GimpGirl Community:

Job Posting

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:36:01 GMT

Girls Organizing Coordinator

Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, a Center for Independent Living,
seeks a full-time Girls Organizing Coordinator.

The Coordinator will facilitate Access Living's support, education and
action group for young women with disabilities, the Empowered Fe Fes.
S/he will provide this member-led group with peer support. S/he will
maintain a multimedia library on topics related to sexuality and
disability, including archival records of the Empowered Fe Fes. In
addition, the Coordinator will educate community-based organizations on
ablism and the integration of young women with disabilities.

Applicants must be individuals who are independent and creative
self-starters committed to social change. People with disabilities and
members of other oppressed communities are especially encouraged to
apply. We will accept applications until September 19, 2008.

Access Living offers excellent medical and vacation benefits.

Interested candidates should mail or fax a resume and cover letter to:

Neil Anderson
Human Resources Coordinator
Access Living
115 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610

(312) 640-2100 (phone)
(312) 640-2138 (fax)
(312) 640-2102 (tty)
rpatrick@accessliving.org

GimpGirl Community Support Meeting, 8/30 @ 12pm PST

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:29:00 GMT

In the month of August, we'll be talking about a variety of topics related to self-awareness and personal safety. We welcome you to post your thoughts in the forum, or in any of our communities online, as well as discussing them in our weekly meetings.

We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.

NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.

Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/174/22/21
(PLEASE CLICK ON SKYBOX ON 3D MAP TO TELEPORT TO MEETING)

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this meeting online via IRC. To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl

...and choose the option that works best for you.

"Hired the disABLED" Career Expo

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:02:30 GMT

WHEN: Monday, November 17th, 2008 10am to 3pm
WHERE: Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 2004
WHAT: 6th Annual Career Expo for people with disABILITIES in Washington, DC to meet with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies looking to recruit new talent.

PRE-REGISTER TODAY!

Get into the CAREER EXPO faster and attach your resume which will go onto a CD Disk and be given to all recruiters!
For further information, contact info@eop.com

Register for the CAREER EXPO at: http://www.eop.com/exporegistration.html

A Word on Words

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:55:08 GMT

    So I haven't posted here in a while. But I've been busy. I got an internship at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, in Washington DC. I'll be helping to set up an exhibit on the history of disability in the US. It is slated to open in 2010, to mark the 20th anniversary of the passage of the ADA.
    i was interviewed about the opportunity for my local paper last week. I didn't want the story to be one of those touchy-feely pieces about how inspirational I am. I tried to steer the interview more toward a discussion of my love of history, how I found my passion for disability history, what I wanted to do with it, that kinds thing.
    The article came out today. It's more towards the inspirational vein than the historical one , which i kind of knew it would be, I am fine with that. I am happy with how it came out. Except for two little phrases. The reported said that I was "afflicted with" CP and that I was "confined to" a wheelchair. This does not reflect my atitude toward my disability at all. I HAVE CP, I am not AFFLICTED with it. My chair is a TOOL, I am not CONFINED to it. It especially annoys me because I was trying to convey to the reporter that I think of disability as a social problem to be dealt with by everyone, able, and disabled, and not as an individual medical problem to be pitied or cured. The fact that he used these words just means he didn't get it, which irks me. What do others think?

GimpGirl Support Meeting, 8/22 @ 5pm PST

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:52:47 GMT

This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details.

We are holding our next support gathering for women with disabilities on:

Friday, August 22nd from 5:00 - 6:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(8:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)

In the month of August, we'll be talking about a variety of topics related to self-awareness and personal safety. We welcome you to post your thoughts in the forum, or in any of our communities online, as well as discussing them in our weekly meetings.

We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.

NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY. Meetings are in text only unless you make arrangements with us for adaptations as needed.

Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/174/22/21
(PLEASE CLICK ON SKYBOX ON 3D MAP TO TELEPORT TO MEETING)

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this meeting online via IRC. To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl

...and choose the option that works best for you.

