[NFBKTAD] FW: Apex Program - October Newsletter

Wed Oct 1 18:07:49 UTC 2025

Good Afternoon:

Something to share from our friends at Novacoast!

Respectfully,

Todd

Todd E. Stephens, President

NFB Kentucky Technology Assistance Division (TAD)

From: Novacoast Apex Program Team <apexprogram at novacoast.com> 
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 8:56 PM
To: todde.stephens at windstream.net
Subject: Apex Program - October Newsletter

 <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6X83lYM-W6N1vHY6lZ3mCW3by0Md80ygwJW59Tb532rKHgkW1mj-8P8KM-rxW3jvv9g8hKjGlW3tFbF66qwcq3W1Khnkq7lFy53N84FV18sRlj9W5XDV5B7-DL5yW2kbJBb8WZ1G9W3kJ3px8GVcMTW4-BtL_6_7wyyVjhg-Y51-J48W6QbKFF7W5Vr1VQ-_cm4vnQHBW8KKqrM7Lj0j8W3xRT5G2x1MBRW1w1WWq5x7Jn-W7kBPcb4HYnRzN6y59fvgBBGFW6KDhPM1clcJlW5SRZ8V7RZDlSW6rPFhT5SKQlpf2M2PmK04> 

October Newsletter

Program + Curriculum Updates | Success Stories + More

  <https://reach.novacoast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/accent-newsletter%20(1).png?width=1196&upscale=true&name=accent-newsletter%20(1).png> 

What's the Latest?

*	The Apex Program is launching a new effort to spotlight our recent graduates! 
Last week, we kicked things off with an awareness post on LinkedIn introducing the initiative. And today, our first graduate spotlight went live—featuring one of our talented alumni ready to take the next step in their career. 

Be sure to check out both posts and follow along as we continue highlighting the incredible individuals coming out of the Apex Program.

  <https://reach.novacoast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/LinkedIn%20Logo-1-1.png?width=60&height=58&upscale=true&name=LinkedIn%20Logo-1-1.png> Follow us on LinkedIn and check out our new posts  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6Xs3lYM-W7lCdLW6lZ3n4W5RHgxg1xZXnyW6PlTXb49KDGGN7S-7mGbhCRPW4Yyj4X8dKZMCN63z-yRf0c7KW1RDn712KzykGW341JxP8t5Lf9W1_DK-t79GJl-V5WQLD5PW2YYW49nZPk1thMVKW5MjBjC1DQMCkW2Ndhkn6tbTVLW3Hdq0h4cWRG2W7zgPKG92NLdcW6xT83s7WmNRPW34ST445SscqdW5J_VDH4ZW7FZW2f036K8DJ-PXW17FFGd7xzhKyN2T11pz2D_6jW2fvT_m5-SyYfW8xdvbK3_Tq5dW5FGK2V7WQqSxW68-dWT87pXGRf79v4fl04> here.

*	Getting Started: Creating Your CompTIA and Pearson VUE Accounts
If you are planning to begin your certification journey with us, there are a few important steps to complete before scheduling your CompTIA exam.

*	CompTIA has recently updated their website, and all new students must create an account. This account will provide you with a CompTIA ID Number, which is required when setting up accommodations and registering with Pearson VUE 

Step 1: Create Your CompTIA Account

1.	Go to the CompTIA website:  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6X83lYM-W6N1vHY6lZ3pyW85Pmzw2R4xv2W8yPw308mKPZcW6mLZhJ7xtK7VW4wDyv34Qg-r2N97wpHXbbB_-N4F0zk2rYJW4W768FMk2f_40CN6m8ST3rr_VNW92xMyV3LLjW9W5bMkrH7JB_2jW4sNl5p11xVskN7vxc6T7_8mkVcysJ44H5ySpW87Zv961tTc9MW80l__m5XnpDDW1X_mZK8qbky4W4tL_Gj69R2L0W7l0GlX2-KqqLW7fXL-f4d5-TWW9g1W0b5H86N5W3YB9ZB9dtydfW1tmttB8xnmfvf4Ttc-404> www.comptia.org
2.	Select “Login” at the top right of the page.
3.	Choose “Customer Profile.”
4.	Select “Create an Account.”
5.	Enter your email address when prompted.
6.	You will receive a verification email at the address you provided. Open the email and follow the directions.
7.	Once your account is created, you will be given a CompTIA ID Number.

