on People with Disabilities

The National Council on Disability is interested in evaluating how Americans with disabilities are faring in this new digital media age. NCD is interested in examining the accessibility of new media and technologies developed, documenting successful development processes, understanding consumer needs, and identifying the facilitators and barriers to the technology transfer for employment purposes. Through this research, NCD will aim to educate designers about how specific new technologies intersect with the employment needs of individuals with disabilities. This research will aim to provide technology developers with knowledge on how their complex products can be developed in a cost-effective way and used to increase the employment of people with disabilities.

Amount: $150,000

Due date: August 7, 2009

As part of this research, six new media sources and/or digital technology products will be analyzed for their utility in employment settings, and their accessibility to people with disabilities. This analysis should include market trends, potential consumers, facilitators and barriers to expanding the market to employment settings, industry practice, and accessibility. NCD proposes to collect data on the experiences of people with disabilities in this new media environment; highlight accomplishments, and determine recommendations for how digital media accessibility for people with disabilities can be improved. NCD hopes the information in this report will motivate and drive the development of new technologies that will improve the employment status of people with disabilities.

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NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology & Mathematics (S-STEM)

The National Science Foundation announces a request for proposals (RFP) from universities interested in providing scholarships for academically talented, financially needy students, enabling them to enter the workforce following completion of an associate, baccalaureate or graduate-level degree in science, technology or mathematics. Grantee institutions are responsible for selecting scholarship recipients, reporting demographic information, and managing the S-STEM project at the institution.

Amount: $600,000 to be spread across 5 years

Due date: 09/14/09 (notice of intent due 08/11/09)

According to NSF, "The S-STEM program emphasizes the importance of recruiting students to science and engineering disciplines, mentoring and supporting students through degree completion, and partnering with employers to facilitate student career placement in the STEM workforce. Participating institutions are expected to support the goals of the S-STEM program including:

• Improved educational opportunities for students;
• Increased retention of students to degree achievement;
• Improved student support programs at institutions of higher education;
• Increased numbers of well-educated and skilled employees in technical areas of national need.

Students to be awarded scholarships must demonstrate academic talent and financial need. In addition, they must be US citizens, permanent residents, nationals, or refugees.

For more information click here.