New Community

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:19:50 GMT

FEEL FREE TO DELETE IF INAPPROPRIATE.
Hi All!
I just created a community at
glbtq_disabled
. It's for members of the GLBTQQIA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, queer, allied and asexual) community to make friends and discuss being GLBTQQIA AND disabled in any way, be it physical, mental, learning, etc. Anyone--be they GLBTQQIA, interested in the subject, or anything in between--is welcome to check it out and join. Be sure to tell your friends!
Thanks,
Caitlin

Access issues registering at GimpGirl Web site

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:30:17 GMT

I just attempted to register at the GimpGirl Web site and found the edit fields confusing. I'm a screen reader user and, while I found many of the fields to be labeled "required," it was not always clear to me what information should go into each field.

Did I miss something? I would be more than willing to help out with accessibility feedback if it is needed.

Also, I was hoping to log onto the IRC channel and test out my equipment--my mic went through the wash a few weeks ago--and so I was wondering if there are ever people about on the IRC channel outside of meeting times? I'm hoping to make tomorrow's meeting but may have a schedule conflict.

GimpGirl Support Meeting, 8/16 @ 12noon PST

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:30:15 GMT

NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.

Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/174/22/21
(PLEASE CLICK ON SKYBOX ON 3D MAP TO TELEPORT TO MEETING)

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this meeting online via IRC. To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl

...and choose the option that works best for you.

GimpGirl Community Support Meeting Online, Aug. 8 @ 5 PM Pacific

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:52:08 GMT

This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details. This meeting is also listed in our calendar.

We are holding our next support gathering for women with disabilities on:

Friday, August 8th from 5:00 - 6:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(8:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)

In the month of August, we'll be talking about a variety of topics related to self-awareness and personal safety. We welcome you to post your thoughts in the forum, or in any of our communities online, as well as discussing them in our weekly meetings.

We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.

NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.

Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/174/22/21
(PLEASE CLICK ON SKYBOX ON 3D MAP TO TELEPORT TO MEETING)

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this meeting online via IRC. To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl

...and choose the option that works best for you.

Economy

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:15:39 GMT

This question was posted by a member in our Facebook community and is being reposted here for comment:

Question for the community --

Everyone is under more economic stress right now. Does having a disability affect your ability to cope with the sudden rise in cost of living? For example, I can't imagine what I would do if I was still driving the wheelchair-accessible van I used to use. It would cost me more than $120 to fill the gas tanks at today's prices! What are other people doing to cope?

Self awareness and safety

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:47:08 GMT

In regard to this month's theme of self-awareness and safety, I thought it was very interesting during the meeting how many shades there was to different peoples opinions of what of self-awareness is and how it relates to safety. As I mentioned in the meeting, my personal opinion of what self awareness is is both knowing your body and what it is capable of, and also being aware of the environment your body is in. As a woman with a physical disability, I have to know how far I can push my body without it becoming dangerous. For instance if I get too tired, I risk falling and hurting myself or simply not being able to pick up or manipulate things that I need to. Also, if I push myself too far in the wrong environment there are other risks as well such as a lowered ability to pay attention to what's around me (people, objects, etc.). As was also mentioned in the meeting by others, for many people with disabilities, part of being self-aware and aware of your environment is being aware of the state of your household and the people in it and how they interact with your life.

I'm really curious what everyone else who was not in the meeting thinks about this topic! It honestly is a much broader and deeper topic then I personally first gave it credit for. What does everyone else think?

Victorians with Disabilities Dance Benefit, 8/3/08

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:50:51 GMT

Victorians with Disabilities Dance Benefit, 8/3/08
Originally uploaded by msjennylin

Today's Victorians with Disabilities Dance benefiting GimpGirl Community was a success beyond anyone's expectations! The ballroom was packed with 37 avatars, and between donations made at the event and matching funds from a sponsor L$78,290 was collected! That is about $293 USD. What a wonderful job by the people at Radio Riel and GimpGirl Community staff. The event went on for two hours solid, and continued on afterwords with an equally packed after party! Congratulations everyone!

See all of the pictures for the event at: http://flickr.com/groups/gimpgirl/pool/

GimpGirl Support Meeting, 8/3 @ 11:30 pm PST

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:58:29 GMT

We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.

NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.

Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/174/22/21
(PLEASE CLICK ON SKYBOX ON 3D MAP TO TELEPORT TO MEETING)

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this meeting online via IRC. To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl

...and choose the option that works best for you.

Victorians with Disabilities Dance

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:44:12 GMT

This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details.
***

Join us in the Victorian sim, Caledon, for a Victorian themed dance benefit for GimpGirl Community! Come see the steam punk wheelchairs and beautiful architecture dressed in your period appropriate finest (or just join in the fun in whatever you have on!), and listen to Victorian and modern music from Lady Gabrielle and Radio Riel while enjoying the good company. This is the perfect opportunity to break out those poofy dresses and top hats!

Sunday, August 3 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(4:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)

Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Carntaigh/192/128/23
You will land at the beginning of a stone path. Follow the stone path around the corner and all the way to the end where the very large structure is. People should be around to help you find the right spot!

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this party online via IRC (like many others do!), and listen to the music (see below). To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl

To LISTEN TO THE MUSIC online (if you're not on SL), go here:
http://music2.radioriel.org

SL Party

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:07:51 GMT

Wheeee!

Nice music at this event, and lots more fun than a lot of places I've been to in Second Life.

GimpGirl Community On-line Dance Party, 7/31, 6 PM SLT/Pacific

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:26:52 GMT

This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details. This event is also on our calendar.
***

GimpGirl Community is having an end-of-the-month party on Thursday night! Our fave GimpGirl Ally Second Life DJ Namav will be playing his mix of rock, blues, funk, and your requests! May be a contest or two! EVERYONE is welcome.

Thursday, July 31 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(9:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)

Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/172/24/23
You should land on the dancefloor on our roof!

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this party online via IRC, and listen to the music (see below). To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl

To LISTEN TO THE MUSIC online (if you're not on SL), go here:
http://purple.neostreams.info:11188/listen.pls

Postsecondary Education

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:19:00 GMT

In working to find the appropriate university setting for me to attend, I have developed a love and passion for disabled college students. As I mentioned in my introductory post, I will be attending Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. I don't officially get any kind of acceptance letter until December, but it just feels right. Sometimes things just happen like that.

One of the major influences of the university is the disability services department. The department consists of nearly 200 students, 6-10 faculty and staff per year who are accommodated, and one director. Accessibility is the number one priority for the director, which is demonstrated by his use of the "handicap access buttons" dispursed throughout campus and the frequent, sometimes overuse of ramps in parking lots. There will never be a building that cannot be accessed by an individual using a wheelchair, regardless of the age of the building. Some of those buildings are 200+ years old, and yet they have done a marvelous job. Outside of some of the buildings, outdoor elevators are even used. Outdoor elevators can comfortably fit one wheelchair and maybe one person standing.

Now that I have told you a bit about my experience with the "most accessible campus in Georgia," what are your experiences, both good and bad, with accessibility and accommodations at the postsecondary level?

SL Meeting Snapshot

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:48:48 GMT

This is a Second Life snapshot taken from the online meeting we just had:

I'm the one in hat and radioactive symbol t-shirt. Are you in this too?

And while I remember, one of our number, Unmasked, makes music and is selling albums of it online. Please check out her website - she has demos you can listen to there.

My Introduction

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:41:05 GMT

I know I have been a member of this community for quite some time, but I have never posted a formal introduction. Now's the time, so here you go...

Hi Everyone. My name is Erin, and I'm an eighteen year old high school senior living in Georgia. I have cerebral palsy; the more specific diagnosis is spastic hemiplegia. I have lived in Georgia for all of my eighteen years and have a zest for life that is often looked at in terms of my being over enthusiastic about the little things. I enjoy reading, writing, playing around with the computer and Internet, working with special needs young people and children, disability advocacy and awareness, poetry, and speaking Spanish.

I have a twin sister who was born without many medical complications and definitely without any congenital lifelong effects of disabilities or anything of the sort. We were born at 26 weeks gestation, and I had a grade four brain hemorrhage at birth, which is what caused the CP and led to my having hydrocephalus as well.