*	Keep this number safe, as it is required for your Pearson VUE accommodations and exam registration.

Step 2: Create Your Pearson VUE Account

1.	Go to the Pearson VUE account creation page:
 <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6Xs3lYM-W7lCdLW6lZ3kXW1yFkmC7LgQ9kW6tKxS48rXGmpN6C_KD8NX2xpTRm9H7GCkKBW6YnhZv2fDZqgW74jwlN4Vz_xSW90QzWt2D2TXgW8dbXx_1bkgTMN98jk_4dJ2fqW8GFb216Fk1fwW3VNCrj1cgW8yW2MsCB58RddrvMwcdph_7GwRW4J4BgQ6BpYt3W3Fb4td4WJ1LgW18pMwr1Vyq9tW5gTxMZ1mdXCPN600Vc84H_6HN8BNStBr2t6sW1rqhF45Wl6FRW7T40XM3xlGTMW586sS18q2KTpW1BjX7y8mfClDW8g71mp5jR1Y7f5yXY_204> https://vue.onhgcloud.com/asp/HgPortal.asp
2.	If you require accommodations, you may submit your request here as well:  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6Xs3lYM-W7lCdLW6lZ3lgW3SWPzJ8ZdFR_W43mJCW2Ykt4MVjF0QN85ByqkW6KgDdx623z_-W7cc16X3TvXY-N73TM8B6THbTW5pHpST7GMPPkW7HWBR01hmsbHW6h8cg83kNmS_W3TdWJY2DBtrVW37C3vV2cpQypW3p8XpW22vYdfW3c6hX24YfMT9W30CLsc1D6pL-W2nCJS02hFWbvW4L8b90819x_PN3kZwyW9DLpwV1x-HW6wrNyJVFGKP05z2FjgMY05jdlLb-cW2Y9Nvl8JKGh4W2GY7q51XWy5JW1Y1nvd4T53k3W3j4lhP1J_M4qf9cgJyg04> https://vue.onhgcloud.com/asp/HgPortal.asp

Completing these two steps ensures you are ready to move forward with the training and exam scheduling.

*	The Apex Program’s Curtis Jackson Quarterly Scholarship continues in our quest for candidates!

Each quarter, one deserving student will be awarded a full scholarship to the Apex Program. If you or someone you know is interested, be sure to apply through our  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6X83lYM-W6N1vHY6lZ3mBW8Dk0dp269MhYN4LZW35Qds1gW8Z9wSV8PtTLQW5xN7RZ18YsFTN5Sz8hMZdqZtW52zFnK67jcNvW58RKVf2XY5NxW1XdnvG5-vTWcN5DjH-ggqB98W5y988t5ysymWW9k60bq6nhzKVW7zBNgS3P_MH-W1P-bKm2X4B8fVQ5WwM2XS2LcW25T6X11B6598W9bRGZ97v3CKkW2jd3W16dd21PW9m346J3tNpXLW5dy8p04v_KvYW3v_gf71z2jfTW5_SckQ11G49PW3sCm-x2tPSdkf8V9sld04> contact form.

✨ Our scholarship recipients so far:
• Donna Jodhan (2nd Quarter)
• Marcus Evans (3rd Quarter)

Marcus’s journey is especially inspiring—he trained at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, where Curtis once served as his mentor. Seeing them connected through this scholarship is truly a full-circle moment. Check out his spotlight on LinkedIn  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6Y23lYM-W8wLKSR6lZ3m4W748DQH1-DpcMMkmvrBtqkPBTrw2b13FvqMMqydw1QcK4lW65f9P263cQZCW11qSvx5WF98SW9hspLJ3V8gdpW7k_dMg48smBfW1rDxJ86lB0CsW5VRqX45lQX7-V-KW4z5sZgK0VkWLps6l2RLCW3Ydrlq16KfLZW5QcG0h38Gzl-W5lS7BH8DvD7sW61csB05xwYfLW3V9HWr3_fcvWW5PMDmg167JzdW7qvZBB7vCpwjW3RjGj72nV7vsW2wD2KM33BqFtW3vpvpH705WXfW3c3Nzn50yYpdW7L0Tt08HJN42N6qQJHyws64tW5BGHf26-xrHYW3qq7jk9cc83VN8P4dLYdHhfyf11BbHM04> here.

