March 2019 - NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

Congratulations to Dr. Chamberlain
by ebell＠pdrib.com 28 Mar '19

28 Mar '19

Hello all! It is my pleasure to report that Merry-Noel Chamberlain has successfully defended her dissertation. CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Merry-Noel Chamberlain!

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NOMCT Committee for 2019
by ebell＠pdrib.com 26 Mar '19

26 Mar '19

Dear NOMC, Here is the National Orientation and Mobility Certified Trainer Committee for 2019--2022. Please share with them your congratulations NOMCT Committee 2019 Jeffry Altman, Chairman, Nebraska NOMCT Committee Members Roland Allen, Louisiana Ronald Brown, Indiana Shelford Cantan, Hawaii Joanne Gabias, Arizona Michelle Gip, Minnesota Robert Hobson, Minnesota Jennifer Kennedy, Utah Ernesto Lucca, Colorado Joni Martinez, Texas Adelmo Vigil, New Mexico Robert Wilkerson, New Mexico Colin Wong, Arizona Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu 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

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Webinar Learning Ally in the Classroom
by hernandezlegorreta＠gmail.com 25 Mar '19

25 Mar '19

Hello all, I wanted to share the following professional learning opportunity with you. Learning Ally in the Classroom April 3, 4-5 pm eastern standard time Free Zoom meeting with registration. Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/8c575c6bec8c351966858a512be5123a Learn about Learning Ally, and how it can help blind and low vision students access reading content in the classroom, read and engage with their world and access all types of materials. Vicky Codas will be presenting on Learning Ally. Vicky Codas is a TVI in DC Public Schools and received her Master?s from Eastern Michigan University in Special education for the Visually Impaired. She is also a specialist in virtual learning from Catholic University of the North in Colombia. Contact hours will be provided. Check out our other webinars at: https://sites.google.com/view/tviportalmaryland/calendar Maria (Conchita) Hernandez Legorreta M.A.T. Statewide Vision Low Incidence Specialist for the State of Maryland Doctorate Student at George Washington University METAS Chair: http://metasinternational.org/ Registrese para la Conferencia Cambiando Vidas Guadalajara: https://sites.google.com/view/conferenciacambiandovidasgdl/home

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Second Posting: Structured Discovery Training Coordinator Job Description
by ebell＠pdrib.com 15 Mar '19

15 Mar '19

Job Announcement Structured Discovery Training Coordinator The Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) at Louisiana Tech University is seeking a full-time Structured Discovery Training Coordinator . The PDRIB fulfills two primary missions: to prepare professionals to work in the field of rehabilitation and education with innovative knowledge about blindness under the Structured Discovery method of instruction; and to conduct research which clarifies and deepens understanding about blindness and the best practices for promoting education, employment, and independence for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The PDRIB is a small, grant-based research and training institute within the College of Education at Louisiana Tech University, located in Ruston, Louisiana. The work of the Institute occurs on the University campus, but also has a nationwide scale. Major Duties Include: The Structured Discovery Training Coordinator reports directly to the Director of the PDRIB, and has the following specific job responsibilities: * train Graduate Students in learning Structured Discovery Methods and Principles in the area of Orientation and Mobility * train Graduate Students in learning Structured Discovery Methods and Principles in the area of Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind * Provide direct instruction in alternative skills of blindness, including cane travel, braille, ADL, and technology to youth and adults participating in Institute programs * Maintain an active recruitment campaign to attract and educate interested persons across the country in the programs offered at the PDRIB. * Develop and teach curriculum /training programs in an online environment, as well as in on-site locations throughout the country. * Write academic/professional manuscripts, including policies, training curriculum, grant proposals, research articles, and marketing materials. * Lead and manage training sessions, academic courses, conferences, workshops, and other training events. Requirements * B.A. required, (M.A. preferred) * National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) (One year may be granted for individual to obtain the credential) * National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB) (One year may be granted for individual to obtain the credential) * National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB) (One year may be granted for individual to obtain the credential) * Ability to model nonvisual skills in familiar and unfamiliar situations. * Willingness to travel in-state and out-of-state * Work during evenings and weekends will be required. * Ability to be self-motivating and self-directing working solo as well as in large groups * Excellent verbal and written communication skills * Excellent attention to details * Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking * Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Internet, including relevant social media * Willingness to learn new software programs and processes * Other duties as assigned Compensation * Employment is full-time based on a year-to-year contract, reviewed annually, and contingent upon available funding. * Salary is commensurate with qualifications * Comprehensive benefits package, including access to medical, dental and other insurance, retirement, and accrued leave time. * Opportunities for advancement in education and qualification is available Please send cover letter and resume to Edward Bell, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness, via electronic mail to: ebell at latech.edu. Louisiana Tech University adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal and civil rights laws, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or disability. The Title IX Coordinator is Carrie Flournoy, President's Office, P.O. Box 3168; phone: (318) 257-3785; e-mail flournoy at Jlatech.edu <mailto:flournoy at Jlatech.edu>

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Announcing the 2019 Touch of Genius Prize Winners
by ebell＠pdrib.com 14 Mar '19

