March 2016 - NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

FW: R-3223 Independent Living Skills Teacher - Re-Advertised
by ebell＠pdrib.com 30 Mar '16

30 Mar '16

www.aidb.org P. O. Box 698 * Talladega, Alabama 35161 Re-Advertised R- 3223 Position ID #502303 Posting Date: March 28, 2016 AIDB is sensitive to the needs of individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing and for qualified applicants and employees will make reasonable accommodations. POSITION: Independent Living Skills Teacher (260 Day Program) Structured Discovery Program / Birmingham Regional Center REPORTS TO: AIDB Birmingham Regional Center Director POSITION REQUIREMENTS: * Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Teaching, Consumer Science, Social Work, Home Economics, or a closely related field. OR * Must have successfully completed the Structured Discovery Program and demonstrate knowledge of the Structured Discovery philosophy and means by which Independent Living Skills are integrated as a core programmatic component. * Must have experience working with or teaching individuals who have vision loss. * A minimum of 90% competency in Braille according to the AIDB Braille Skills Assessment must be attained within the first twelve (12) months of employment. * Must illustrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff; consumers and their families; program graduates; peer Independent Living Skills instructors; advisory groups; and agencies such as the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services along with contemporary Structured Discovery Programs. * Must be able to perform home management and daily living skills competently and efficiently while wearing sleep shades. * Demonstrated maturity, self-motivation, and the ability to exercise sound judgment. * Must illustrate outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; resume and writing sample required with application. * Must either possess or develop an understanding of cultures and needs of persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low vision or deafblind, ensuring all actions and decisions demonstrate a respect for and value of persons with sensory loss. * Must be computer literate and skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite. * The successful applicant must submit to a criminal history background information check including, but not limited to, FBI and ABI record repositories. Upon offer of employment, the applicant must present a non-refundable fee of $49.65 and appear for scheduled finger printing appointment. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: * Appraise students' independent living skills through performance-based assessments. * Prepare lesson plans inclusive of sequential, meaningful instruction geared to the student's assessed needs; Individualized Employment Plan and/or Personal Futures Plan; functioning and motivational levels. * Develop and complete tracking mechanisms to assess each student's daily progress. * Teach students meal planning/preparation, food storage/safety, etiquette, etc. * Teach students to maintain daily personal care as necessary. * Teach students daily household tasks to maintain a safe, clean home. * Teach students laundry skills. * Teach students money-management skills. * Teach students life skills relating to personal self, healthy relationships and social interactions. * Guide students in becoming independent by providing opportunities to increase autonomy. * Present in-service training to AIDB/Structured Discovery staff as needed. * Determine materials needed to implement daily educational program activities (equipment, food staples, cleaning products, etc.) with input from students where appropriate. * Integrate other Structured Discovery curricula core components (Braille, Orientation & Mobility, Assistive Technology, Residential Living, etc.) into lessons and Independent Living Skills tasks. * Use Gentry Referral Information Net (GRIN), maintaining student progress and monthly reports. * Assist with transition to independence utilizing apartments. * Take appropriate action during emergency situations utilizing internal policies and procedures. * Accurately document behavior incidents as necessary. * Maintain classroom, office, and work area in a clean and organized manner. * Perform independent living skills effectively with occluded vision. * Participate in Structured Discovery Strategic Planning to provide a continuum of services aligning with AIDB's efforts to design innovative instructional programs to meet the unique and changing education and rehabilitation needs of students, consumers and families. * Educate through marketing/public relations to enhance and expand Structured Discovery. * Participate in departmental, inner-agency and campus-wide faculty/committee meetings, state/national meetings, workshops, presentations, conferences and consumer groups, sharing information and best practice methodology to internal/external audiences. * Keep abreast of current research and Independent Living Skills teaching strategies. * Review/update the Structured Discovery Independent Living Skills curriculum as necessary. * Demonstrate professionalism in behavior and dress that serves as a role model, setting a good example for Structured Discovery participants and aligning with the AIDB culture. * Perform all other duties as assigned, promoting quality service for students. SALARY: $32,898 - $48,054 Scale MS Rank MSH High School and Structured Discovery Program Completion $35,404 - $53,696 Scale MS Rank M6812 (BS-Class B Certification) $37,082 - $56,201 Scale MS Rank MS12 (MS-Class A Certification) (260 Days) Direct deposit is required. This is an exempt position, and is not subject to overtime or compensatory provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: April 4, 2016 Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 (Fax) Skype: edwardbell2010 ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> <http://www.pdrib.com> www.pdrib.com ************************************************************** "I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops." -- Stephen Jay Gould From: Cindy Jones [mailto:Jones.Cindy at aidb.state.al.us] Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 1:33 PM To: ebell at latech.edu Subject: FW: R-3223 Independent Living Skills Teacher - Re-Advertised From: Job Announcement Sent: Monday, March 28, 2016 1:43 PM Subject: R-3223 Independent Living Skills Teacher - Re-Advertised