*	Our next 3 classes commence on:

*	Monday, October 6th
*	Monday, November 3rd
*	Monday, December 1st

   Don't forget to sign up!  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6X83lYM-W6N1vHY6lZ3mCW7rQ9TZ3LRjD_W6yW8H_37DzWFW92wKK-6yJJRLW95k28L2Rs6FKW77HNFv7wzhWgW6l2D8j4NC5kGW6fRhZq4QtQwRVyf61B5jhQRyN8kVmVHsg2WfW8l3Xdf5494m3W4kdn1K26flKFW5K63Mk758HvZW7bfvBX3gG9YnN635yrzxlmbzVnM-pl3105h0N5hnMrkrBV2rVZVhrc7wx-12W3BfHx27D4WSHW4zg3_H4PYWkQW5sG2Zm8JK0rqW3bB17G57tJ4WW76gJGB5p3vTQf8J2d8C04> Contact us for next steps.

Exciting Apex News!

✨ National Disability Employment Awareness Month Is Here

*	We’re excited to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) throughout October! This annual campaign highlights the contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusive workplaces.

Academia, industry, nonprofits, and government come together during NDEAM to spotlight opportunities, share resources, and promote strategies that advance disability inclusion in the workplace.

*	Join Us on Thursday, October 23:

Webinar: Unlocking Talent—Blind Professionals in Cybersecurity
🕑 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
🔗  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6Y23lYM-W8wLKSR6lZ3lYW97WGnX4-glKLW2qCcKS8-2MPTW5JyTgK5_gmV3W6Q_xrt1c1bJXVY1yYW8lX4FmW49FHPp2VQ_8NW86_hNB39dC5MW201qY925Lnl0W8spy728K29jpN6n_8Z8Tc_TcN1fvvyz6dXN2W1vB6l71x6-nJN5qzXqkSkmDsW45KqCF7HW6zlV5qD3N53fj3nF7PNwLcGPHnV7nXrt4K0R9mW60crbd32rl8VW6WCzP-3WvYcKW8TcLQ25NfQ5dW4NBLn_1qKbKrW5Mbpky6yGRF4W91c_Cd7WMCQPN6zTsPJs0_NCW4r3xmY5SfHNVW7xcWqF7p6kg-W6NtKhH8CqD8yW3xV6r78vk-jDdWM26-04> Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 853 3746 8255
Passcode: 328534

Join Dr. Kirk Adams and leaders from the Apex Program for an inspiring conversation on building a more inclusive cybersecurity workforce. Learn how blind professionals, empowered by virtual training and assistive technology, are stepping into vital cybersecurity roles—and how your organization can tap into this underrepresented talent pool. 

Apex Spotlight
  Dr. Kirk Adams 

“Blindness is a significant disability, and for people with significant disabilities, including those who are blind, only 35% are in the workforce. While 7 out of 10 working age adults in the general population are employed, only 35% of people with significant disabilities participate in the workforce.”

During this National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it could not be more fitting that we shine a light on our very own Dr. Kirk Adams. For three years, Dr. Adams has been advising the Apex Program and making a significant impact. With a PhD in leadership and change, Kirk has dedicated both his academic and professional career to addressing these systemic challenges with detailed analysis and action. Born sighted, he became blind at the age of five when both retinas detached.

Dr. Adams is the immediate past president and CEO of Helen Keller’s organization, American Foundation for the Blind, and is passionate and extremely knowledgeable about the advantages of employing individuals with disabilities. When Dr. Adams was introduced to Novacoast and Apex, he immediately saw an opportunity to accelerate the success of the program’s goal to provide CompTIA certification training to address the national cybersecurity talent gap. Quoting a fantastic recent interview with  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6Y23lYM-W8wLKSR6lZ3mlVxcvDy1mhyPHF3pwRry7Zl_W7sCRJZ6vx4cQMXtZBxXjfqHN3MnlRhpP89pW71mVYy1zHThyW5Kvrk13F_jc6W6ZTsqH581JMsW2QhrGq2-b8csW4zcS8N3f3WKrW2XqnDf5RDbBxW6vvM55992h5WW2c6fzY6ZMvgYW5vw18h4dhK5JW4qT5Lm2Lp5_pW61wwlQ7_Kvv7W3qmM5g75l-HWV4WXzk5GTwqPW4FDntk7h8D0dW79JJCw5csWGGW3B63r17k2ryDW2mVRGt1vglXvW66yClZ1CyFNrW2yZ_cg1TlP5RW4l6g3K18gnfkW7bkdrG5dwW2YW3HSBqz6V6nr9W5FqbF72Zmrddf1P1xPx04> GeoCyber Systems LLC, Dr. Adams shared a message that is both urgent and hopeful, “The cybersecurity industry has access to an enormous pool of talented professionals who remain largely untapped due to systemic barriers and misconceptions about disability and capability.”

