Redmond, WA — Microsoft is pleased to announce the launch of the Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship intended to empower and enable high school students with disabilities to (a) go to college, (b) realize the impact technology has on the world, and (c) target a career in the technology industry.

The scholarship launched Friday, January 17, 2014 and includes a goal to increase enrollment of persons living with a disability in higher education and, in the long term, decrease the unemployment bias for disabled persons.

This new program was started by, and is supported by, Microsoft employees who will select promising high school seniors who require financial assistance in order to enter and successfully complete a vocational or academic college program. This non-renewable $5000 scholarship will be paid to the recipient’s Financial Aid Office by the Seattle Foundation on behalf of the DisAbility Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Microsoft.

Eligibility
All candidates must be high school students living with a disability who plan to attend a 2 to 4 year University or College program, maintain a cumulative 3.0 CPA or equivalent and have declared a major from the approved list (see scholarship guidelines on application).

Requirements
To apply for the Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship, the student must meet the following guidelines:

1. Be a current high school senior with living with a disability (as defined by WHO), whether that be visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive or speech.

2. Plan to attend an undergraduate program in a 2 or 4-year University/College or Technical College in the fall of the academic year following high-school graduation. Schools must be in the USA or have a USA-Affiliate for financial transactions (contact Seattle Foundation to verify non-USA school’s eligibility).

3. Declare a major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, legal or in businesses that are approved (i.e. paralegal, pre-law, finance, business administration, or marketing).

4. Demonstrate a passion for technology.

5. Demonstrate leadership at school and/or in the community.

6. Have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

7. Require financial assistance to attend college.

8. Enrollment status must be full-time or half time.

Contact:
DisAbility Employee Resource Group
Microsoft Corporation
Email: disschol@microsoft.com

Seattle Foundation
Travis Petersen
Philanthropic Services Associate
Scholarship Manager
The Seattle Foundation
scholarships@seattlefoundation.com
1200 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1300
Seattle WA 98101-3151
(206) 515-2139 direct
(206) 622-7673 fax

Have you ever wanted to talk to someone who creates the technology you use? Now’s your chance! Microsoft User Research is committed to making every product more accessible, but we need your help! We are currently seeking visually impaired and blind community members to participate in our exclusive consumer research panel. By participating as a panelist you will have an unprecedented impact on the future of Microsoft products.

Panelist will be eligible to participate in studies over the span of three months starting December 10th through February 19th.

To participate, email uccoord@microsoft.com with “access” in the subject line. Include the information below.

1. Name/Phone
2. Job Title/Company (if not working, that’s ok):
3. Age:
4. Smartphone make and model:
5. Do you own a tablet? If yes, what is the make and model:
6. What operating system are you currently using?(Windows 8, Windows 7, OSX, etc.)
7. What is your highest level of education?
8. Are you currently using Microsoft Office? If yes, what version?
9. How many hours per week do you spend reading?
10. Do you use any accessibility software? (JAWS, MAGic, etc.) If yes, which?
11. Please describe your visual impairment:

We’ll give you a call if you look like a match for this study. If you are selected to participate, you’ll get a $100 gift card for every study session you participate in.

Thanks for your time,

Microsoft User Research
www.microsoft.com/UserResearch

Have you ever wanted to talk to someone behind the technology you use? Now’s your chance. Microsoft User Research is conducting end-user research and wants you to participate.

Microsoft User Research is seeking visually impaired and blind community members for upcoming accessibility studies. Studies will take place on Microsoft’s Redmond Campus with two hour time slots available starting in the beginning of October. Each participant will be offered a choice of new Microsoft software, hardware or games from a list of our most popular products.

To participate in a two hour study, email uccoord@microsoft.com with “access” in the subject line. Include the information below.

1. Name/Phone:
2. Job Title/Company (if not working, that’s ok):
3. Age:
4. What applications and software do you use regularly?
5. Do you use and accessibility software (JAWs, Windows Eye, speech recognition, etc.)? If yes, which?
6. Please describe your visual impairment:
7. What operating system are you currently using? (Windows 8, Windows 7, Linux, etc.)

We’ll give you a call if you look like a match for this study. If you are selected and participate, you’ll get a choice of Microsoft software, hardware, or games as a thank you.

Cheers,
Jillian Folks

When: Tuesday October 8, 2013 from 11 am – 7 pm
Where: Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
3411 South Alaska St
Seattle WA 98118
(free parking available on site)

Ever wondered what kind of technology is available for a person who is blind or has low vision? Well here’s your chance to find out!

The Dept. of Services for the Blind is opening its doors to their Seattle Assistive Technology and Low Vision labs to provide you with a hands-on experience. Come try out a wide range of tools, devices and technology to see what’s out there.

Staff will be on site to answer your questions so you can get the most out of your experience. Representatives from the WA Assistive Technology Act Program and the WA Access Fund will also be present to provide information about their services.

Please RSVP to: Nancy Eckert (206) 906-5512 or nancy.eckert@dsb.wa.gov
Refreshments will be served.