[Tall-Corn] =?utf-8?q?What_to_know_about_internships_March_student?= =?utf-8?q?_group_call=2E?=

[Enrique Mejia]

Hello all.

As I had promised below please find some resources in relation to our call last Monday

Thank you.

1. Legal Rights & Protections

  *   The ADA Covers Interns: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), both paid and unpaid interns are protected from discrimination and entitled to "Reasonable Accommodations." * The "Interactive Process": Once you request an accommodation, the employer is legally required to engage in a back-and-forth dialogue. It is a collaborative search for a solution, not a "yes or no" demand.
  *   Essential Functions vs. Marginal Tasks: An internship might list "driver's license required." Challenge this if the actual task is just "traveling to site visits." In Iowa, we advocate for the ability to travel, not the method.

2. Strategic Disclosure

  *   Disclosure is a Choice: You do not have to disclose your disability on an application. The most effective time is usually after the offer is made but before the start date. This ensures your access technology (screen readers, magnifiers, etc.) is ready on Day 1.

3. The "Expert" Mindset

  *   Be the Consultant: Most employers have never hired a blind person. Instead of saying "I need help," say "I use JAWS/NVDA to navigate spreadsheets; I just need the IT department to allow the installation."

________________________________
III. Iowa Department for the Blind: Gifts and Bequests Fund
This fund is for items or services that traditional state/federal funding cannot cover.

  *   Purpose: Provides grants or loans for adaptive technology (smartphones, Braille displays), training, or home modifications that assist in vocational success or independent living.
  *   How to Apply: Submit an application to the IDB Director. Requests under $2,500 are approved by the Director; over $2,500 requires Commission approval. Include two quotes for the item.
  *   Official Guidelines: IDB Gifts & Bequest Fund Guidelines<https://blind.iowa.gov/about-idb/policies-guidelines/gifts-bequest-fund-guidelines>
  *   Application Form: Download the PDF Form<https://blind.iowa.gov/media/39/download?inline=>

IV. Professional & Legal Sources (For Reference)

  *   EEOC: Federal authority on employment rights. eeoc.gov<https://www.eeoc.gov/>
  *   Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Database of specific accommodation ideas. askjan.org<https://askjan.org/>
  *   ADA.gov: The Department of Justice’s hub for technical assistance. ada.gov<https://www.ada.gov/>
  *   Disability Rights Iowa: State protection and advocacy for legal and VR hurdles. disabilityrightsiowa.org<https://disabilityrightsiowa.org/>

V. Essential Contacts & Leadership
Organization
Purpose
Contact Information
Iowa Dept. for the Blind (IDB)
VR, Technology, & Gifts/Bequests
515-281-1333 | blind.iowa.gov<https://blind.iowa.gov/>
NFB of Iowa (NFBI)
State Advocacy & Peer Support
570-983-7867 | nfbi.org<https://nfbi.org/>
NFB Jernigan Institute
National Headquarters (Baltimore)
410-659-9314 | nfb.org<https://nfb.org/>
Client Assistance Program (CAP)
Legal Aid & VR Appeals
515-278-2502 | disabilityrightsiowa.org<https://disabilityrightsiowa.org/>
NFB of Iowa Board of Directors

  *   President: Helen Mejia
  *   1st VP: Cindy Ray | 2nd VP: Scott Van Gorp
  *   Secretary: Richard Webb | Treasurer: David Hammel
  *   Board Members: Becky Young, Elizabeth Rouse, Karen Clayton, and Shawn Mayo.

I hope that this is up to date. Please do feel free to share any omissions that you think should appear on this document.

Thank you.

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