The Disability Resource Center regularly posts news and current events that would be of interest to those who are interested in issues related to people with disabilities in the Chicago, IL area. http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/disability_resources/current.html The DRC would like to congratulate our Community Access Consultant, Annie Hopkins, for receiving Progress Center's 2008 Advocate of the Year Award. Annie was chosen because of her "passion and creativity" and efforts to push society to "see disability in a new light." The award also recognizes her philosophy, "Embrace diversity, educate your community, empower each other. Love life," as well as her potential for future contributions to Disability Culture. Congratulations Annie! http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/disability_resources/current.html#annie ATTN: The sidewalk by the UIC Forum along Halsted Street is under construction and is blocked for pedestrian traffic. You are advised to plan an alternative route if you need to get to south campus. http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/disability_resources/current.html#sidewalk TechWorks Internship Program:Creating New Career Opportunities in Technology2009 Summer Information Technology Internships for Chicago’s High School and College Students with Disabilities, 2009 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, For the first time, disabilityworks at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities are proud to offer a summer internship program designed specifically for Chicago high school and college students with disabilities interested in careers in information technology, (I.T.). The School to Work Initiative will provide 20 students with the exclusive opportunity to participate in a 13 week I.T. internship with some of Chicago’s most prestigious corporations. Hor more information go to: www.chicagotechworks.org http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/disability_resources/current.html#techworks The horrible incident was caught on tape and a captioned slideshow is available describing the incident as well as a youtube video with more details of the incident is available online. http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/disability_resources/current.html#deputy The Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA) was passed August 2007 and requires the University of Illinois at Chicago to ensure that their web sites, systems, and other information technologies are accessible to people with disabilities. While the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require the State to address accessibility in general, the IITAA requires the State to establish and follow specific, functional accessibility standards for information technology and to address accessibility proactively. http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/disability_resources/current.html#IITAA