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More on Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety
by fschroeder＠sks.com 29 Mar '16

29 Mar '16

Good morning all: I apologize for not making it clear that it is President Riccobono who is reconstituting the Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety. If you have an interest in being considered for inclusion on the Committee, Please contact President Riccobono directly. His email address is officeofthepresident at nfb.org <mailto:officeofthepresident at nfb.org> Sorry for the confusion. Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D.

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Seeking Nominations - NFB Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety
by fschroeder＠sks.com 29 Mar '16

29 Mar '16

FYI. The following is excerpted from the ?President?s Notebook.? Seeking Recommendations: As you may also know, the National Federation of the Blind has, for some time, had a Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety. This committee provided significant grassroots guidance and engagement to secure the passage of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act and follow-up work on the still pending regulations. As most of the regulatory work in this area is done, I am seeking to reconstitute the committee to examine other pedestrian issues that might be of interest to the members of the Federation and require action. Please send me names of individuals in your affiliate that would be good candidates to serve on this committee due to their interest in working on pedestrian issues. I would like to complete the committee appointments soon, so please give this some immediate thought and send your recommendations to me by April 4. Please be sure to include contact information for those whom you recommend. Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D.

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FW: Orientation and mobility instructor Needed for Students in Transition to Employment program (STEP)
by ebell＠pdrib.com 21 Mar '16

21 Mar '16

*** FYI, any interested NOMC out there? *** Subject: Orientation and mobility instructor Needed for Students in Transition to Employment program (STEP) Dear Dr. Bell: I hope this message finds you well. I write to seek your assistance in finding an orientation and mobility Instructor for our Students In Transition to Employment Program (STEP) for 2016 at the new Mexico Commission for the Blind in Albuquerque. As we do not have an NOMCT in Albuquerque, it would likely be preferable for all of us if the candidate(s) are NOMC certified. Our STEP program starts on Monday, June 06, 2016, and runs through Friday, July 29, 2016, with a week of break from Monday, July 04, through Friday, July 08. We would provide a pay rate that would make it worthwhile for the identified, qualified candidate to temporarily relocate to Albuquerque, new Mexico for this time. As you will note, I have copied our Executive director, Greg Trapp, on this message, as he, along with myself, will be able to answer further questions which you may have in suggesting qualified individuals. We look forward to hearing from you soon and wish you a fantastic day. Kindest regards, Kelly Burma, NCLB NCUEB New Mexico commission for the Blind 2200 Yale Boulevard SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Phone: (505) 841-8844 extension 32277 or (505) 383-2277 Toll Free in New Mexico Only: (888) 513-7958 Extension 32277 Fax: (505) 841-8850 or (505) 514-0717 Cell Phone: (505) 615-6414 E-mail: Kelly.burma at state.nm.us <mailto:Kelly.burma at state.nm.us> Short Message to Mobile Phone by E-mail: 5056156414 at tmomail.net <mailto:5056156414 at tmomail.net> (140 characters or less) Web Site: http://www.cfb.state.nm.us

