AAPD Announces
Its 2006 Information Technology Interns
Students with Disabilities Serving Internships
in Federal Agencies in Washington, DC
July 8, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mariana V. Nork
202-457-0046
Washington, DC— The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) announces that ten students are participating in the 2006 Microsoft-AAPD Federal I.T. Internship Program this summer. This program is made possible by a major grant from Microsoft Corporation, which is also the program’s founding sponsor.
The Microsoft-AAPD Federal I.T. Internship Program, launched in 2003, is designed for college and university students with disabilities who are interested in pursuing careers in information technology. Students participate in a paid summer internship at a federal agency in Washington, DC. The program aims to give college students with disabilities the opportunity to participate in and benefit from highly sought-after federal internships to which other students have long had access. The Microsoft-AAPD Federal I.T. Internship Program gives interns real-world work experience, further enhances their employment opportunities, allows them to hone their information technology skills, and enables them to learn firsthand how political and regulatory processes work. By harnessing the talent that exists among college students with disabilities, it also strives to demonstrate to public and private employers that students with disabilities are solid prospects as members of the information technology workforce.
In 2006, internships have been awarded to the following students from locations across the country, who have been selected on the basis of a written application and personal interviews.
Ocean Celestino of Walbridge, Ohio attends Bowling Green State University and is majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Science. She will graduate in December 2008. She has diverse information technology experience, ranging from working with university students and faculty, to implementing a countywide system for an insurance company. Ocean is also quoted as having a high awareness towards public and personal relations and is always eager to offer assistance. In addition to her computer skills, she is interested in creative writing and fine arts. She feels that she blends creativity with her analytical skills. Ocean is interning at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Stephen Clower of Denton, Texas attends the University of North Texas. He will graduate in May 2007 with a degree in Business Computer Information Systems. Not only is Stephen familiar with basic computer programs, he also boasts experience with audio editing software. As an audio producer for www.DanZGames.com, he is responsible for creating sound effects, music composition, and voiceover work. He is also the author and maintainer of Steve’s Talking Clock, a simple and flexible clock talking program that individuals can purchase online. Outside of computers, Stephen stays involved in the community and his church by volunteering time, skills and energy to both. Stephen is interning at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Headquarters.
Michael Del Castillo of Upland, California is pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering with a minor in Business Administration at Cal Poly Pomona. He will graduate in June 2006. For his senior project, Michael is working with the NASA pair team as a programmer on the Risk Navigation/Firmware team. He is also participating in a research project with the Southern California Marine Institute. Michael is developing a program to help the biologists backup and organize their oceanographic data coming from an ocean buoy via satellite. With a lifelong dream to work for the government, he feels that his dedication and leadership skills will help him be successful in this internship. Michael is interning at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Angela Kuhn of Clinton, Indiana, is pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems and Business Administration. She will graduate from Indiana State University in December 2006. This will be her second undergraduate degree; the first one was in Geography. A university and national Dean’s list student, Angela is also involved as the secretary of Alpha Iota Mu (Management Information Systems Honors Fraternity), the president of the Management Information Systems Association, and a member of Beta Gama Sigma (International Business Honors Society). Angela is interning with the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Jonathan Lanteigne of Bedford, New Hampshire, attends New Hampshire Community Technical College and is working towards an Associates degree in Computer Technologies and a Computer Networking Certificate. Upon his May 2006 graduation, he will then transfer to the University System of New Hampshire Bachelors Degree Program for Information Technology. Jonathan has a variety of skills in various programs and is able to install and configure system options and networking products. He is very involved in his community as a peer leader for Partners for Youth with Disabilities and is an advice columnist for the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire. In addition, Jonathan took it upon himself to create a store floor plan for his work (Staples, Inc.) which ultimately became a shopping guide for other employees and customers. Jonathan is interning at the National Science Foundation.
Christopher Schlechty of Carnation, Washington is pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the University of Washington. He will graduate in June 2008. His past internship experiences include a summer with Western Wireless/Alltel as a workforce Planner Assistant and the Microsoft Corporation as a BizTalk Server 2004 Software Testing Engineer. A Dean’s List Student, Christopher is also very active in his community. As a DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) Program Ambassador, he spoke at a video conference held in Japan and participated as a guest lecturer. He is also a volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and has spoken and participated in fundraising and educational campaigns as well as special events. Christopher is interning with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Jeffrey Schmidt of Sarasota, Florida attends the University of Florida. He is majoring in Computer Engineering with an emphasis in software and will graduate in 2009. Jeffrey has experience as a web designer, network administrator and technical support. He created a web-based inventory system known as OnTrak Inventory; revived his high school’s online scheduling system when it crashed the day before scheduling began; and provided help to increase business productivity by tailoring programs around small businesses. An incredibly motivated individual, Jeffrey is also active in his church as a member of the hand-bell and hand-chime choir, taught children songs in American Sign Language for services, and continued to provide technical assistance to his church. Jeffrey is interning with the Federal Railroad Administration.
Ian Smith of Elmhurst, Illinois attends the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He will graduate in 2009 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His previous internship experience includes two years working for HPN (Health Promotion Network) Worldwide, where he was responsible for a variety of technical jobs. He has been a keynote speaker at a conferences such as the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Little People of America, and the National MPS Society. In addition, Ian played the title role of Simon Birch in Disney’s 1998 production of Simon Birch. He is also very active with extracurricular activities at his university. Ian is interning at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
David Tseng of Cerritos, California is pursuing a major in Applied Mathematics in Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley. He will graduate in 2006. He has always loved technology and hopes to work in information technology focusing on administering systems. He has mastered various Braille programs and programming languages. David has been a recipient of scholarships from the American Counsel of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind. He has volunteered as a tutor through the Braille Institute of America, created a Java Script-based software application for World Access for the Blind, and was a Humanware Product Ambassador. David is interning at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Vaughn Varnell of San Diego, California attends the University of Maryland University College. He will graduate in Fall 2006 with a degree in Computer and Information Science. He already holds an associates degree in Computer Science from Palomar Community College, California. Vaughn interned with a shipping company in Japan as a Contract Database Developer. He designed a database that tracks quotes and contact information regarding sales, shipping and installation for customers. Vaughn’s technical education started when he was in the United States Navy as an Avionics Technician, and since then, he has designed and/or participated in the design of many technological advancements in the communications industry. He hopes to participate in software development that keeps people with disabilities in mind. Vaughn is interning with the United States Coast Guard.
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country's largest cross-disability membership organization, promotes the economic and political empowerment of all children and adults with disabilities in the U.S. AAPD was founded in 1995 to help unite the diverse community of people with disabilities, including their family, friends and supporters, and to be a national voice for change in implementing the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
For information regarding the Microsoft-AAPD Federal I.T. Internship Program and other internship opportunities available through AAPD, contact AAPD toll-free at 800-840-8844 (V/TTY) or by e-mail, or visit the AAPD website.
