Please check out the new Microsoft Windows Tablet!!
ABC News–>
Cnet–>
Wired Magazine–>
Apple IPAD MINI–>
ABC NEWS–>
CNET NEWS–>
Let me know your thoughts.
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Author Archives: David Berkowitz, Editor in Chief.
Moms With Disabled Children Struggle To Climb The Career Ladder When Children Are Older An FYI For Employers And Society At Large
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- Moms With Disabled Children Struggle To Climb The Career Ladder When Children Are Older An FYI For Employers And Society At Large
It is my privilege to be featuring an article by Mari Nosal this week. She has great insight into the lives of parents and educators of special needs children–>
I have just come back from my umpteenth interview. I have a dream of working in the non profit arena in a community based program helping to empower parents and children to live the most fulfilling life possible. As many of my readers know I have a young adult son with Aspergers and ADD and spent many years fighting for his proper diagnosis ,intervention, and support. Many people with older children on the spectrum recall that Aspergers was not a household word a decade ago. Many supports and better identification techniques abound in the present that were not available when my son was young.
My older son developed a seizure disorder at age 11 which stabilized at age 18 all though is still medication controlled at age 26. The neurologist calls the medication a “band aid effect”. Grand mals were infrequent but focal seizures were frequent during age 11 to 18. For those of you that are not acquainted with focals, children can speak to you but can not answer questions that require recall such as phone numbers, where their mom or dad works etc. On other occasions these children will freeze like statues and must be gently guided to their bed, etc.
I make my statement with a point. Assisting two children let alone one born 22 months apart into some semblance of normalcy takes a toll on family dynamics, husband wife relationship, sibling relationships, and the family dynamics as a whole. Parents in this situation work hard to keep some family normalcy. It is hard work. We are just like any parent, merely wanting the best for our children. Like any parent we will go to the ends of the earth sacrificing our own needs to insure our children’s, and families needs are met.
My research shows that Moms with disabled kids experience less career growth, and tend to earn less money than parents without children with challenges because their children’s demands require extra effort, i.e. therapy appointments, i.e.p.s, and most important intensive ca-retaking demands. In a nutshell Mom cannot be in two places at once and selflessly chooses her children’s welfare over a fat paycheck and a BMW in the driveway. I love my family and would not have had it any other way!!!!!
To contribute financially when my children were young, I worked double shifts on weekends, overnight shifts, evenings during the week, resultant in small amounts of sleep in the evening so I could tend to my kids while my husband was working during the day. I know many woman have done the same thing to make sure their children were properly cared for. Thus, validating my research that woman with special needs kids earn less money.
As a Massachusetts resident this is confirmation to Mitt Romney that I was not a slacker.
Now that I have elucidated on the distinct issues that parents with special needs kids face daily, I will elaborate on my initial statement regarding Moms with older kids attempting to enter the career ladder and fulfill their long forgotten goals. As my children grew and stabilized, I decided to go back to college. This culminated in a bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in sociology in 2005 cum laude. I continued towards my goal of an advanced degree. I completed that in late August 2009 with a 3.78 average. My thesis on education reform and school age programs cancan be found in book form on Amazon.com.
Entering the non profit arena has proved to be difficult. I specifically wish to work with special needs families. I always make it to the second interview to be number two or number three choice. The rationale is always that I did not have enough experience with special needs population. My rebuttal to the world is bold but I must make it.
Parents who bring up children with special needs possess a unique level of experience that would be an asset to any company. We have a unique reflective empathetic capacity born from walking down the path of others in our shoes. We do not get a paycheck for this work but it is work nonetheless. It is a job with no time clock – 24 hours a day. It is a job that does not receive much recognition, merely the ultimate goal of insuring that our children grow into the most independent functioning adults that they can.
Parents walk with your head up high knowing that you are selflessly performing the most difficult job in the world, assuring your child’s well being, and happiness.
To employers here are some of the qualifications I would put on a resume for parents of special needs kids. Although not monetarily compensated it is experience non the less. Never underestimate the power of a special needs parents background.
Experience:
Advocate – nurse -chauffeur – therapist – organizer – special needs advocate – cook who specializes in the palate of special needs children – mind reader and more
Special qualities :
Empathetic – reflective – doesn’t waver emotionally during a crisis – stays positive when life throws curve balls – responsible, altruistic and more
I have gone out on a limb writing an article so personal but I hope I speak for all parents who are not recognized for their unpaid experiences. My goal si to have this article reach as many people as possible on behalf of special needs parents. Education is power.
Special needs parents,you possess many skills, and some are learned through life experience, not merely within a paid job. I speak on all your behalf so you walk with your head up high and remember your fulfillment comes from within you, be proud, and never give up.