14 Mar '19

Announcing the 2019 Touch of Genius Prize Winners Posted on March 14, 2019 by National Braille Press announcing-the-2019-touch-of-genius-prize-winners/#respond There are two Touch of Genius Prize winners this year! Canute ? Bristol Braille Technologies ? won $5000 The Canute is a 360 cell braille display, with 9 rows of 40 cells developed by Bristol Braille Technologies in the UK. The Canute will be the first affordable multi-line display on the market. Targeted toward education settings and libraries, and looking toward areas of math, science, coding and music, the Canute has endured many iterations and been a cooperative experience between braille readers across the world. This ?kindle for the blind? is surely be an innovative game-changer and will only push forward braille literacy. http://www.bristolbraille.co.uk/ Braille Sheets ? ObjectiveEd? won $5000 Braille Sheets is an interactive app to help children learn to read braille developed by ObjectiveEd. ObjectiveEd?s mission is to help children with visual impairments maximize educational results. The app makes it easy to enter programs/lessons for students, see lessons from other teachers, and pair with an actual braille sheet where the student is tactile-y learning letters and words as they are getting real-time audio feedback. A collection of lessons and games, Braille Sheets will be a great supplement for teachers and an easy, affordable way to help students learn braille and become literate. https://www.objectiveed.com/ NBP awarded the Touch of Genius prize to the winners at the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference on Wednesday, March 17th. ? Image on left: Brian MacDonald (NBP) with Marty Shutz of ObjectiveEd at TOG reception. Image on right: MacDonald with Ed Rogers of Bristol Braille at TOG reception. figure ?Image on left: Brian MacDonald (NBP) with Marty Shutz of ObjectiveEd at TOG reception. Image on right: MacDonald with Ed Rogers of Bristol Braille at TOG reception. ? Image on left: Brian MacDonald (NBP) with Marty Shutz of ObjectiveEd at TOG reception. Image on right: MacDonald with Ed Rogers of Bristol Braille at TOG reception. figure end The Touch of Genius Prize is made possible by the support of the Gibney Family Foundation! Thank you! figure Learn More about touch of genius prize here figure end ? Take me back to nbp.org! figure National Braille Press Logo (take me back to nbp.org) ?Take me back to nbp.org! ? Take me back to nbp.org! figure end SHARE THIS: list of 2 items ?Twitter ?Facebook list end Like Be the first to like this. Posted in Uncategorized| Tagged Blindness, Braille, braille innovation, braille literacy, braille materials| Leave a reply article end article Remembering an Exceptional Volunteer Posted on June 5, 2018 by National Braille Press remembering-an-exceptional-volunteer/#respond A tireless competitor in all aspects of her life, Sue Ammeter was a crucial champion for the blind community. As a young child, she quickly learned to advocate for her right to read. Because of a lack of readily-available braille, Sue?s mother took it upon herself to transcribe school assignments and books for her daughter. After graduating from the University of Washington, Sue embarked on a 30-year career in state government, fighting for the employment rights of people with disabilities. She was the first blind person to work for the Human Rights Commission of Washington State and was instrumental in crafting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring legal protections against discrimination for those with disabilities. Photo of Sue and Ruth Ann Hansen wearing nametags and smiling at the camera National Braille Press was honored to have Sue serve on our board for the last five years. With her leadership, we were able to raise money to produce books on living with breast and prostate cancer, as well as ensuring access to information on symptoms, treatments, and side effects for blind individuals. >From serving on committees to attending our gala to hosting one of our best-attended Because Braille Matters luncheons, Sue always strove to help. She and John, her husband of 46 years, even joined our Braille for Life Alliance legacy program to ensure braille access for all. Sue?s legacy of advocacy, volunteerism, and paving the path for others will stand well into our future and it is with great pleasure that we announce that we are naming our Individual Volunteer of the Year award the Sue Ammeter Volunteer of the Year Award . Room view of Sue's memorial, it is full of people, every table is full as they celebrate her life NBP staff was honored to attend Sue?s memorial and celebration the life in Washington State. Sue was an amazing person, friend, and Trustee of NBP. Her passing leaves a big hole that we all must fill to support braille literacy and the ADA. Sue, thank you for making our mission stronger and our lives better. SHARE THIS: list of 2 items ?Twitter ?Facebook11 list end Like list of 4 items blackwings666 cutepuppyness gourmetandfood travelwarehouse list end 4 bloggers like this. Posted in Uncategorized| Leave a reply article end article Writing Braille by Hand Posted on May 15, 2018 by National Braille Press 1 By, Judy Dixon When Louis Braille first began pressing dots into paper for later reading, he did it by hand. His tools were primitive but effective; he used a slate and stylus. The top of his braille slate was a simple piece of sheet metal bent downward at the ends with small rectangular openings. The bottom of his slate was a flat stick of wood with horizontal grooves. The exact size and placement of these elements varied somewhat as Louis?s ideas for the best way to produce braille evolved over time. Over the next hundred years, the tools for writing braille by hand became more sophisticated. The top and bottom of the slate were joined by a machined hinge, the back was often made with a distinct impression for each dot, and, in the latter part of this period, various plastics were used to reduce cost and weight, and increase resiliency. Nine-line, wall-mountable slate for writing short memos--includes magnetic stylus, a roll of paper, and a hook for hanging messages Nine-line, wall-mountable slate for writing short memos?includes magnetic stylus, a roll of paper, and a hook for hanging messages. My first encounter with a braille slate and stylus was just before Christmas in first grade at the school for the blind in St. Augustine, Florida. Early on the afternoon before Christmas vacation, the teacher gave each of us a slate and stylus. Mine was blue. She showed us how to use it and we had a few minutes to practice. I took my new treasure home with me when I left for Christmas. I proudly demonstrated my new skill to my two older brothers. They already knew how to read and write and I had been very concerned about how I was going to read and write like they did. To this day, I can remember my exhilaration, ?Look, I can read too, and I can write too.? I don?t think it occurred to me that they couldn?t read what I wrote. I could, and that was what mattered. Throughout my school years, I took notes with a slate. By high school, I had a few different ones but they didn?t vary much because there was nothing very unique available in the U.S. at the time. Early on, I was aware of the slate?s limitations. When using a slate in school, I often wished for one that had a full page of cells, eliminating the necessity of repositioning the slate down the page after every four lines. I also imagined a slate that would let me write very small braille so I could fit more text on a page. And how about one that could write on both sides of the paper? I did not know that such slates existed. a four-cell slate to slip over a page edge for marginal notes. A four-cell slate to slip over a page edge for marginal notes. Some time in the 1970s, a friend gave me a slate from England. It had braille cells about two-thirds the size of the ones I had been using. On a 4-by-6-inch index card, I could fit 11 lines of 26 cells, far more than ever before. Later, on a visit to Germany, I got a full-page slate, 25 lines of 28 cells. It was made of a heavy metal and weighed about a pound but it was gorgeous. When I had a couple of dozen slates, I realized I was a collector. I was primarily interested in slates that had some function other than the ordinary ones. Currently, there are 278 unique slates from 38 different countries in my collection. Some are historic, dating back to the 1860?s but most were made in the mid to late 20th century. The vast majority are slates created to produce six-dot braille, but the collection also contains slates for tactile codes other than braille, such as New York Point, Moon Type, and codes created by individuals that were never widely used. It also contains slates for a German shorthand code, a Spanish music code, and a Japanese code for writing kanji?all extensions of the braille code using eight dots. Element for