During my interview for the communications intern position here, I was told that this summer will be a busy one. That was an understatement.
All the preparations that the AAPD staff members have working are all coming together. With the events coming up on the 20th and the 21st, next week will highlight all the hard work that the staff members here in the office have accomplished and we are all excited for this week to begin!
From day one of my internship I started working on the Disability News Digest, where we compile daily disabilities news across the nation. And from the News Digest I'm glad to see that DC is not the only place where there will be celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the ADA. I am starting to see more and more news regarding celebrations and events for the upcoming anniversary all across the nation.
Also, I started the Countdown to ADA Video Series project the second week I got to the office and I was excited to interview everyone we had lined up, and it's hard to believe that I have finally reached the bottom of that list! This upcoming week, the video series will feature three very prominent leaders in the disability community, and we hope that all of you will watch and learn what it takes to be on the top of the disability community.
This week Amelia and I had the pleasure of going to Senator Leahy's Annual Ice Cream Social, all thanks to Yoshiko Dart! Like most people in our community she has a very hectic schedule planned for this week. I'm sure everyone will be very busy just like Yoshiko and I hope that in the midst of all the events and celebrations we keep our cool and enjoy every minute of the most exciting week of the summer!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Awesome week!
This week I was assigned a project to migrate a website from the old Stellent CMS to the Drupal CMS. Over that past couple weeks I have been learning the in’s and out’s of Drupal, now I get to use what I have learned in a real situation. So far everything has gone relatively smoothly, and I expect to have the project done before my internship reaches fruition. I look forward to the remainder of my internship.
This week I also attended the trip to the Microsoft Technology Center in Reston, VA. I was so excited to attend, as I am a big fan of Microsoft products. During my time there, they presented and demonstrated different technologies and talked in particular about the Enterprise side of Microsoft products; as opposed to the more commonly known consumer products such as Windows and Office. I got to see a few things that I have never seen before, and I also learned some new things about technology I had previously know about. What I found really awesome was their future prospects for consumer and enterprise technology. They had ideas for products that I would absolutely love to get my hands on.
I was a busy week and a good week.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Week Eight
Week Eight
This week it was back to work, and back to business. The week started off with a meeting with Dr. Schulman, the developer of the public comment analysis toolkit (PCAT). I have been working with Dr. Schulman since the beginning of my internship with the USDA developing a video tutorial training module to reduce the time required to implement the software across the different government agencies. I have never witnessed someone so determined to see their software succeed to the highest level of acceptance, implementation into Microsoft. Schulman was amazing, not only is he a brilliant program designer, but he is an amazing salesman who is dedicated to improving his product through what he calls “the voice of the people” or the consumer’s needs. I was fascinated at how down to earth someone whom has received a several million dollar contract from the National Foundation of Science could be. After we finished the meeting Schulman arranged with the USDA he answered many of my personal questions and we went to lunch to discuss his years spent as an organic farmer before he became a college professor at UMASS and work programming software for the government. I am a organic farmer as mentioned in previous blogs and I was delighted to trade tips and secrets back and forth with a Master organic gardener. This experience is probably my most exciting and impressionable this summer, and I would like to end my blog with a giant THANK YOU DR. SCHULMAN, you have changed my opinion of what is possible in my own life and inspired me to continue down the long and winding road I currently find myself on. Schulman you ROCK!!!
Justin Patterson
This week it was back to work, and back to business. The week started off with a meeting with Dr. Schulman, the developer of the public comment analysis toolkit (PCAT). I have been working with Dr. Schulman since the beginning of my internship with the USDA developing a video tutorial training module to reduce the time required to implement the software across the different government agencies. I have never witnessed someone so determined to see their software succeed to the highest level of acceptance, implementation into Microsoft. Schulman was amazing, not only is he a brilliant program designer, but he is an amazing salesman who is dedicated to improving his product through what he calls “the voice of the people” or the consumer’s needs. I was fascinated at how down to earth someone whom has received a several million dollar contract from the National Foundation of Science could be. After we finished the meeting Schulman arranged with the USDA he answered many of my personal questions and we went to lunch to discuss his years spent as an organic farmer before he became a college professor at UMASS and work programming software for the government. I am a organic farmer as mentioned in previous blogs and I was delighted to trade tips and secrets back and forth with a Master organic gardener. This experience is probably my most exciting and impressionable this summer, and I would like to end my blog with a giant THANK YOU DR. SCHULMAN, you have changed my opinion of what is possible in my own life and inspired me to continue down the long and winding road I currently find myself on. Schulman you ROCK!!!