Mari N. , M.Ed., CECE
Looking for a Tech Job? 6 Cities Where Tech Start-Ups Thrive
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- YoungBusiness
With new technology companies starting almost every day, it seems like everyone wants to get a piece of the technology pie. Millionaires are being made overnight and many new graduates of Generation Y (ages 20-30) have dreams of striking it rich with a new technology start-up. However, if you are from a town like Atlanta or Omaha, you may not have the best luck. It may be time for you to use an Atlanta self storage company to store all of your items while you try your luck in one of these top six cities where technology start-ups seem to thrive.
Seattle, Washington
According to Forbes, Seattle recently took the top place for Gen Y workers in a study conducted by PayScale. This study ranked several cities based on the median pay received, the amount of wage growth and average commute times. Seattle ranked top on the list because it maintained a 4.4 percent wage increase in the past three years and offers Gen Y workers a median pay of $44,000. The average commute is only a mere 24 minutes. Seattle is currently home to some big tech companies, such as Amazon, Microsoft and Boeing, so there is definitely a strong basis for a new tech start-up to thrive in.
Houston, Texas
Smart Planet states that Houston comes in a close second to Seattle. However, unlike Seattle’s high tech market, Houston is more successful for its oil and gas businesses. So if you want to try your hand in a different industry, Houston may be the perfect option. Plus, the cheap housing market in Houston makes it affordable if you are just starting out.
Boston, Massachusetts
As the home to Harvard and MIT, Boston is definitely not short on the brains. Many new graduates want to start their own companies, but don’t want to travel far. For that reason, Boston is home to several large start-ups, such as the free travel guide and research website Trip Advisor. Plus, the median salary for Gen Y workers in “The City on a Hill” is $46,200. Not too shabby.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world, such as Facebook, Yahoo, Apple and Google. For that reason, it is a great place for you to consider starting your own start-up. San Francisco offers the highest median salary for Gen Y workers, coming in at $51,000. USA Today ranks San Francisco at the top of the list because it is home to 3,442 startups and had $11.8 billion invested in start-ups last year.
New York City, New York
While New York City may be one of the most expensive cities to live in, it is also one of the easiest to make money in. New York is the perfect place if your start-up is somewhat design related. Plus, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is all behind new start-ups. He just approved a $22 million fund for new tech start-ups. Wouldn’t you like to have a piece of that pie?
Boulder/Denver, Colorado
If you want to go to a smaller city, Boulder may be just the option for you. The city is home to big tech companies such as Mapquest and Photobucket. Plus, there are several large companies located there looking for new start-ups to invest in. TechStars has an $80 million fund for up to 50 start-ups, while the Foundry Group invests up to $225 million. Considering the city only has about 100,000 people, that is pretty good odds of making some money.
By Allan Ory and David Berkowitz
Las Vegas Southern Highlands Rain, Lightning Flooding our Report on Youtube-10.11.12!!!
part #1–>
part #2–>
part #3–>
part #4–>
Help us to help autism too–>http://www.indiegogo.com/technewszone?a=1433442
President William(Bill) Jefferson Clinton Speaks In Las Vegas 10.9.12 to Help President Obama’s Election!!
Yesterday, for the first time in my life, as well as the lives of my children, we saw a president and hear him talk at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve on 10.9.2012
Please get out to vote!!
Part 1–>
Part 2–>
Part 3–>
If you also want to help us to help autism, http://www.indiegogo.com/technewszone?a=1433442.
We thank Dinosaur’s and Roses a local Thrift Store and Art Studio in Las Vegas for Helping us with a fundraiser!!!
If you can share the link to this coupon or print it and share it as widely as possible that would be great!!!
We would like to thank Dinosaurs and Roses for believing in us and helping us with a fundraiser!!!
We are trying to help autism via technology, music and the arts and appreciate the help tremendously!!!
Give Your Old Tablet to Arts4Autism and Help an Autistic Child by Vickie Ewell!!!
Technology News Zone aka Arts4autism wants to give the gift of technology to autistic children. If replacing your iPad or other tech equipment, why not donate your old one?
A new Nevada nonprofit corporation, Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc., appeared on the scene last January. Their mission? To give the gift of technology, educational assistance, music, and the arts to autistic individuals and families in need. Run by David J. Berkowitz, a tech-savvy brainiac with Asperger’s Syndrome and father to three children on the spectrum, Berkowitz wants to “pay it forward” by making a difference in the lives of those affected by autism.
Do you have a microphone or DVD player gathering dust in the closet? Are you thinking about replacing your current tablet or laptop? Do you want to update your digital camera to a newer, better model? Why not take a moment and consider how many autistic families can’t afford what you’re not using, or are about to throw away.
