Baruch College hosts the "Employment and Visual Impairment: Policy & Practice" conference. Karen Gourgey, Director, Computer Center for Visually Impaired People (CCVIP), moderates the event. The conference is co-sponsored by American International Group (AIG) and Verizon with additional support from the New York Community Trust, the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, and the Allene Reuss Memorial Trust.

The event takes place on April 2, 2008, at the Baruch College Vertical Campus, Room 14-220.

[Part I -- 69 min.]

Opening Remarks

Ann Clarkson, Assistant Dean, Continuing and Professional Studies, Baruch College; Barbara Sirois, Director, Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, Baruch College; David Birdsell, Dean, School of Public Affairs, Baruch College

Plenary Session: Policy & Practice

Moderator: Barbara Fife, School of Public Affairs, Baruch College

Presenters: Tony Spinelli, former Regional Director, Rehabilitation Services Administration; Arnie Kramer, District Manager, NYC Commission for the Blind & Visually Handicapped District Office; and Aaron Shmueli, Disability Program Navigator Supervisor, Goowill

[Part II -- 40 min.]

Keynote Address by Gale A. Brewer, NYC Council Member and Chair of the Committee on Technology in Government, introduced by David Birdsell, Dean, School of Public Affairs, Baruch College

[Part III -- 68 min.]

Matthew Sapolin, Commissioner, NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, presents Access Builder awards to exemplary employers chosen by the Metropolitan Placement Consortium for Visually Impaired Job Seekers

Plenary Session: Employee/Manager Relationship

Moderators: Barbara Sirois, Director, Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, Baruch College; Leah Schanke, Training and Development Specialist, Office of Human Resources, Baruch College.

Presenters: Sherry DeFrancesco and Mel Tansman, Westchester Disabled on the Move; R. Brian Watson, JPMorgan Chase; Giovanni Aguirre and Derek Suarez, BPA International