hi gerry, could i forward your email to the guidedogs list. there may be someone on that list interested. hope you are well. jenny ----- Original Message ----- From: Gerard Ellis To: vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 10:45 PM Subject: [vicsireland] Dialogue in the Dark Hi, all, Here is a great opportunity for visually impaired people to influence how major Irish business leaders think about us and make a few Euroes at the same time. This is being organised by Kanchi, formerly the Aisling Foundation. I am a member of their Sounding Board, i.e. their advisory group. From what I have heard this initiative has been tried in various places around the world and has proven to be very successful. The quality of business leader expected is also impressive. I know that this may not be obviously technology related, but I hope the moderator accepts that it is worthwhile letting members of the list know about it. Attitudes to blindness influence every area of our lives, not least whether technology is built with or without our needs in mind. Here is an opportunity to challenge these attitudes. Take Care, Gerry Ellis If you don't know where you're going, How will you know when you get there? ========== Original Message ========== Dialogue in the Dark Kanchi with the help of O2 is bringing Dialogue in the Dark (DID) to Ireland this June. DID is a ground breaking series of three hour long leadership workshops that run in complete darkness. Designed to challenge the way participants think and act in unfamiliar territory, DID aims to improve participant's ability to communicate and increase awareness of non-verbal signals. These workshops are facilitated by trainers and assistants who are blind and visually impaired. Kanchi is seeking candidates to act as facilitators/assistants during these workshops. Qualities for potential facilitators /assistants posses include: a.. Blind or Visually Impaired b.. University graduates c.. English speaking (fluent) d.. Independent and empowered e.. Feel totally comfortable in the dark f.. Good observing & analytical skills g.. Excellent communication skills Day long workshops will take place from June 8th - 12th in Dublin with mandatory training provided Sunday 7th. Assistants will be paid ?150 per day of service. If you know anyone who may be interested and is available anytime during second week in June, please do not hesitate to contact Joanne Arnold at joanne@xxxxxxxxxxx