Justin Patterson
Rough week, many lessons learned
Yes, it's been a rough week. I have a habit of doing dumb things sometimes and usually end up getting in trouble. However each time this happens is a great chance to learn about proper work edicate as well as myself. So not too much to report work-wise, just that it's been a long week and I'm glad it's Friday. Today I had the honor of visiting Microsoft's tech center and it was... well... beautiful. I learned a lot about new, exciting Microsoft technology and got a chance to see the mystical cloud. For those non-tech people reading this, the cloud is the future. Essentially the cloud will one day hold all of our documents and information so we can access it anywhere at anytime.
One of the more funny parts of the event today was when the microsoft people kept commenting about broken antennas (referring to the flaw in the new iphone). They later commented "this is one of the few times we get to laugh at apple". That made me laugh.
On a similar note, I bought a mac last week, my second mac ever (first that ive owned, the other I got from my school that I later gave back). I mainly got it for iphone programming, but so far I love the hardware... granted the software isnt "pro" friendly, but this hardware is great. I got a refurb for the money I got from AAPD!! Thank you microsoft for buying me a mac!
I kid... but that is pretty ironic. Oh well! see you next week!
One of the more funny parts of the event today was when the microsoft people kept commenting about broken antennas (referring to the flaw in the new iphone). They later commented "this is one of the few times we get to laugh at apple". That made me laugh.
On a similar note, I bought a mac last week, my second mac ever (first that ive owned, the other I got from my school that I later gave back). I mainly got it for iphone programming, but so far I love the hardware... granted the software isnt "pro" friendly, but this hardware is great. I got a refurb for the money I got from AAPD!! Thank you microsoft for buying me a mac!
I kid... but that is pretty ironic. Oh well! see you next week!
The ADA Generation
I can’t believe I only have 3 weeks left here. As the ADA anniversary approaches, it’s made me think a lot about how lucky all of us are to be part of the “ADA generation.” Even though I don’t currently need to use many of the accommodations it provides, the ADA represents a major attitudinal shift that happened in 1990. The message it sends is that it is our responsibility as a society to accept people with disabilities and to break down as many barriers to independent living, employment, and inclusion as possible. These changes are definitely setting in, though slowly; for example, the CDC just appointed a Chief Officer of Disability and Health (Dr. Vince Campbell) for the first time. We are on our way to protecting the rights and safety of students with disabilities in schools, but students with disabilities still have a lower graduation rate, a higher dropout rate, and are disproportionately subjected to sometimes dangerous interventions such as seclusion and restraint. I feel lucky to have a law protecting our basic rights, but we still have a long way to go.
Speaking of the anniversary, that’s the main focus here at HQ this week. The interns here have been helping with some of the details around our events (like stuffing goody bags for Tuesday’s party), and the invitations for more celebrations just keep coming. I’m really looking forward to next week, especially to attending a NCIL rally and march on Wednesday with Ginny, who runs our Interfaith Initiative, the other HQ interns, and possibly some others. The anniversary seems to be on everyone’s mind; yesterday, I attended a Senate markup of the Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act, and several Senators mentioned that this law would help realize the goals of the ADA more fully. Anyway, I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend before next week’s tornado of events!
Speaking of the anniversary, that’s the main focus here at HQ this week. The interns here have been helping with some of the details around our events (like stuffing goody bags for Tuesday’s party), and the invitations for more celebrations just keep coming. I’m really looking forward to next week, especially to attending a NCIL rally and march on Wednesday with Ginny, who runs our Interfaith Initiative, the other HQ interns, and possibly some others. The anniversary seems to be on everyone’s mind; yesterday, I attended a Senate markup of the Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act, and several Senators mentioned that this law would help realize the goals of the ADA more fully. Anyway, I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend before next week’s tornado of events!
Lucky Seven - The Seventh Adventure
Blogging, is it really useful? It's nice to share my life experiences but does what I write really mean something? I believe that actions speak louder than words. A English proverb that means what I do is more important than what I say. Like my job, it's all about proving myself that I have completed all the tasks to make a difference instead of saying anything at all.
So how's my week? It was decent and dreamy about new opportunities for the future. I had lots of thoughts what I would like to do next after my internship term ends. I think I will try to go grab opportunities that people don't want to give out so I can make a bigger difference. I know that many people do not like to share their power. Getting a job that everybody wants and remaining on the job forever means more competition. I love competition, sometimes it can be ugly, either way its adventure.
I was the only IT Intern to attend to the Brown Bag Lunch with Mr. Peterson. He is a very intelligent leader to listen to, I never get tired of his speeches. I appreciate his contributions. I do not know a lot about health and medicine but I am the logical guy in the Information Technology world. I can learn anything and earn achievements.
Want to hear about my job? I have been researching for Web Content Management Systems (WCMS) for my branch. I believe hundreds of people will be using it. I will explain more about it on the following week.
I love making blogs short, got to keep it simple and avoid unnecessary complexity. Perhaps most readers on the internet do not like to read walls of text? If I wanted to share my entire experience, I think I will need to write a book.
