Mr. Erdody is responsible for leading the development and implementation of Assistive Media's online accessibility service. He is also responsible for the business relationships with external organizations. Mr. Erdody is the lead for the supervision, training, and evaluation of all volunteer staff in reading technique and production, the operations and maintenance of audio production, and computer-based development. He leads Assistive Media's management team for material planning and decision-making, which evaluates new and existing audio and Internet development technology. He finalizes all recommendations for the acquisition of equipment and systems to meet production needs. He advises other Assistive Media personnel on equipment and facility needs. He also serves as the lead for copyright permission efforts.
Mr. Vielmetti has devoted his career to the analysis and construction of effective networks. He deeply understands the way social networks complement computer, financial, and other networks. He is a University of Michigan graduate (B. A. Economics 1988; Hal Varian, now at Berkeley, was an undergraduate advisor) and is currently working at SocialText in Ann Arbor. His interest in networks starts in about 1985 when he first got a job working on keeping e-mail flowing on the Michigan campus, and later when he was working closely with the NSFNET deployment that was headquartered here. Ed honed his appreciation for and gut understanding of network dynamics working at MSEN, the first commercial Internet Service Provider based in Michigan. The subject of a story in Forbes Magazine, MSEN was a pioneer in bringing network access to individuals and companies not otherwise affiliated with Federally sponsored research.
Mr. Bernstein is an attorney with the Law Offices of Samuel I. Bernstein, one of Michigan's leading legal service providers. The Law Offices of Samuel I. Bernstein has been dedicated to helping the seriously injured. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Michigan and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and received his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law. He currently serves on the Wayne State University Board of Governors for an 8 year term.
Dr. Griffiths is an internationally acclaimed policy expert, researcher and university administrator who is Dean of the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An internationally recognized researcher and scholar in information and library science, Dr. Griffiths has had two presidential appointments, one to the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (1996-2002) and the other to the President’s Information Technology Advisory Committee (2003-present). Her research focuses on the design, analysis, integration and economics of systems to create effective and valuable information exchange between people, recorded knowledge and technology. And in applying her exceptional oratory skills, Dr. Griffiths has also served as a volunteer reader for Assistive Media.
Ms. Overton is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Technology at The University of Michigan. Her research interests are in technology access for students with disabilities. Ms. Overton received a B.A. in English from Hampton University, 1993, magna cum laude.
Ms. Wolfe is the coordinator for The Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled (LBPD); a public library for residents of Washtenaw, Jackson and Livingston counties who are unable to read normal print due to a physical disability and who need print materials in recorded, Braille or large print format. In the year 2003, Ms Wolfe was recogized as the Midwest Librarian of the Year by the New York Times Company.
From a variety of professional backgrounds Assistive Media has assembled a very capable, enthusiastic, and progressive volunteer service organization. We have auditioned many voice-talent applicants and have selected very talented individuals possessing an exceptional skill at verbal interpretations with various English dialects to provide an aesthetic multicultural variety of narratives. From the beginning they have helped deliver hundreds of hours of recorded readings along with editorial support, quality of delivery support, volunteer recruitment, technology and fundraising support.
Through the University of Michigan Work-Study Student Employment program, Assistive Media is able to provide employment to qualified students. These jobs provide a meaningful way for students to earn money for college expenses while providing an important community service.