IBM Selectric typewriter that produced very small but readable embossed braille. Element for IBM Selectric typewriter that produced very small but readable embossed braille. The largest slate that I have was made in Austria and has 30 lines of 36 cells. The smallest, called a margin guide, was made in England and has only one line of four cells. It has no hinge and is designed to simply slip over the edge of a page like a paper clip. It is used to add a page number or make a note in the margin. Full page metal slate from Austria. Full page metal slate from Austria Each slate in my collection is somewhat different from every other. There are many different sizes and as many shapes. They are made of aluminum, zinc, brass, steel and several kinds of plastic?most of which are in fairly subdued shades of gray and black, but one is a startling fluorescent orange. Instead of pins, some have magnets or spring-loaded clips to secure the paper, and in place of a hinge, some have stiff tape or heavy plastic to hold the two parts of the slate together. In the United States, we encounter only two sizes of braille, standard and jumbo. However, the size of the braille cell in slates from other countries varies considerably. The Japanese slates typically produce braille that is somewhat smaller than the American standard, while many of the German slates produce braille that is slightly larger than ours. There are two slates from Japan that produce braille so small that it is actually difficult to read. Three cherry wood styluses produced in Japan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the braille standard in the country. Three cherry wood styluses produced in Japan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the braille standard in the country. There are several rather creative designs which allow the braille to be read while the paper is still in the slate. E-Z Read slates, which have pins in the top instead of the bottom, were common in the United States. But several models of slates made in Italy use magnets to hold the paper. As with E-Z Read slates, the braille can be read by lifting the back of the slate without disturbing the position of the paper. Magnets have an advantage over pins?they leave no holes in the paper. Among my favorites are the slates that have been designed for special purposes. The Japanese have produced a telephone message slate which consists of a roll of paper, a small plastic slate, and a magnetic stylus, all mounted on a foam-backed board. Chemical Bank of New York developed an extremely useful checkwriting template. It has braille cells for making notes on the stub and on the check itself, as well as the familiar template openings for completing a check with a pen. This slate was provided to any blind person opening an account with Chemical Bank and was sold to any other bank requesting it for their blind patrons. aluminum check writing slate distributed by Chemical Bank of New York. Includes slots for filling out check with a pen and braille cells on the check stub and check itself for braille notations. Aluminum check writing slate distributed by Chemical Bank of New York. Includes slots for filling out check with a pen and braille cells on the check stub and check itself for braille notations. A few slates have their own associated stylus but there is a collection of several hundred styluses as well. Special ones include three cherry wood styluses made in Japan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the braille code and an ivory stylus used by George Shearing, the blind jazz musician, that he used during his school days in the 1920s. An ivory-handled stylus used by the blind jazz musician, George Shearing, at the school for the blind in England in the 1920s. An ivory-handled stylus used by the blind jazz musician, George Shearing, at the school for the blind in England in the 1920s. The collection is contained in two wooden cabinets that were specially made for it. Each one has 36 drawers, with pocket, board and notebook slates in Cabinet A and non-braille, upward-writing, special, and full-page slates in Cabinet B. It also has its own web site, www.brailleslates.org. Drawer in Judy's braille slate cabinet Although slate use has waned considerably in the developed world, writing braille with a slate and stylus is still widespread in developing countries. The advantages of a braille slate are numerous. Slates are relatively inexpensive, very portable, quiet to use, require no batteries, and need little, if any, repair. But writing with a braille slate can be very confining. Unlike using a pen or pencil, it is not possible to vary the size of the letters, to write between the lines, or to scribble in the margins as those who write print so often do. Maybe this will happen one day and maybe, ironically, it will be technology that does it! Judy Dixon is the Consumer Relations Officer for the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. She has an extensive collection of both slates and braille notetakers. Judy writes many original technology books for NBP and serves as a judge for our Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation. All photos were taken by Judy. SHARE THIS: list of 2 items ?Twitter ?Facebook39 list end Like list of 3 items sitting bull blackwings666 girlsincredible list end 3 bloggers like this. Posted in Uncategorized| 1 Reply article end article NBP?s Quotation Booklets: A Valuable Teaching Tool Any Day of the Week Posted on April 12, 2018 by National Braille Press nbps-quotation-booklets-a-valuable-teaching-tool-any-day-of-the-week/#respond By Mary Drain When I stumbled upon the first quotation booklet NBP published several years ago, I knew I had to have it. Pocket-sized and spiral-bound, the booklet was sure to offer some interesting food for thought, and in a convenient size to boot. What I did not know at the time was that this booklet, and those that followed, would prove to be a valuable teaching tool. They offered just the right amount of content for many of my students to transition successfully from my curriculum-driven sentences to the reading of their first official braille publication. For students of any age, moving from learning braille to comfortably using braille is a process. Appreciating braille for its utility, grace, and for the many jobs it does better than any other tool comes later. As someone who grew up with a tremendous amount of usable vision, I had no difficulty accessing print using a minimal amount of magnification. Never mind that my eyes fatigued easily and my reading speed was quite slow. It was my TVI who had the good sense and foresight to insist that I learn braille. When I asked why, he said, ?Because I want you to have options.? Implicit in his response was a truth that I did not fully understand and embrace until I was much older. It is that achieving a level of proficiency with braille, audio, and, for some, magnification enables those of us who are visually impaired to choose the most efficient tool (or tools) for the task at hand, without ever having to compromise. As a braille teacher at the Orientation Center for the Blind in Albany, California, I feel fortunate to work alongside colleagues who share this point of view, and in a residential immersion training program that has our students working with these new tools of independence every day. Layout 1 Nearly all of my students, most of whom are newly blind, begin my class eager to regain their ability to read and write independently. Whether having the goal of using braille to label, read a recipe, refer to notes when giving a school or workplace presentation, or read a book someday, very few of my students have to be convinced of braille?s value. But, because learning braille more closely resembles the running of a marathon than a sprint, keeping my students motivated is not without its challenges. I am always mindful of proper pacing and the need for periodic pep talks. For my students who have learned all of their contractions but need to continue to improve their reading, finding material that is both adult in nature and appropriate for their skill level has not always been easy. In the same way I would not throw a kid fresh out of driver?s training onto a busy L.A. street during rush hour, I?m careful not to give my students reading material that is likely to frustrate or overwhelm them. With an average of five single-spaced lines of braille on each page (along with the attribution), each of the quotations in the quotation booklets are presented in a manageable format. They offer a terrific way to introduce my adult students to published braille. I look forward to seeing NBP produce more materials like this in the future. Riddles or fun facts anyone? It seems only fitting that I conclude with a quote from Andrew Carnegie. He said, ?Anything worth having in life is worth working for.? I think we can all agree that this is certainly true when it comes to learning