708-344-9021
OWNED BY PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES
UNIVERSAL CONSULTANTS, INC
A MULTI DIVISION COMPANY
ABOUT HERB HOFFMAN,
FOUNDER OF
AND
ANDCONGRESS
OF DISABLE PERSONS
AGAINST EXPLOITATION
DISABILITY
• Born with cerebral palsy which has affected his motor movements and speech. Uses feet to type, write, file, etc.
EDUCATION
• Educated at Spaulding School for the disabled.
• Graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL with
a B.S. degree in Earth Science.
• Graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL with
a M.S. in Earth Science. Thesis paper was on the measurement of wave
height,
wind speed and water temperature of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior by
satellite.
EMPLOYMENT
• National Weather Service - June 1973 to Present
Romeoville, Illinois
Physical Scientist with primary responsibilities in the area of climatic monthly summary publication and the programming of a tornado and climatic data base for the state. Use the information to write and publish a booklet on tornadoes. Aid other agencies with co-publications, data base management and aid in telecommunications. Research micro-climates. Produce video tape on tornado awareness and a 26-week TV show on weather. Produce a winter awareness video. These duties involved considerable research and issuance of preliminary, interim and final documents for local and national usage. Compilation of statistical information and the conclusive commentary has been accomplished by means of a personal computer. Co-published "Early Illinois Tornado" and Local Climate summaries. From 1992 to 1993 I aided and supervised the development of a regional climate office at Northeastern Illinois University.
• Herb help found Able Home Aides, Weather Law data Service
and
The Weather Climate Data Service; divisions of UNIVERSAL CONSULANTS,
INC.
Primary responsibilities for Able Home Aides is to find usefull
independent
living products for selling on our web site. Advice clients on the best
products for their needs, and design accessibility living house plans.
WHY FOUND ABLE HOME AIDES?
Herb became aware through his own experiences, that there was a need to find and sell quality products to aid disabled persons to live where they choose, and not be warehoused in a nursing home.
WHY FOUND CONGRESS OF DISABLE PERSONS AGAINST EXPLOITATION?
WHY FOUND WEATHER LAW SERVICE?
ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS
Civic activities, volunteer positions and the
resulting acknowledgments or awards are discussed.
ACTIVITIES
Diversity Committee for
U.S.
Department of Commerce
Federal board --- 2000 to present
Committee member
Federal Executive Board Team (FEB)1995 - 2000
Diversity member
FEB 1995 - Present
Co-author1994 - 1996
Co-published "Early Illinois Tornado" and Local Climate summaries.
Vice-Chair
FEB/EEO Committee 1994 - 1998
EEO head for
National Weather
Service in Chicago. 1994 -
Present
Work with Federal Executive board on EEO
matters.
Aid in setting up a workshop on disability issues.
Supervisor 1992 - 1993
Supervise in developing climate information
center
at Northeastern University.
Speaker 1970 - Present
Groups and classes, which varied from the high school level students to medical and business organizations, on the concerns of the disabled. Organized symposiums for the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Author 1975 - 1990
Local and national newspapers have published articles on concerns of the disabled. This included ACHIEVEMENT, C.O.P.H. BULLETIN and the CDR REPORT. Foundation of Science and the Handicapped.
Editor 1983 -1984
Editorial Board for the Council for Disabled Rights. An organization with the primary intent of enhancing the relay of information to concerned individuals.
President 1982 - Present
Universal Consultants, Inc. is an advisory group which will assist business organizations meet the needs and requirements necessary for the purpose of utilizing the talents of handicapped individuals. Provides information for financial, scientific, and organization planning.
Treasurer 1977 - 1978
Illinois Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Authority (IDDAA) has the responsibility of authorizing the state grants to organizations promoting major environmental improvements which aid the handicapped. Managed annual budget for grants in excess of $900,000.00
Manager 1979 - 1980
Directed the talents of four individuals while
in the capacity of Committee Chairman for Public Information and
Training
with the IDDAA (Illinois Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Authority).
Editor 1988 - 1990
Editor of newsletter for the
Foundation
of Science and the Handicapped.
Producer 1991
Produced tornado and winter awareness tapes. Also produced a 26-week TV show.
AWARDS
Outstanding Handicapped Federal Employee of the Year --- 1977
Submitted by immediate supervisor to a national committee for comparison with other applicants employed by the U.S. government.
Honor Roll for Handicapped
Persons
in Chicago 1977 - Ten Outstanding Young Citizens
1978 - Chicago Hall of Fame for the Disabled.
1980 - Service to the
Disabled.
1983 - Distinguished Service Award - C.O.P.H.
1983 - Junior Association
of
Commerce and Industry award is annually granted on the basis of
achievements
attained.
"Someone You Should Know" television program with Mr. Harry Porterfield --- 1977
Interviewed
by Mr. Porterfield for television program highlighting individuals who
have made major achievements inspire of overwhelming odds or
disadvantages.
Video tape has been shown a number of times on Chicago's CBS television
station.
1989 - Follow-up
interviewed
by Mr. Porterfield for television program highlighting individuals who
have made major achievements inspire of overwhelming odds or
disadvantages.
1990 - Recognition award for film production on tornado and awareness films and TV series on weather.
1996 - Recognition award for FEB/EEO committee work.
ADVISORY POSITIONS
Title Year Organization
Advisor 1995 Access Living
First Vice Chairman 1983 - 1984 Chicago Disabled Coalition
Panelist 1983 Mayoral Forum
Committee Chairman 1983 -
1985
Metropolitan Chicago Access Living By-Law
Board Member 1983 - 1985 Committee for Access Living
President 1983 - 1985 Council for Disability Rights
Vice Chairman 1981 - 1983
Member 1982 - 1985 Chicago Disabled Coalition
Employment Chairmen 1977 - 1984 (FSH) Foundation for Science and the Handicapped
Board Member 1982 - 1986
President Elect 1986 - 1987 (FSH)
President 1988 - 1990 (FSH)
Employment Chairman 1974 - 1986 (COPH) Illinois Council of Congress for Physically
Handicapped
Vice Chairman 1980 - 1981 (IDDAA) Illinois Developmental Disabilities
Advocacy Authority
Committee Chairman 1979 -
1980
IDDAA
Treasurer 1977 - 1978 IDDAA
Vice Chairman 1981 - 1985 Chicago Human Rights Authority for the
Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
Chairman 1985 - 1987
Chicago
Human Rights
Planner 1988 Mayoral Forum
Chairman 1990 - 1992
Combined
Federal Campaign
CONTACTS
SCR TRANSPORTATION COMPANY,
STAN
RAKESTRAW, V.P. 773-768-7000;
SETUP COMPANY AND GOT CTA
CONTRACT.
CTA CONTACT
664-7200 X 3030;
733-7000 X6798; 432-7137;
ADVISORY FOR MAYOR DALEY 312-744-5763
Michelle Piel
312-746-8330
SIDNEY HOLLENDER
313-746-8690
ASSIST. TO THE COMMISSIONER
TO CHICAGO DEPT. OF HUMAN SERVICES