For the cybersecurity industry specifically, Dr. Adams stated that the Blind and Visually impaired have an advantage, “We can’t use a mouse, so there are 300+ keystrokes we learn to navigate websites, use search engines, spreadsheets, et cetera. This level of technical proficiency and keyboard navigation expertise often exceeds that of typical computer users, providing advantages in cybersecurity environments where command line interfaces and keyboard short cuts are common.”

In this same article, Dr. Adams connected disability experience even further to cybersecurity competencies, “The lived experience of disability allows you to develop really unique strengths – resilience, perseverance, grit, creative problem solving, risk analysis and management, communication skills, and working in teams.”

This October, the Apex Program would like to sincerely thank Dr. Kirk Adams for the significant impact he has made on our growth and success.

New Featured Story!

Tune in to hear how the Apex Program is creating new opportunities in cybersecurity!
Dr. Kirk Adams, PhD—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Consultant at the Apex Program—shares the vision behind Apex and how it’s opening accessible pathways for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to build successful cybersecurity careers.

>From the program’s origin story to its long-term impact, Dr. Adams highlights how Apex is redefining inclusion in the cybersecurity workforce.

Access the Podcast Here

Industry News + Stats

*	Cybersecurity Hiring Trends Update: NICCS or the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies host a Cybersecurity Career Map which is a great tool to explore for open jobs and opportunities by city and state. 

You can filter for remote work as well. While not all these openings are entry level, several of them are.

This is a great resource for Apex and for our graduates as we look for work together. 
Check it out  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6XM3lYM-W7Y8-PT6lZ3mbW8l2kY-1DV2WmW72Yy5P7GVtq7W4J7J6-6Z9ScrW7KHm_k7k47JxW6hlJMn6XRlKfW3jzy769l5d0sVVnKzM2J33_0W4vSB0H5FSFLtVHX-k77TMTs7W8ZgzMm97cfw7W3CvGDq8YS8wkW8r2R-l55bk84W7kYQKh41Q-8gW4_kcXJ96tDtLW6M03971BC_NhW2m2gkw8yrT_1Vnpg885m0-WwW44Lgx28zvSg_W7LNfq35S4ySvVY-21l20PG1FW8F1MYy59VXyVW4vvH4s42HmzdW1pkYCn8VQWkDW1WC57f2q5Bk3W6dhWnY5fG8D_N54gnMyHFgQVf2SG0mK04> here.  

Top five states by job postings:
• Virginia – 53,855
• California – 44,344
• Texas – 42,559
• Maryland – 27,050
• Florida – 23,792

For more insights and interactive tools, visit  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6XM3lYM-W7Y8-PT6lZ3pYW5zxF2q9438DJW4j4b4_48dmnNW6hN5mC4swXR4W8k1lfv8_lGR4W6SxVBR978WwqW2DJlRN7Gmj01W8V_rSd7t_-GGW4tLmr_8h5l_lVrkqTN6NljGVW3SH1lK3L4SdVW26qrzL6t_63xW8dPPdc4Bl3XfW92df915TvpvrV_Fc2-4_jPNdW4kH0jr54qT2HW77pnjz6g6lGKN1q3bkKKwC0gW8YZ7d97k12XXW2Mgj6q3LXDsvW1r7sV74-cnyfW1-Hn6T1YSgfPVlN5lK4kLbrXN50YYL4xpm46W3yST9V8Y2z4fW121bKm4JcDs3W8s9N8j2CXn9zf3hFP1F04> NICCS.

Apex Partnerships & Program Growth

We are incredibly grateful for our growing list of partners and opportunities.