braille. Mary Drain is one of ten credentialed teachers at the Orientation Center for the Blind. Operated by the California Department of Rehabilitation, the Orientation Center is a residential immersion program that offers classes in Orientation and Mobility, Adaptive Computer Training, Braille, Cooking, and Daily Living Skills to legally blind individuals who are clients of the California Department of Rehabilitation. SHARE THIS: list of 2 items ?Twitter ?Facebook15 list end Like list of 2 items sirvineperry THE LOUD WHISPER list end 2 bloggers like this. Posted in Uncategorized| Leave a reply article end article Free Online Activities Created Especially for YOU! Posted on February 16, 2018 by National Braille Press free-online-activities-created-especially-for-you/#respond ?Great Expectations: Bringing Picture Books to Life for Blind Kids For nearly four years, the Great Expectations program has produced original, high-interest, fun, and free activities especially for blind kids and their families. We start with a popular picture book, and add braille to it, so blind and sighted family members can read them together. But that?s just the beginning! From there, we use the book?s story, themes, and ideas to create a set of activities that enable blind kids to explore all aspects of the book in greater detail, through songs, tactile play, picture descriptions, body movement, engaged listening, arts and crafts projects, inspiring real-life stories, and much more. The goal is to promote active reading experiences for children with visual impairments. Each book in the program explores a completely different topic, including some subjects that might seem difficult to broach with a visually impaired person. It might seem counterintuitive to talk about different colors and shades, for example, with a blind child. But of course colors are a part everyday life and conversation, and blind kids need to know as much about colors and their significance as any other kid in order to fully participate in their lives. With that mindset, we use popular kids? books as the starting point for discussion, activities, and lots of fun. Dragons Love Tacos, our first book in the series, gives us the chance to talk about textures, preparing food, and organizing a (taco) party. The Day the Crayons Quit, perhaps our most popular series selection thus far, offers ideas for talking about colors with blind kids. Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes is all about orientation and mobility, maps, and mazes. Iggy Peck, Architect discusses building and buildings, architecture, and team work. Amazing Grace focuses on theater, presentation, storytelling, and more. And Measuring Penny delves into measuring, graphing, comparisons ? and even what it takes to care for a pet! ?Lemonade in Winter cover With our newest book, Lemonade in Winter, we learn all about money and running a business from Pauline and her younger brother John-John as they open a lemonade stand in the middle of winter. By the end of the story, they?ve made less money than they spent on supplies, but learned some valuable lessons along the way. The free activities we?ve created to go with this print/braille book explore all aspects of money and business, and tease out some of the less obvious themes in the book, like teamwork and following directions. Here?s the full activity list for Lemonade in Winter: Hands on Money Don?t want to accidentally pay $20 for a $5 ice cream? Use your sense of touch to tell different coins apart and play fun games to practice making different coin combinations. Also learn folding techniques and technology options to keep track of your different paper bills. Spend, Save, Share Whether you get money as a gift or earn it by doing chores, you have several options for what to do with it. Learn reasons and strategies for spending, saving, and sharing, and then make your own spend, save, and share jars. ?Spend, Save, and Share jars Make an Origami Wallet Looking for a fun and unique way to keep your money safe? Use a Japanese method of paper folding, called origami, to create your own, unique mini wallet. Team Story Building Pauline and John-John?s lemonade stand doesn?t yield the results they expected (selling tons of lemonade and making lots of money!), but they have fun anyway and learn that there?s more than one definition of success! Play a team story building game that shows how any new adventure can bring unexpected outcomes. Giving and Following Instructions When you teach a friend or sibling something new, it?s important to give good instructions. The opposite is also true! When you want to learn something new, it?s important to follow instructions well. Try the 10 Step Game, the Right Way to Make Slime activity, and the hilarious Exact Instructions Challenge to see how good you are at reading carefully and following directions. Tips from a Blind Business Person Meet Jessica Beecham, a blind business woman with a passion for making health and wellness accessible to everyone. Jessica was a founding member of the Sports and Recreation Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado; and is currently a co-founder and Program Director at a popular fitness company in Colorado called WE Fit Wellness. See what Jessica has to say about succeeding in the business world, and review Pauline and John-John?s lemonade stand business plan. ?Jessica Beecham Jokes Around the Lemonade Stand Whether or not you run a lemonade stand, it never hurts to have a handful of jokes to add fun to the day. Here are more money jokes than you can count, and enough jokes about lemons to lift even the sourest mood. Sing the Lemonade Song Sing along with a song about making money at your lemonade stand and practice counting by units of 25 as you rake in the dough. Picture Descriptions Enjoy detailed descriptions of the illustrations in the book, all created especially for you! TVIs, parents, and young students will discover fun ways to experience picture books on a deeper level with Great Expectations. Check out the website for dozens and dozens of FREE online activities! Let us know which activities you tried out and what you enjoyed the most! And let us know what themes and concepts you?d like us to explore in the next book in the program! SHARE THIS: list of 2 items ?Twitter ?Facebook34 list end Like Be the first to like this. Posted in Uncategorized| Leave a reply article end Older posts main region end FOLLOW BLOG VIA EMAIL Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. FOLLOW BLOG VIA EMAIL Follow ARCHIVES list of 56 items ? March 2019 ? June 2018 ? May 2018 ? April 2018 ? February 2018 ? January 2018 ? November 2017 ? October 2017 ? August 2017 ? June 2017 ? May 2017 ? April 2017 ? March 2017 ? February 2017 ? January 2017 ? December 2016 ? November 2016 ? October 2016 ? September 2016 ? August 2016 ? June 2016 ? May 2016 ? April 2016 ? March 2016 ? February 2016 ? December 2015 ? November 2015 ? September 2015 ? July 2015 ? June 2015 ? April 2015 ? March 2015 ? February 2015 ? January 2015 ? December 2014 ? September 2014 ? August 2014 ? July 2014 ? June 2014 ? 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FOLLOW BLOG VIA EMAIL Follow Blog at WordPress.com. list of 1 items Follow list end :) Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu 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: Inside NBP <comment-reply at wordpress.com> Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2019 10:28 AM To: ebell at latech.edu Subject: [New post] Announcing the 2019 Touch of Genius Prize Winners National Braille Press posted: " There are two Touch of Genius Prize winners this year! Canute - Bristol Braille Technologies ? won $5000The Canute is a 360 cell braille display, with 9 rows of 40 cells developed by Bristol Braille Technologies in the UK. The Canute will be t" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Inside NBP Announcing the 2019 Touch of Genius Prize Winners by National Braille Press There are two Touch of Genius Prize winners this year! Canute - Bristol Braille Technologies ? won $5000The Canute is a 360 cell braille display, with 9 rows of 40 cells developed by Bristol Braille Technologies in the UK. The Canute will be the first affordable multi-line display on the market. Targeted toward education settings [?] Read more of this post National Braille Press | March 14, 2019 at 11:28 am | Tags: Blindness, Braille, braille innovation, braille literacy, braille materials | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: <https://wp.me/p2NNFn-nA> https://wp.me/p2NNFn-nA Comment See all comments Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Inside NBP. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://nationalbraillepress.wordpress.com/2019/03/14/announcing-the-2019-t… Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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Job Posting - Braille Transcriber
by ebell＠pdrib.com 13 Mar '19