My future aspirations include attending Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. If you are looking for a school with exceptional disability services and accommodations, this would be one of them. There, I would like to study special education and Spanish, and then go on to obtain my master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling to become either a VR counselor or the director of disability services for a university. Milledgeville, home to GCSU, is one of the most accommodating cities I've found in the state of Georgia. It is home to the Central State Hospital, which was formerly known as the state's mental institution, but it now houses various programs, both residential and outpatient, for developmentally disabled individuals.

As part of my 'giving back' to the wonderful community of GimpGirl, I am always here to answer your questions, to lend an open ear, and as always, I have an open heart! I look forward to getting to know many of you!

GimpGirl Support Meeting, 7/26 @ 5pm PST

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:43:14 GMT

Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/174/22/21
(PLEASE CLICK ON SKYBOX ON 3D MAP TO TELEPORT TO MEETING)

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this meeting online via IRC. To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl

...and choose the option that works best for you.

BlogHer '08 - Second Life Panel

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:05:32 GMT

BlogHer '08 in Second Life Panel
Originally uploaded by msjennylin

x-posted to jennylin

Yesterday we presented at the BlogHer '08 in Second Life panel "BlogHer Event: Second Life Break-Out Session #4: Using Second Life for Good" with Susan Tenby of TechSoup/Nonprofit Commons and Connie Reece of the Frozen Peas Fund. We all talked about doing a social good on not only Second Life, but all social networks on the Internet in general. It was really great to hear what other very successful women have done to grow and promote their organizations online.

It had a great turnout in world of over 30 people, and was wonderfully live blogged by Amy Sample Ward (a fellow Portlander!).Transcripts, and links to pictures and the live blog are available on the GimpGirl Community website. It was a great event! I'm already looking forward to BlogHer next year.

BlogHer Panel Live Blog TODAY

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:08:24 GMT

We will be taking part in the BlogHer '08 in Second Life panel "Break-Out Session #4: Using Second Life for Good" and you are invited to watch it live blogged!

When: TODAY at 1:45pm Pacific
Where: http://www.gimpgirl.com/mod/resource/view.php?id=24

The boxes will stay gray until the event starts, then you will see text start to scroll! (I apologize for any accessibility issues as the interface looks questionable for certain adaptive technology and this was last minute.)

Worst Interview yet

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:58:08 GMT

    A few weeks ago, I applied for a proofreader position at a local coin company. I was excited when I was called for an interview. I corresponded with the woman via e-mail and spoke to her on the phone prior to the interview. I never disclosed that I have a disability. Now, I think anyone who read my resume should at least have an inkling that I have a disability, given that all of my experience is in some way related to disability issues.
    When I met the woman who was to interview me, I quickly realized that she had no clue that I was in a chair. Her eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. and stayed that way for the rest of the interview. I met her in the lobby, so had to take the elevator up to her office. The first words out of her mouth were "Can you ride the elevator?" This set the tone for the entire interview. She asked me before I even started if I needed extra time for a test i had to take. This was understandable, but annoying. The last question she asked me was just plain illegal. She asked it I could drive. I answered the question she was really asking, which was would I have trouble getting to work? I said that that would not be an issue.
    All I know is that I'm tired for making allowances for others ignorance.

GimpGirl Support Meeting On-line (Second Life and IRC): 12-1 PST Sun July 20 2008

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:43:45 GMT

This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details.

We are holding our next support gathering for women with disabilities on:

Sunday, July 20th from 12:00 - 1:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(3:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)

In July, we will be telling our stories, and we'd particularly love to hear from all our new members. Share with us your experiences, the things that matter to you, and how they relate to being a woman with a disability.

We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.

NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.

Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/174/22/21
(PLEASE CLICK ON SKYBOX ON 3D MAP TO TELEPORT TO MEETING)

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this meeting online via IRC. To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl

...and choose the option that works best for you.

BlogHer '08 - Second Life LAST DAY TO REGISTER!

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:10:24 GMT

Just a quick note to everyone to let you know that the last day to register for the BlogHer event in Second Life is today by noon Pacific Time! That means you have less than three hours from when I post this to register! I apologize for the late announcement, but I did not know that they were closing registration today. Only those who register may attend.

To register: http://www.blogher.com/blogher-second-life-update-final-agenda-and-registration-update