When you get to the top of the mountain, keep climbing. ~ Zen Proverb
So how's my week? It was decent and dreamy about new opportunities for the future. I had lots of thoughts what I would like to do next after my internship term ends. I think I will try to go grab opportunities that people don't want to give out so I can make a bigger difference. I know that many people do not like to share their power. Getting a job that everybody wants and remaining on the job forever means more competition. I love competition, sometimes it can be ugly, either way its adventure.
I was the only IT Intern to attend to the Brown Bag Lunch with Mr. Peterson. He is a very intelligent leader to listen to, I never get tired of his speeches. I appreciate his contributions. I do not know a lot about health and medicine but I am the logical guy in the Information Technology world. I can learn anything and earn achievements.
Want to hear about my job? I have been researching for Web Content Management Systems (WCMS) for my branch. I believe hundreds of people will be using it. I will explain more about it on the following week.
I love making blogs short, got to keep it simple and avoid unnecessary complexity. Perhaps most readers on the internet do not like to read walls of text? If I wanted to share my entire experience, I think I will need to write a book.
When you get to the top of the mountain, keep climbing. ~ Zen Proverb
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism
This Thursday, I attended a briefing organized by Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA) which focused on ensuring adults autism live meaningful lives. I believe there is less focus on the needs of adults with autism today because so much media attention surrounding the “autism crisis” focuses on diagnosing autism & early intervention. While both issues are certainly important they focus almost entirely on children. In general, there is a lack of focus on the needs of adults with disabilities in our society in part because our media largely focuses on children with disabilities only. These children are often portrayed in the media as “saints” to be admired for their “innocence”, while adults with disabilities are “grotesque” figures to be shunned. Today, programs to assist adults with disabilities are significantly less funded than those for children & contain less flexibility in use of funds. I believe this is largely due to such stigmatization of adults with disabilities, displaying how large an obstacle it serves to prevent these gaps from being filled. When there is reference to an “autism crisis”, I respond that the only “crisis” surrounding autism is the undeniable lack of support services which allow for our full inclusion in society. We do not “suffer” from autism for the sole reason that we are autistic, but what many of us really suffer from is unjust stigmatization, isolation & exclusion from viable educational & employment opportunities.
The fact that 90% of people with autism are unemployed & 80% are still living at home is a direct result of the real crisis at hand. The crisis of a lack of options in independent living as well as in variety. I learned at the AFAA briefing that because location of independent living facilities & their services are inseparable, someone must move out if they find the services no longer meet their person-centered needs. We need to ensure people with autism engage in meaningful vocational training that prepares them to enter the workforce while they are still attending high school, have access to services such as job counseling that allow them to find & retain jobs. In addition, employers must not only be exposed to the positives of hiring autistic people (Walgreens for one has made great strides in hiring people with disabilities with success!) but be trained to full understand the strengths & challenges which autistic people face. Lastly, in order to ensure independent & meaningful living for people with autism, we must not only including viable housing & employment options, but also ensure an ability to engage in community life/social activities
Yet this is certainly all easier said than done. And not just because of the need to increase funding, commitment & coordination between both public & private sectors. But also because there is too large a focus on “curing” those of us with autism & other disabilities away. With current stigma & negative viewpoints around disability- especially adults with disabilities- society neglects the fact that so many of us ARE able to live meaningful lives today. When we focus on eugenics & institutionalization as the only options in the midst of this “crisis”, important issues such as independent housing & meaningful employment are virtually ignored.
The fact that 90% of people with autism are unemployed & 80% are still living at home is a direct result of the real crisis at hand. The crisis of a lack of options in independent living as well as in variety. I learned at the AFAA briefing that because location of independent living facilities & their services are inseparable, someone must move out if they find the services no longer meet their person-centered needs. We need to ensure people with autism engage in meaningful vocational training that prepares them to enter the workforce while they are still attending high school, have access to services such as job counseling that allow them to find & retain jobs. In addition, employers must not only be exposed to the positives of hiring autistic people (Walgreens for one has made great strides in hiring people with disabilities with success!) but be trained to full understand the strengths & challenges which autistic people face. Lastly, in order to ensure independent & meaningful living for people with autism, we must not only including viable housing & employment options, but also ensure an ability to engage in community life/social activities
Yet this is certainly all easier said than done. And not just because of the need to increase funding, commitment & coordination between both public & private sectors. But also because there is too large a focus on “curing” those of us with autism & other disabilities away. With current stigma & negative viewpoints around disability- especially adults with disabilities- society neglects the fact that so many of us ARE able to live meaningful lives today. When we focus on eugenics & institutionalization as the only options in the midst of this “crisis”, important issues such as independent housing & meaningful employment are virtually ignored.
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