13 Mar '19

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/23662cd> here <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/IACIO/2017/02/1217…> Braille Transcriber Location: Des Moines, Iowa Salary Minimum: $38,875.20 Salary Maximum: $57,345.60 Post Close Date: March 26, 2019 Point of Contact: Sarah Willeford at <mailto:Sarah.Willeford at blind.state.ia.us> Sarah.Willeford at blind.state.ia.us Job Description: Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume to the online application. The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position of Braille Transcriber for the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (ILBPH). This position is responsible for providing library and braille services by producing, coordinating, and delivering appropriate braille and tactile image services, transcribing and embossing a broad range of materials, producing associated tactile images and providing training/information to individuals. Duties and responsibilities to include the following: Braille Production * Produces braille and E-Text documents using direct 6-key entry, scanning, word processing, and braille translation software. * Evaluates braille projects, determines formatting requirements; makes decisions regarding graphics to be reproduced; makes decisions regarding inclusion of auxiliary components such as indexes and footnotes; determines suitability of project for inclusion in the library's permanent collection. * Interprets braille rules to determine proper formatting and usage. * Creates braille documents based on print material by (1) keying in text; (2) scanning printed material and using optical character recognition software to create text documents; (3) importing existing electronic documents; (4) transcribing in braille through 6-key entry; or (5) a combination of methods. * Translates documents into braille using translation software. * Embosses braille documents and tactiles using braille embossers. * Creates tactiles using a variety of programs: Adobe Illustrator, Paint.net, Photo Editor, Power Point, and Microsoft Word. Uses a Tactile Image Enhancer or creates tactiles by hand. * Reads braille to review final hard-copy braille for format, quality and completion. * Completes braille projects by; bursting and binding materials, use of forms-cutter, interleaving tactiles, inserting print title pages and use of the comb binder. * Assists in proofreading of braille materials. * Organizes and tracks materials in the library's Production Tracking System. * Explains braille rules and proofreading corrections to volunteer certified braillists. Instructional Materials Center and Patron Services * Explains services and interprets eligibility requirements to parents, students, counselors, teachers, and other professionals. * Assist in researching and ordering materials for Instructional Material Center requests. * Searches library collection, on-line databases, and other sources to determine if materials are available in requested media. * Assists in receiving and prioritizing Braille requests based on established guidelines. * Provide Reader Advisory services to patrons by conducting reference and reader advisory interviews to guide patrons to reading materials and information resources. * Work regularly scheduled shifts at the Information Desk, as well as substituting as needed. Outreach and Education * Participates in library and department projects and programs. * Represents the Library at outreach event(s) including conferences, displays, information booths, and open houses. COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: * Possession of Library of Congress Certificate of Proficiency in literary braille or achieve certification within 6 months of employment. * Four years of braille work experience or volunteer experience. * Proficiency in literary, Nemeth and computerized braille transcription. * Proficiency in Unified English Braille code and transcription. * Proficiency in braille formats. Minimum Qualification Requirements Four years of Brailling work experience or volunteer with formal training in literary, Nemeth or computerized Braille transcription with possession of a Library of Congress Certificate of Proficiency in Literary Braille. For additional information, please click on this <https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2382512/braille-transcribe…> link to view the job description. <https://get.adobe.com/reader/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> (Download PDF reader) Additional Qualification Requirements Positions allocated to this class may be required to acquire a Certificate of Proficiency in Nemeth. <https://get.adobe.com/reader/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> (Download PDF reader) <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/IACIO/2017/02/1217…> Phone: 515-281-1333 E-mail: <mailto:information at blind.state.ia.us> information at blind.state.ia.us Iowa Department for the Blind 524 Fourth Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 Stay Connected with the Iowa Department for the Blind: <https://www.facebook.com/idbonline/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://twitter.com/idbonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://blind.iowa.gov/newsroom/blogs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelive…> <https://www.youtube.com/user/IDBonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdeliv…> <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/topics?qsp=IACIO_30> Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu 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: Janice Eggers <Janice.Eggers at blind.state.ia.us> Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2019 1:00 PM Subject: FW: Courtesy Copy: Job Posting - Braille Transcriber This is a courtesy copy of an email bulletin sent by Janice Eggers - DFB. This bulletin was sent to the following groups of people: Subscribers of DFB_JobPostings (289 recipients) _____ Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/23662cd> here Braille Transcriber Location: Des Moines, Iowa Salary Minimum: $38,875.20 Salary Maximum: $57,345.60 Post Close Date: March 26, 2019 Point of Contact: Sarah Willeford at <mailto:Sarah.Willeford at blind.state.ia.us> Sarah.Willeford at blind.state.ia.us Job Description: Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume to the online application. The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position of Braille Transcriber for the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (ILBPH). This position is responsible for providing library and braille services by producing, coordinating, and delivering appropriate braille and tactile image services, transcribing and embossing a broad range of materials, producing associated tactile images and providing training/information to individuals. Duties and responsibilities to include the following: Braille Production * Produces braille and E-Text documents using direct 6-key entry, scanning, word processing, and braille translation software. * Evaluates braille projects, determines formatting requirements; makes decisions regarding graphics to be reproduced; makes decisions regarding inclusion of auxiliary components such as indexes and footnotes; determines suitability of project for inclusion in the library's permanent collection. * Interprets braille rules to determine proper formatting and usage. * Creates braille documents based on print material by (1) keying in text; (2) scanning printed material and using optical character recognition software to create text documents; (3) importing existing electronic documents; (4) transcribing in braille through 6-key entry; or (5) a combination of methods. * Translates documents into braille using translation software. * Embosses braille documents and tactiles using braille embossers. * Creates tactiles using a variety of programs: Adobe Illustrator, Paint.net, Photo Editor, Power Point, and Microsoft Word. Uses a Tactile Image Enhancer or creates tactiles by hand. * Reads braille to review final hard-copy braille for format, quality and completion. * Completes braille projects by; bursting and binding materials, use of forms-cutter, interleaving tactiles, inserting print title pages and use of the comb binder. * Assists in proofreading of braille materials. * Organizes and tracks materials in the library's Production Tracking System. * Explains braille rules and proofreading corrections to volunteer certified braillists. Instructional Materials Center and Patron Services * Explains services and interprets eligibility requirements to parents, students, counselors, teachers, and other professionals. * Assist in researching and ordering materials for Instructional Material Center requests. * Searches library collection, on-line databases, and other sources to determine if materials are available in requested media. * Assists in receiving and prioritizing Braille requests based on established guidelines. * Provide Reader Advisory services to patrons by conducting reference and reader advisory interviews to guide patrons to reading materials and information resources. * Work regularly scheduled shifts at the Information Desk, as well as substituting as needed. Outreach and Education * Participates in library and department projects and programs. * Represents the Library at outreach event(s) including conferences, displays, information booths, and open houses. COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: * Possession of Library of Congress Certificate of Proficiency in literary braille or achieve certification within 6 months of employment. * Four years of braille work experience or volunteer experience. * Proficiency in literary, Nemeth and computerized braille transcription. * Proficiency in Unified English Braille code and transcription. * Proficiency in braille formats. Minimum Qualification Requirements Four years of Brailling work experience or volunteer with formal training in literary, Nemeth or computerized Braille transcription with possession of a Library of Congress Certificate of Proficiency in Literary Braille. For additional information, please click on this <https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2382512/braille-transcribe…> link to view the job description. <https://get.adobe.com/reader/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> (Download PDF reader) Additional Qualification Requirements Positions allocated to this class may be required to acquire a Certificate of Proficiency in Nemeth. <https://get.adobe.com/reader/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> (Download PDF reader) Phone: 515-281-1333 E-mail: <mailto:information at blind.state.ia.us> information at blind.state.ia.us Iowa Department for the Blind 524 Fourth Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 Stay Connected with the Iowa Department for the Blind: <https://www.facebook.com/idbonline/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://twitter.com/idbonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://blind.iowa.gov/newsroom/blogs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelive…> <https://www.youtube.com/user/IDBonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdeliv…> <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/topics?qsp=IACIO_30> Manage Subscriptions <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/edit?preferences=t…> Help <https://subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com/> <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/23662cd?reqfrom=sh…>

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Job Posting - Accessible Media Specialist
by ebell＠pdrib.com 13 Mar '19