Cost of Raising a Child with Autism Hinders Their Future Employment Possibilities
With autism affecting at least 1 in 110 individuals, the direct and indirect costs of raising autistic children in an atmosphere of continued recession here in the United States is hitting Medicaid programs hard. According to The Autism Society, because of declining tax revenues and drained budget reserves, “the vast majority of states are proposing deep and sweeping budget cuts that will hurt families by reducing necessary and proven services.”
Reductions and cuts in health insurance, support services, sensory integration therapy, specialized school programs, family training, and employment support programs means families will either be put on a long waiting list or have to pay for their child’s needs themselves. The less funding families receive in meeting these needs, the less likely they will have money to expose their child to the world’s technological advances that could help prepare them to hold down a job – and therefore benefit society – in the future.
Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc. Wants to Take Up the Slack
David Berkowitz, President of Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc. and regional sales manager for a technical software company, has a passion for technology, education, music, and the arts. When researching how he could personally help his fellow autistics, he found articles and studies that showed tablets were an excellent tool to replace Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. “There is a kindergarten class here in Nevada that is using them for education,” Berkowitz says. “I live, die, and breathe technology. Love it, as do my kids.”
Many children on the spectrum are attracted to technological devices. By capitalizing on that strong interest and obsession, it’s possible to give these kids a strong enough tech foundation to make a real difference in their lives, and the lives of their families. For example, last March, Fox News reported that an Apple iPad could help autistic kids deal with sensory overload.
Many children with autism have trouble communicating their basic needs, making a tablet extremely useful. With the help of apps, tablets provide these kids a way to unlock their “closed state” and communicate their desires and feelings, as well as educate.
Berkowitz shared that “One of my sons, 15-years old, has Asperger’s and is in tech theatre at his high school.” However, educational funding in Nevada is quite low. Berkowitz hopes to be able to receive enough donations that he can gain a 501c status, which will then enable him to help buy things like iPads that schools, families, and other organizations need.
What Can You Do to Help?
While Tech News Zone hopes to receive monetary donations that they plan to put towards buying tablets and other new tech devices for autistic individuals, schools, and other organizations – depending on their need – they also accept used equipment. “It doesn’t have to be the newest technology,” Berkowitz says. “If you don’t know what to do with your old stuff, you can donate it to Tech News Zone.” Examples might include:
Tablet PCs and iPads
musical instruments
microphones for band, choir, and drama clubs
all types of computer equipment
computer software like older Photoshop versions
PC and video games equipment
portable gaming systems
VCRs and DVD players
radios, stereos, and disc players
E-book readers
digital cameras
Basically, anything that deals with electronics, music, or the arts – including corporate sponsorships, name exposure, and anything that will help build autism awareness for their cause. Berkowitz would also like to help give autistic families tickets to plays, concerts, sporting events, or movies; and would appreciate gift cards for various electronic and tech devices.
Giving the Gift of Technology Can Change Lives
Over the past four years, each of the four houses Berkowitz rented went into foreclosure. “I have been downsized, right-sized, and left-sized,” he says. “These foreclosures have harmed our credit. My kids’ lives at times were not as fun as their peers, since we could not afford things like plays, and Disneyland.” While Berkowitz wants to reach out to everyone, his dream is to “help autistic people, their families, and Special Ed classrooms and programs.”
Before you toss away that older laptop, digital camera, tablet, or other technological device, take a minute to think about the difference you can make in someone’s life. “I have always wanted to make a difference,” Berkowitz says, “and decided to finally do it.” Like Berkowitz, you too can decide to give the gift of technology to an autistic child.
Sources
Autism Society, “The Budget Crisis,” (accessed June 14, 2011).
Fox News, John Brandon, “Is the iPad a ‘Miracle Device’ for Autism?” March 9, 2011 (accessed June 15, 2011).
Interview with the President of Autism Advocacy Technology News Zone, Inc., David Joseph Berkowitz
Technology, Music and the arts for Kids with Autism: Tech News Zone Wants to Help by Vickie Ewell!!
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- Ipads helping people with autism learn and communicate
iPads for Kids with Autism: Tech News Zone Wants to Help
Tech News Zone’s Project TEACH offers kids with autism and their families the gifts of technology, music, culture, the arts, and educational assistance.
When the Apple iPad surfaced in April 2010, many schools adopted it to help children with communication and language skills – but with a starting price of $500, it’s pricey. Out of reach for many families with autistic children who could benefit from the device, Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc. (a Nevada nonprofit corporation) wants to help iPads get into the hands of those children.
Established on January 11, 2011, the company has been actively seeking sponsorships and donations to purchase iPads and other technological equipment they can give to those in need; but the response has been lower than anticipated. Even so, David J. Berkowitz, Tech News Zone’s founder and president, remains hopeful that as word spreads and people become aware of their existence, his dream for getting iPads to kids with autism will become a reality.