*	We’re proud of our partnership with Top Tech Tidbits, the world’s #1 online resource for current news and trends in adaptive technology. 

*	Stay informed and connected— <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6X83lYM-W6N1vHY6lZ3pZW7H8jGW1FcTnCVfywTg3J9mSyW6jFl_55SL272W5kYK287lqlK2W5hZSbk3YPr7HVkM-98988wJjW7xS8J26kDgwFW1kXbKF3qjdgBW5DXDVX7MKPdRW5Khx1h2kqXyQW7YKCCR6DlWzRW5vPdDD6xdMcrW6KGHmv5fC4TXW40TdK257Yd1gW2Yk6bS8KRCyLVgHTq96TXkQfW6W1d4R1sT9nZW6SjwCW1CTbx3W1T6txM5Wbd06W2rTPqh8DxqXfW7M7hp03_4MdwW7f63MY3J0F63f3LN1yq04> sign up for their weekly newsletter here.   

Where is the Apex Program?

  <https://reach.novacoast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Apex%20Map-1.png?width=514&height=308&upscale=true&name=Apex%20Map-1.png> 

At the Apex Program, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to amplify our mission of inclusivity in the cybersecurity industry. Through both non-profit and government collaborations, we join forces with like-minded organizations dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities and expanding our reach. 

If you are interested in working with our program please reach out to us and we would love to bring you aboard. Contact us  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6X83lYM-W6N1vHY6lZ3pSW95T22h4FySCHMqsf5wT7VFWW2XPgSF85KyRCW6Rky2R6BHxszW957_mg3sZ7rWW3Lfz4p54vGv_W5FgmZf5h2zbqN4j6vhd2CQCGW2_7c5t5797Z-W47VD4h7N9cJfW6cYqf26cbm-2W7r4pPs6_K3QJW5XkWXN8Y4N12W4MPgdJ3BYpQ1W5c3T5y2ZFN7-W6pKfsQ55Hb-PV5YWMG2XTCZyVLHjTy1jQNqyW8wLgnC1VQWrjW53zpR01nzKctW5BdTBv4BGL5HW61gTS027nhv6f3nyyvs04> here. 

  <https://reach.novacoast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Apex%20Program%20logo%20lockup%20%E2%80%93%20primary%20%E2%80%93%20full%20color%20(1)-1.jpg?width=100&height=84&upscale=true&name=Apex%20Program%20logo%20lockup%20%E2%80%93%20primary%20%E2%80%93%20full%20color%20(1)-1.jpg> 

Our Mission

The Apex Program is committed to bridging the gap in cybersecurity talent by empowering the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities through inclusive, accessible, and comprehensive training. Our mission is to nurture a diverse workforce equipped with the necessary IT security skills and certifications to thrive in the cybersecurity sector.

In partnership with Novacoast, we ensure a solid educational foundation and job placement in the industry, further fostering a future where every individual can focus their distinct abilities on building a more secure digital world. 

Visit  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWZJYg8Rxf3YW7_sRSf5gQxh8W3Dl4Sm5D52BlN6tf6X83lYM-W6N1vHY6lZ3kPW4ShmM_3YcpJ_W4_MmCK9kV7t_W4rLzKH4GXMhLW6Z4qZD9067qQW2Lc8wv2BtRgnW533k032ppMTFW4yjC_S2M8HBMW3c8CWw3g6vf5W8FPGy290FKYwW5vZhWh5lbGXfW87qWsM2HSThfW3t5F5P2PjLxWW32Zz6n7nhr6lW4WwqsB1SpLgTW87Bg_c6wWbyGW6ZpTml7nK6bNW8Bwlrn80zmf4W8_4XQ98ZzXPHN3SLkYGb74DRW4JTWJX3trV_kW1LN2LR7TZ7jjVZbH5B96mwsjf3jjYq-04> theapexprogram.com for more information, or contact us at  <mailto:apexprogram at novacoast.com> apexprogram at novacoast.com

  _____  

 We're deeply grateful for the partnerships and collaborations that allow us to expand our reach and impact more lives. The Apex Program remains committed to fostering education, providing opportunities, and creating a more inclusive future in the cybersecurity landscape. 

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. 

Warm regards, 

Novacoast Apex Program Team