13 Mar '19

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/23661ea> here <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/IACIO/2017/02/1217…> Accessible Media Specialist Location: Des Moines, Iowa Salary Minimum: $50,980.80 Salary Maximum: $77,563.20 Post Close Date: March 26, 2019 Point of Contact: Sarah Willeford at <mailto:Sarah.Willeford at blind.state.ia.us> Sarah.Willeford at blind.state.ia.us Job Description: Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume to the online application. The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Services Specialist for the Blind 2 to fill the role of Accessible Media Specialist within the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (ILBPH). This position is responsible for providing resources, training and support in the development of accessible and alternative resources, programs and services. Duties and responsibilities to include the following: Accessibility and Alternative Formats * Reviews and ensures new library and IDB services are accessible * Works with students and educators in the use of learning management systems to assist in accessibility and access needs * Works with public, employers, schools, public librarians, organizations and other agencies in the development of accessible documents, forms and websites * Creates and assist in creating accessible documents and forms * Recommends and explains how services can be improved to serve all users through universal design and accessibility * Develops and supports the use of accessible Open Educational Resources (OERs) * Provides training in accessibility topics including; accessible documents, universal design and alternative medias to various audiences * Develops on-line and in-person trainings for library tools and accessibility tools * Develops strategies for using computer software and applications with speech and braille screen access systems to be shared with staff and patrons * Writes, edits, revises, formats and produces tutorial documents on accessibility topics in print and electronic formats * Compiles statistics and reports regarding and services as directed Reference Services for Assistive Technology * Assists library patrons and the public in the use of assistive technology, programs and applications to ensure access to information * Provides training in the use of BARD, Online Catalog and other library services * Assists staff and the public in the use of information resources and library collections; identifies types of materials available, answers questions regarding the library's collections * Manage patron accounts through the use of the library's integrated library system and applying National Library Service and library policies and procedures * Work regularly scheduled shifts at the information desks, as well as substituting as needed Makerspace and STEM Resource Development * Assist Youth Services Librarian in the development, implementation and maintenance of the library Makerspace and the development of STEM programming and resources Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in technical writing, education, computer science, or related fields and experience equal to three years of full-time work in technology, education, computer science, engineering or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time work experience, outlined above, for each year of the required education to a maximum substitution of three years. For additional information, please click on this <https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2382478/accessible-media-s…> link to view the job description. <https://get.adobe.com/reader/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> (Download PDF reader) <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/IACIO/2017/02/1217…> Phone: 515-281-1333 E-mail: <mailto:information at blind.state.ia.us> information at blind.state.ia.us Iowa Department for the Blind 524 Fourth Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 Stay Connected with the Iowa Department for the Blind: <https://www.facebook.com/idbonline/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://twitter.com/idbonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://blind.iowa.gov/newsroom/blogs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelive…> <https://www.youtube.com/user/IDBonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdeliv…> <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/topics?qsp=IACIO_30> Manage Subscriptions <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/edit?preferences=t…> Help <https://subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com/> <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/23661ea?reqfrom=sh…> Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu 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: Janice Eggers <Janice.Eggers at blind.state.ia.us> Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2019 1:00 PM Subject: FW: Courtesy Copy: Job Posting - Accessible Media Specialist This is a courtesy copy of an email bulletin sent by Janice Eggers - DFB. This bulletin was sent to the following groups of people: Subscribers of DFB_JobPostings (289 recipients) _____ Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/23661ea> here Accessible Media Specialist Location: Des Moines, Iowa Salary Minimum: $50,980.80 Salary Maximum: $77,563.20 Post Close Date: March 26, 2019 Point of Contact: Sarah Willeford at <mailto:Sarah.Willeford at blind.state.ia.us> Sarah.Willeford at blind.state.ia.us Job Description: Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume to the online application. The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Services Specialist for the Blind 2 to fill the role of Accessible Media Specialist within the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (ILBPH). This position is responsible for providing resources, training and support in the development of accessible and alternative resources, programs and services. Duties and responsibilities to include the following: Accessibility and Alternative Formats * Reviews and ensures new library and IDB services are accessible * Works with students and educators in the use of learning management systems to assist in accessibility and access needs * Works with public, employers, schools, public librarians, organizations and other agencies in the development of accessible documents, forms and websites * Creates and assist in creating accessible documents and forms * Recommends and explains how services can be improved to serve all users through universal design and accessibility * Develops and supports the use of accessible Open Educational Resources (OERs) * Provides training in accessibility topics including; accessible documents, universal design and alternative medias to various audiences * Develops on-line and in-person trainings for library tools and accessibility tools * Develops strategies for using computer software and applications with speech and braille screen access systems to be shared with staff and patrons * Writes, edits, revises, formats and produces tutorial documents on accessibility topics in print and electronic formats * Compiles statistics and reports regarding and services as directed Reference Services for Assistive Technology * Assists library patrons and the public in the use of assistive technology, programs and applications to ensure access to information * Provides training in the use of BARD, Online Catalog and other library services * Assists staff and the public in the use of information resources and library collections; identifies types of materials available, answers questions regarding the library's collections * Manage patron accounts through the use of the library's integrated library system and applying National Library Service and library policies and procedures * Work regularly scheduled shifts at the information desks, as well as substituting as needed Makerspace and STEM Resource Development * Assist Youth Services Librarian in the development, implementation and maintenance of the library Makerspace and the development of STEM programming and resources Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in technical writing, education, computer science, or related fields and experience equal to three years of full-time work in technology, education, computer science, engineering or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time work experience, outlined above, for each year of the required education to a maximum substitution of three years. For additional information, please click on this <https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2382478/accessible-media-s…> link to view the job description. <https://get.adobe.com/reader/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> (Download PDF reader) Phone: 515-281-1333 E-mail: <mailto:information at blind.state.ia.us> information at blind.state.ia.us Iowa Department for the Blind 524 Fourth Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 Stay Connected with the Iowa Department for the Blind: <https://www.facebook.com/idbonline/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://twitter.com/idbonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://blind.iowa.gov/newsroom/blogs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelive…> <https://www.youtube.com/user/IDBonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdeliv…> <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/topics?qsp=IACIO_30> Manage Subscriptions <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/edit?preferences=t…> Help <https://subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com/> <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/23661ea?reqfrom=sh…>

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Resolution about Structured Discovery in K-12 Schools in State Legislature
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 11 Mar '19

11 Mar '19

Aloha Colleagues, A set of resolutions was just introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature that urges the Hawaii Department of Education to accept the NOMC for teachers of orientation and mobility, which it currently does not. Have any other state legislatures had any resolutions like this? Here are the links to the concurrent resolutions, which include links to their non-concurrent companions: Senate: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=1… House: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=1… Mahalo, Justin Justin M. Hideaki Salisbury he/him/his Board Member | National Association of Blind Students A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind (808) 797-8606 president at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:president at alumni.ecu.edu> | www.nabslink.org<http://www.nabslink.org/>

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Professional Development: Introduction to the NRMA
by hernandezlegorreta＠gmail.com 08 Mar '19

08 Mar '19

Hello, I wanted to inform you of a professional learning opportunity. Introduction to the NRMA Date: March 13, 4-5 pm eastern standard time Description When conducting a Learning Media Assessment (LMA) there are many tools you can use to help you gain information on your student. The National Reading Media Assessment (NRMA) is one such tool. Learn how to conduct a NRMA, who it would be appropriate to use with, and get all of your questions answered. Cindi graduated from the Louisiana Tech program with her masters in the education of blind children. Cindi Eskew is a TVI in Mississippi with many years of experience. Contact hours will be provided. Registration is required: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/1bf48e3b3b5a5e50d746f627e8486654 Find more professional learning opportunities on our TVI Portal: https://sites.google.com/view/tviportalmaryland/calendar Please pass along and let me know if you have any questions. Maria (Conchita) Hernandez Legorreta M.A.T. Statewide Vision Low Incidence Specialist for the State of Maryland Doctorate Student at George Washington University METAS Chair: http://metasinternational.org/ Registrese para la Conferencia Cambiando Vidas Guadalajara: https://sites.google.com/view/conferenciacambiandovidasgdl/home

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FW: TVI or TVI/COMS position in Vermont
by ebell＠pdrib.com 08 Mar '19