How an iPad Can Help Autistic Children
Children on the autism spectrum struggle with communication, social, and engagement skills. They have difficulty integrating sensory information and dealing with change. An Apple iPad offers help in all those areas, as well as a unique ability to attract autistic children through their fascination with technology.
While many kids show an equal interest in an iPod, fine motor control difficulties can interfere with their ability to use the tiny icons. An iPad works better because it’s larger, but still portable. For an example of how this newest technological device helps children learn, you can watch a short video of a child with autism tracing letters and learning to spell and read whole words, rather than through phonics.
While many on the spectrum are lower functioning than the child in the video, other apps designed for those with special needs teach:
independence
counting
drawing
life skills
memory skills through remembering pictures
how to make digital puzzles
By keeping autistic children engaged in playing games, this newest trend can eliminate or lessen their desire to withdraw from the world around them. It also helps attention span, motivation, and their ability to interact with parents and educators.
What Makes Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc. Different?
Helping autistic children overcome the negative aspects of autism is a goal that parents, educators, and companies like Tech News all share in common. While not the only ones attempting to raise money for iPads, this company differs because Berkowitz has Asperger’s Syndrome himself. “I know what it’s like to live with autism,” he says. “So I want to help.” With a strong passion for technology, as well as education, music, and the arts, his mission and dream to serve his fellow autistics and their families fuels the upward climb to overcome the obstacles that most newly organized companies face.
But being able to relate to what autistic children go through isn’t his only reason. After losing four rental homes in the last four years due to each going into foreclosure, Berkowitz also understands what it’s like to live on a shoestring budget, to have his credit ruined due to circumstances in life, and not be able to give your kids everything they need.
The drive to advocate for those even less fortunate than himself propels him forward. “I live, die, and breathe technology,” he says. “I love it, as do my kids. I am a brainiac, high functioning as pie.” In addition to the gift of technology, Berkowitz also wants to “help arts programs and inspire them to include those on the spectrum. I am Asperger’s, and my three kids are too. So I have a vested interest in making a difference.”
What Does David Berkowitz Want to Do?
In addition to securing as many iPads as he can get his hands on – through monetary donations, fundraising events, and corporate sponsorships – Berkowitz has implemented Project TEACH. Using each letter in the word to guide him, Berkowitz wants to give the gift of:
T = technology: provide tablets, AAC communications devices, and other computer technology to autistic individuals who need them.
E = educational assistance: ballet lessons, swimming lessons, and skills classes.
A = the arts, culture, and entertainment: donate musical instruments to individuals and classrooms; and provide free tickets to shows, concerts, the theater, and sports events to those who can’t afford them – “So more autistic individuals and families can enjoy their lives.”
C = care and assistance: pay it forward by helping all those in need.
H = holiday help: whether that’s Chanukah or Xmas.
Securing iPads for Kids with Autism is Only the Beginning
It takes a big heart to take on such a large project like giving away Apple iPads, but Berkowitz’s grandiose dreams come with no limits. In fact, he’d like the company to grow into a national foundation for autism one day. But for now, his focus is on getting the necessary funds to gain 501c3 status, engaging with others on Twitter, and running his website: TechNewsZone. “We need all the support possible,” he says. “We accept articles and stories, as well as rants, with regards to the daily struggles of autism.”
He’s also looking for people who can donate their older technological devices gathering dust in the closet, something they just want to update, or their old musical instruments. In addition, he’s always looking for help in building autism awareness and furthering his company’s goals. “If they can get us known, or on a show like Ellen, that would be huge.”
Sources
AOL News, “Engage and Educate Kids with Autism” (accessed June 15, 2011).
Autism Research Institute, Temple Grandin, “Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism,” last revised December 2002 (accessed June 16, 2011).
Interview with the President of Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc., David Joseph Berkowitz
John Bonjovi’s Acoustic Performance at the Obama for America Event in Las Vegas 10/6/2012 At the House of Blues
My family and I had the opportunity to attend an Obama for America event at the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, on October 6, 2012. We got to see an acoustic performance by John Bonjovi.
Please vote this year.
Part 2:–>
Part 3:–>
We are an arts nonprofit 4 autism, please help us to help autism!!!
We would like to thank John Bonjovi for the opportunity to see him and his fellow artists perform in person and helping the campaign!!
As a card carrying member of the middle class I support the president.
Support our campaign on indiegogo as well, http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/240108?a=1433442.
My early picts for Xfactor USA 2012
I love music, our nonprofit’s intent is to help autism via technology music and the arts!!
This young lady is quite an excellent singer–>
Freddy Combs is also very good–>
and Jillian Jensen, can totally relate have been treated different all my life, not fun.
another amazing singer is Jason Brock
I am amazingly impressed by them all, and wish them good luck.
I wish they would help us with exposure for our nonprofit as well.
