When CLA hired Margaret Klein, its new Director of Human Resources, it got a bonus in the deal: Rick Jacobson. Rick was Margaret's executive assistant in the School of Dentistry and agreed to follow Margaret to the second floor of Johnston Hall. Rick brings a long history of access, accommodation, and working with people who are blind or have low vision. He assists Margaret with printed materials, technologies, getting around campus, and other areas that will make her more effective in her new job.
Outside of his day-to-day life at the University, Rick provides audio description for blind theater patrons at about 25 venues all around the Twin Cities. He uses an FM transmitter to broadcast and explain the visual aspects of productions in real-time. He also writes description scripts for television and has started describing for blind passengers on cruise ships. For over 4 years, Rick voiced description for shows still being broadcast on Nickelodeon, Noggin, and public television stations throughout the United States.
Rick has worked at the University for nearly 8 years, primarily doing payroll. He's somewhat relieved that his new position in CLA doesn't involve timesheets, leave entry, or off-cycle check requests.
Rick can be reached at 4-3605 or rickj@umn.edu