08 Mar '19

PLEASE POST TEACHER OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (TVI) OR DUALLY CERTIFIED TVI/Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired announces the availability of a TVI or TVI/COMS position based out of our South Burlington, Vermont office. RESPONSIBILITIES: Itinerant full-time position responsible for vision assessments, Braille instruction, assistive technology, consultation to schools, families and other service providers, Expanded Core Curriculum lessons, and skills related to working with children from birth through high school population with and without additional disabilities. For those who are dually certified as a TVI/COMS this would also include O&M lessons to children. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's or Master's Degree as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. For those dually certified, then an ACVREP certification is also required. Both the Vermont state teaching license and ACVREP certification can be acquired upon employment. BONUSES: * $1,000 in moving expenses with receipts * $2,000 bonus for staying through the second year * $1,000 bonus for staying through the third year * $450 annually toward professional development opportunities * $175 annually toward professional dues * Office space * Laptop, iPad and printer are provided * Mileage reimbursement * Secretarial support * Mentoring from peers and Director knowledgeable about blindness * BC/BS, dental and other benefits. * Drivers provided for employees with visual impairments. * Possibility of this being a paid student teaching position will be considered. * Beautiful and safe state to live in! Send your resume, 3 letters of reference, copy of certification(s) and transcripts to: Stephanie Bissonette Director of Children Services, Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation & Mobility Instructor for the Vermont Association f/t Blind & VI 60 Kimball Ave. South Burlington, VT 05403 800-639-5861 ext. 225 802-863-1481 (fax) <mailto:sbissonette at vabvi.org> sbissonette at vabvi.org Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> 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: Bissonette, Stephanie L <sbissonette at vabvi.org> Sent: Friday, March 08, 2019 10:05 AM To: ebell at latech.edu Subject: TVI or TVI/COMS position in Vermont Hi Dr. Bell, I hope all is well at LA Tech. Given that I only have 1 TVI interview lined up this month and my efforts to advertise via the college recruitment sites have yielded no responses I am hoping you will forward this email and attachment to your TVI students. We have increased our bonuses to help graduates pay for their tuition, as stated in the attachment. We are also open to paying a student teacher, assuming we do not fill the position. THANK YOU! Stephanie Bissonette Director of Children Services, TVI and COMS Vermont Association f/t Blind & VI 60 Kimball Ave. South Burlington, VT 05403 800-639-5861 ext. 225 <mailto:sbissonette at vabvi.org> sbissonette at vabvi.org Fax: 802-863-1481 Have a great day "People support what they help to create." NPTA STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may include privileged or otherwise confidential information. Any unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, use, disclosure or distribution is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you received this message in error, or have reason to believe you are not the intended recipient, please return the e-mail to the sender, or call 802-863-1358 and delete any copies of this message immediately. Any inadvertent disclosure of this communication shall not compromise the confidential nature of the communication.

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International Volunteer Training Opportunity
by ebell＠pdrib.com 08 Mar '19

08 Mar '19

Hello, FYI, see the announcement below. I am working with this person and can affirm that this is a worthy cause and a great opportunity for someone who has the time and flexibility and who wants to spend the summer working with kids in another country. I Can answer some limited questions for anyone who is interested. **** Empowerment Through Integration (ETI) is a 501(c)3 certified non-profit that is changing the narrative surrounding disability both for blind and sighted youth. We create integrated, supportive spaces with life skills training, emotional support, and community service opportunities. Through these integrated spaces, they are able to break down internal and external barriers surrounding views on ability in order to create positive change in society. Our ultimate goal is to enable society to understand that inclusion of all is a value for all. ETI is currently looking for Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists or TVI (Teachers of the Vision Impaired) to volunteer as Curriculum Developer and Instructor for ETI Empowerment Programs executed in Lebanon. Volunteer Curriculum Developer and Instructor will be responsible for the design and organization of our specialized Life Skills Programs? curricula as well as leading the training of ETI?s team in Lebanon during the summer of 2019. Volunteer Curriculum Developer and Instructor will be required to travel to Lebanon to train our team of eager, hard-working ETI volunteers on the ground as well as implement our Life Skills Intensive program in Lebanon. RESPONSIBILITIES list of 10 items ? Design and revise ETI curricula and training materials associated with Empowerment Programs (EP) for youth with visual impairment, their families and volunteers with the guidance of ETI?s disability committee; ? Lead the training of ETI team in Lebanon (on-site) for the implementation of volunteer training program, life skills programs and family workshop in the summer of 2019; ? Collaborate with ETI Lebanon team members with localizing and tailoring EP curricula according to local socio-cultural context and participants? needs; ? Create and implement biweekly online training sessions of ETI life skills trainers associated with best life skills practices and updated curriculum materials; ? Support local ETI life skills trainers? in determining each participants? capabilities and needs in the areas of Orientation & Mobility (O&M), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Social Literacy and recommend goals and objectives for future programming of individual students; ? Contribute to the composition of inclusive Human-Centric curricula materials for the training of public-school teachers and administrators; ? Assist Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) consultant for the evaluation of programs as needed ? Participate on weekly ETI's team meetings (phone calls, Skype, etc.) ? Check email account daily and respond to emails in a timely manner ? Report to ETI Lebanon Country Director list end POSITION REQUIREMENTS The Volunteer Curriculum Developer and Instructor need to be comfortable working as part of a team, lead development and revision of ETI specialized life skills curricula (starting March 10th and continuing through December 2019), be available for travel to Lebanon to support our summer programs between June 15th and July 31st 2019 (6 weeks) and support the composition of training and advocacy materials about inclusion of people with visual impairment (starting August 1st and continuing through December 2019). Education/Experience Requirements: list of 10 items ? Master?s degree (preferred) or Bachelor?s degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited university which meets the ACVREP 13 core domain areas ? 1-3 years of experience in the field of blindness ? Comprehensive knowledge on the latest trends impacting the blind and low vision community as well as a general understanding of the blindness community ? Demonstrates knowledge of specialized assessment, instruction, interventions, and modifications for individual visually impaired students ? Demonstrates effective skills related to instructing paraprofessionals, other staff, and teachers in the effective use of specialized equipment, communication, and modifications or accommodations for students with visual impairment ? Comprehensive knowledge of characteristics of individuals with vision impairments and other disabilities to include developmental, cognitive and socio-cultural influences ? The ability to recognize and respond to individual student differences ? The ability to work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with volunteers and ETI staff ? Excellent interpersonal skills with attention to detail, ability to prioritize and meet deadlines, and ability to handle confidential material ? Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks list end Graduate degrees in Orientation & Mobility (O&M), or dual certification O&M and TVI, with (2-year minimum) experience in program development (including O&M) for blind youth, and experience working with volunteers and teaching abroad are strongly preferred. TO APPLY Interested candidates should submit a resume to ETI USA Program Director, Anna Barbosa, at abarbosa at etivision.org ETI will cover the costs associated with housing and airfare (roundtrip) for the duration of the program in the summer of 2019 (6 weeks). Volunteer will be responsible for costs associated with transportation on the ground, meals and personal expenses. For more information about ETI Empowerment Programs, please refer to our website www.etivision.org and/or our social media at @ETIntegration Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu 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: Anna Barbosa <abarbosa at etivision.org> Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2019 10:44 PM To: Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com> Subject: meeting and call for volunteers Hi Edward! How have you been? I hope all is well and that you are having a great beginning of 2019. Our NGO ETI will have a some new activities in the summer and a new project in collaboration with a German Group in Lebanon throughout the year, and I would like to know if it would be possible to set up a meeting with you for sometime next week so I can inform you about these projects and we can talk about how we might be able to collaborate in 2019. In this regard, would you have any availability to meet (via Google Hangouts, Skype, or any other platform of your preference)? Also, we are currently recruiting two volunteer Curriculum Writer and Instructors to collaborate with us for the revision and design of our life skills programs and come to Lebanon in the summer of 2019. Would it be possible for you to help us advertise this volunteer position with your network? I have added a pdf document with the position description here. I have also copied and pasted the call for volunteers below. Thank you in advance for your support! I am looking forward to catching up next week! Best regards, Anna Empowerment Through Integration (ETI) is a 501(c)3 certified non-profit that is changing the narrative surrounding disability both for blind and sighted youth. We create integrated, supportive spaces with life skills training, emotional support, and community service opportunities.?Through these integrated spaces, they are able to break down internal and external barriers surrounding views on ability in order to create positive change in society.?Our?ultimate goal is to enable society to understand that inclusion of all is a value for all. ETI is currently looking for Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists or TVI (Teachers of the Vision Impaired) to volunteer as Curriculum Developer and Instructor for ETI Empowerment Programs executed in Lebanon. Volunteer Curriculum Developer and Instructor will be responsible for the design and organization of our specialized Life Skills Programs? curricula as well as leading the training of ETI?s team in Lebanon during the summer of 2019. Volunteer Curriculum Developer and Instructor will be required to travel to Lebanon to train our team of eager, hard-working ETI volunteers on the ground as well as implement our Life Skills Intensive program in Lebanon. RESPONSIBILITIES * Design and revise ETI curricula and training materials associated with Empowerment Programs (EP) for youth with visual impairment, their families and volunteers with the guidance of ETI?s disability committee; * Lead the training of ETI team in Lebanon (on-site) for the implementation of volunteer training program, life skills programs and family workshop in the summer of 2019; * Collaborate with ETI Lebanon team members with localizing and tailoring EP curricula according to local socio-cultural context and participants? needs; * Create and implement biweekly online training sessions of ETI life skills trainers associated with best life skills practices and updated curriculum materials; * Support local ETI life skills trainers? in determining each participants? capabilities and needs in the areas of Orientation & Mobility (O&M), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Social Literacy and recommend goals and objectives for future programming of individual students; * Contribute to the composition of inclusive Human-Centric curricula materials for the training of public-school teachers and administrators; * Assist Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) consultant for the evaluation of programs as needed * Participate on weekly ETI's team meetings (phone calls, Skype, etc) * Check email account daily and respond to emails in a timely manner * Report to ETI Lebanon Country Director POSITION REQUIREMENTS The Volunteer Curriculum Developer and Instructor need to be comfortable working as part of a team, lead development and revision of ETI specialized life skills curricula (starting March 10th and continuing through December 2019), be available for travel to Lebanon to support our summer programs between June 15th and July 31st 2019 (6 weeks) and support the composition of training and advocacy materials about inclusion of people with visual impairment (starting August 1st and continuing through December 2019). Education/Experience Requirements: * Master?s degree (preferred) or Bachelor?s degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited university which meets the ACVREP 13 core domain areas * 1-3 years of experience in the field of blindness * Comprehensive knowledge on the latest trends impacting the blind and low vision community as well as a general understanding of the blindness community * Demonstrates knowledge of specialized assessment, instruction, interventions, and modifications for individual visually impaired students * Demonstrates effective skills related to instructing paraprofessionals, other staff, and teachers in the effective use of specialized equipment, communication, and modifications or accommodations for students with visual impairment * Comprehensive knowledge of characteristics of individuals with vision impairments and other disabilities to include developmental, cognitive and socio-cultural influences * The ability to recognize and respond to individual student differences * The ability to work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with volunteers and ETI staff * Excellent interpersonal skills with attention to detail, ability to prioritize and meet deadlines, and ability to handle confidential material * Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks Graduate degrees in Orientation & Mobility (O&M), or dual certification O&M and TVI, with (2-year minimum) experience in program development (including O&M) for blind youth, and experience working with volunteers and teaching abroad are strongly preferred. TO APPLY Interested candidates should submit a resume to ETI USA Program Director, Anna Barbosa, at abarbosa at etivision.org <mailto:abarbosa at etivision.org> ETI will cover the costs associated with housing and airfare (roundtrip) for the duration of the program in the summer of 2019 (6 weeks). Volunteer will be responsible for costs associated with transportation on the ground, meals and personal expenses. For more information about ETI Empowerment Programs, please refer to our website www.etivision.org <http://www.etivision.org> and/or our social media at @ETIntegration Anna Barbosa ETI USA Program Director Empowerment Through Integration Email: abarbosa at etivision.org <mailto:abarbosa at etivision.org> Phone number (Lebanon): + 961 70 34 59 73 WhatsApp: +1 (915) 307-0924 Website: www.etivision.org <http://www.etivision.org> Facebook: @ETIntegration Instagram: ETI Rafiqi Camp

