A Quarterly Newsletter for Our Community Members with Disabilities

"If you can imagine it,
You can achieve it.
If you can dream it,
You can become it."

~ William Arthur Ward ~


Winter 2010 CommunicAbility Vol. 10, Ed. 1

New Horizons Un-Limited Inc. (NHU) is a non-profit organization based in Milwaukee with a mission to make information and life experiences accessible to people with life-long disabilities, their families and caregivers. To learn more about our mission and activities, please visit the New Horizons Un-Limited website at www.new-horizons.org or e-mail horizons@new-horizons.org.

National Interest

Work at home opportunities available to people with disabilities

As an individual with a disability reliable transportation can be a major obstacle in maintaining employment. As companies are beginning to recognize the value of outsourcing call centers, more work-at-home opportunities in customer care are being made available to people with disabilities.

If you are interested in pursuing such an opportunity there are a few things you’ll need to get started:

  • An up to date home computer
  • High speed Internet access
  • A reliable home phone line
  • A quiet dedicated space for a home office
  • The ability to efficiently operate a computer
  • A resume outlining your work skills and experience
  • A friendly, positive personality

    If you do not have everything you need to get started, assistance may be available from your local Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agency. To locate your local VR agency, visit the Job Accommodation Network Directory of Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies or search the web for [your state] + vocational rehabilitation.

    There are also several National organizations dedicated to training and placing individuals with disabilities as Call Center Representatives.

    One such organization is the National Telecommuting Institute (NTI). To learn more, visit the NTI website: www.nticentral.org.

    For more work-at-home opportunities, visit the NHU Employment: Work From Home Online Resource Page at www.new-horizons.org/emptel.html.

    Back to Top

    Free cell phones and minutes available to eligible low-income individuals

    If you are in need of a cellular phone, Safelink Wireless can help. A government-sponsored program, Safelink Wireless utilizes the Lifeline program to provide cellular minutes instead of monthly home phone discounts. SafeLink converts the total amount of discounted service (approximately $13.50) into minutes, which equals 68 minutes each month. And, thanks to the generosity of TracFone, customers can also receive a free cell phone.

    To learn more about this program, visit www.safelinkwireless.com.

    Back to Top

    Wisconsin Interest

    Local Job Club prepares you for employment

    IndependenceFirst the Center for Independent Living that serves Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties provides a Job Club to individuals with disabilities. Topics include presenting yourself in a positive light, resume development, identifying jobs, interviewing and more.

    To learn more call (414) 226-8332.

    Back to Top

    NHU Feature

    On the Web: Life Planning: It’s never too early or too late to plan for the future

    New Horizons Un-Limited has developed a new online resource aimed at assisting families plan for events throughout the life span of their loved ones with disabilities.

    Link to Organizations

    In our Community and Internet Resources, families will find links to organizations that provide assistance for everything from early intervention to transition to adulthood to financial planning. Visit: www.new-horizons.org/rsclif.html.

    Discover and Read Books and Guides

    In our Library, we have created a list of numerous books focusing on issues that every family faces in ensuring their loved one with a disability leads a fulfilling life now and in the future. Visit: www.new-horizons.org/boolif.html.

    We have also linked to several online guides, written by reputable disability organizations as well as NHU staff, which are available free of charge for download. Visit: www.new-horizons.org/guilif.html.

    Back to Top

    New Horizons Un-Limited Benefit Raffle

    Win a 32" Sony Bravia LCD Flat Panel HDTV

    Sony Bravia 32

    If ever there was a year to purchase tickets for our Benefit Raffle - this is it. Our 8th Annual Benefit Raffle features as the grand prize a 32" Sony Bravia LCD Flat Panel HDTV. Tickets are a steal this year at just $2 each, 3 for $5, 7 for $10 or take advantage of our best deal yet and increase your odds of winning by purchasing 20 tickets for just $20!

    This year's drawing will take place on Thursday, March 25, 2010. You need not be present to win.

    To request your tickets, please call (414) 299-0124, e-mail us at horizons@new-horizons.org or print the Raffle Ticket Request Form and mail it with your payment to:

    New Horizons Un-Limietd
    811 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 937
    Milwaukee, WI 53202

    Requests must be received by Wednesday, March 24, 2010 to be included in the drawing.

    Back to Top

    NHU encourages redistribution of this newsletter.
    Please share this information with all that may benefit.

    If you have questions or ideas, information and solutions that you would like to share with us, we can be reached by e-mail at: horizons@new-horizons.org or to use our NHU E-Mail Form or NHU Community Discussion Board, click on the links below.
    Home  /  Disability News  /  NHU Quarterly Newsletter
    Share Your Knowledge!  /  NHU Community Discussion Board  /  E-mail Us
    About NHU  /  Announcements and Features  /  Contribute /  What's New?  /  Site Plan
    ©Copyright 2009, New Horizons Un-Limited Incorporated
    NHU has no liability for content or goods on the Internet.