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Valid Driver's License Required
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 21 Mar '16

21 Mar '16

Dear Colleagues, I keep seeing "valid driver's license required" on orientation and mobility job applications. I know that a driver can be provided to me as a job accommodation, but could folks here please give me some advice on how to handle that in the application/interview process? Since Federation leadership roles are on my resume, as I believe they should be, it will be obvious to prospective employers that I am blind. Thanks so much, Justin Justin M. Salisbury, MA, NOMC, NCUEB Legislative Coordinator National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President at Alumni.ECU.edu> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=325734822 Twitter: @SalisburyJustin "None can be free as long as any are enslaved" Dr. Kenneth Jernigan

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This Year's Cane Walk
by jaltman＠neb.rr.com 16 Mar '16

16 Mar '16

Hello Everyone, As you begin planning for National Convention this year, I wanted to provide you with some basic information for this year's Cane Walk. At the present time only the date and times are available; however, once the room numbers are also available, I will be sending these to you. I hope that each of you will be able to join us for this terrific event, and help share the knowledge and skills that have helped so many young people to gain confidence and independence. Sincerely, Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB The 2016 Cane walk will be held : Friday July 1, 2016 8:45 - 10:30 am CANE WALK Session I 11:00 am - 12:45 pm CANE WALK Session II

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The time for the Cane Walk is drawing near
by jaltman＠neb.rr.com 05 Mar '16

05 Mar '16

Hello Everyone, I just wanted to say hello to all of my fellow NOMC instructors, and to remind each of you that one of our favorite annual events is coming up again at National convention. The Cane Walk is one of the great opportunities we have to share our knowledge and experience with the next generation, and to make a real difference in the lives of these young people. I hope that all of you can join me at the Cane Walk this year and help introduce blind children and their families to the freedom and independence that comes from the long white cane and proper training. I will be sending out detailed information once it becomes available, so please be watching for these announcements. I look forward to seeing all you at our National Convention, and the Cane Walk this year. Sincerely, Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB

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A question for your consideration
by jaltman＠neb.rr.com 02 Mar '16

02 Mar '16

Hello Everyone, I would like to start a disscussion here, well, more of a brain storming session. From my contacts on Facebook, it has become clear to me that many blind people outside of the United states simply do not have the sort of opportunities that would allow them to become successful. The first issue is access to just the basics, starting with the long white cane. Now, there have long been programs to try to send canes to these places, and to some degree they are successful, but still the need isn't being met. So, here is what I want to ask all of you: Imagine you need to make a cane for yourself, but the stuff you normally would use, fiberglass, aluminum , and the like simply isn't available. What would you use, and how would you use it to make the cane you needed? My thought is that perhaps we could find some solutions that would allow folks in these situations to be able to either make their own canes, or to find someone that has the skills and access to the materials to do it within their own communities. Jeff Altman

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NOMC/COMS Resolution
by deja.powell＠gmail.com 01 Mar '16

01 Mar '16

Hello Friends, Have any of you ever written or presented a resolutions regarding O&M/cane travel certification practices? More specifically, something regarding the equalocity (yep made that word up) of an NOMC and AER/COMS certification? We are needing to write a resolution here in Utah to a school who refuses to even interview NOMC's, and only allows the COMS certification. If you can share any such resolution, or any documents that might be helpful, I would greatly appreciate it. You can emaill me directionly at deja.powell at gmail.com. Warm Regards, Deja Powell Deja M. Powell, MA, NOMC PhD Candidate, Capella University <http://www.capella.edu> Cane Travel Instructor, Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired <http://www.usor.utah.gov/division-of-services-for-the-blind-and-visually-im…> Co-Director, Club SILVER (Southern Utah) Cell: 801.891.3430 Work: 801-323-4343 Email: deja.powell at gmail.com Blog: slateandstylish.blogspot.com *"You can never be Overdressed or Overeducated." -Oscar Wilde*

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