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Tactile Maps!
by tjpaulding＠gmail.com 07 Mar '19

07 Mar '19

All, I recently ordered a couple of the new San Fran Lighthouse for the Blind TMAPS. Each map was $20. They were very, very basic, no building shapes or any other info except for street names and raised lines for streets. In case you've not heard of this new program, you can find it here. <http://lighthouse-sf.org/tmap/> I also ran across a really interesting automated tactile map generator online. You can either download in an image file to run through a thermoform type machine, or get a file for tactile graphics through an embosser. These maps don't have any street names, or even a designation of north, but they're free and provide shapes and locations of streets and some buildings. You can find those here. <https://touch-mapper.org/en/> Are any of you familiar with other agencies that can create quality tactile maps with street names and lots of detail? I'm totally curious. As a blind O and M, tactile maps are an amazingly great tool to help get the overall layout of an area before working with a student, as well as using as a teaching tool for a student. Thanks, Tim Paulding From: NOMC <nomc-bounces at lists.nbpcb.org> On Behalf Of St. Julien, Michael A Sent: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 2:56 PM To: 'nomc at lists.nbpcb.org' <nomc at lists.nbpcb.org>; 'Rehabilitation Counselor Mailing List' <rehab at nfbnet.org>; 'nfbmo at nfbnet.org' <nfbmo at nfbnet.org>; 'orientationandmobility at lists.blindcanadians.ca' <orientationandmobility at lists.blindcanadians.ca>; 'ncsab_members at ncsab.org' <ncsab_members at ncsab.org>; 'Missouri-L at MoBlind.Org' <Missouri-L at MoBlind.Org> Subject: [Nomc] Position Announcement Rehabilitation Teacher - Kansas City, MO Good Afternoon, Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is currently recruiting for a Rehabilitation Teacher in our Kansas City District Office. For more information regarding the position, please contact the District Supervisor, Rekha Nanchal at 816-889-2850. Michael St.Julien Assistant Deputy Director Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind 573-751-4989 (Office) 573-680-4074 (Cell) 573-751-4984 (Fax) michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov <mailto:michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov> "This communication is being transmitted by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and is confidential, privileged, and intended only for the use of the recipient named above. If you are not the intended recipient, unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender and destroy the material received."

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Position Announcement Rehabilitation Teacher - Kansas City, MO
by Michael.A.StJulien＠dss.mo.gov 06 Mar '19

06 Mar '19

Good Afternoon, Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is currently recruiting for a Rehabilitation Teacher in our Kansas City District Office. For more information regarding the position, please contact the District Supervisor, Rekha Nanchal at 816-889-2850. Michael St.Julien Assistant Deputy Director Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind 573-751-4989 (Office) 573-680-4074 (Cell) 573-751-4984 (Fax) michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov<mailto:michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov> "This communication is being transmitted by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and is confidential, privileged, and intended only for the use of the recipient named above. If you are not the intended recipient, unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender and destroy the material received."

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