LOGISTICS


THE DATES:
May 17, May 19, and May 21, 2010
The first-ever (Virtual) Boot Camp will be presented on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of the week of May 17th. The start and end times have not yet been established, and will be set AFTER we determine where (which time zones) our recruits are coming from. On each day, there will be the equivalent of 8 hours of training presented. Participants should plan to attend ALL DAY for those three days. Clear your schedule, don't take any phone calls... pretend that you are out of the office, here in Columbus, OH, with us. The only way to get the full benefit of the training is to give it the full benefit of your attention!

MATERIALS:
A week prior to the training, trainees will receive a CD with much of the information and resources needed to fully participate in training. Additional resources will be transmitted electronically before, during, and after the Boot Camp. The information sent to you will be supplemented by the information you gather from your end (see “Packing List” for instructions on what to bring to Boot Camp in your virtual duffle bag).

TECHNOLOGY:
In order to fully participate, recruits will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and the capability of participating in a Skype phone call. You do not have to have a web-cam on your end, but if you DO have one, we'll be glad to see your smiling face periodically. If you don't know how to use Skype, don't worry about it. We'll teach you how to use it in the week before the Boot Camp so that you are ready to participate fully (and learn everything you came for!).

THE RECRUITS (and Company!):
In the past, we have discussed the possibility of inviting recruits to bring along their Commanding Officers (the administrators who oversee the disability services function), but it has never been financially or logistically practical to act upon the idea. The "virtual" nature of this year's Boot Camp makes it possible to consider this opportunity once again. No matter the size of the institution or the status and authority given to the disability service provider, he/she cannot hope to assure fulfillment of both the legal and educational mandates for access and inclusion of students with disabilities without the support of the institutional administration and the cooperation of colleagues working throughout the campus community. So why not bring them along (virtually) for at least part of the ride!

Invite your supervisor to sit in on the sessions that review legal obligations and precedents. Encourage the Residence Life folks to sit in on our discussion of housing and Student Life issues. Invite members of the IT support staff to sit in on discussions of technology and online learning issues. The choice is yours. We welcome their presence and the opportunity to extend the usefulness of your training throughout the institution.