May 2020 - NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

FW: [NCUEB] Braille Writer Shelves, Masks, and More!
by ebell＠pdrib.com 21 May '20

21 May '20

Hello, We have a variety of items for sale that you may be interested in knowing about. The attached PDF has the same text as below but also includes pictures for most items. Let us know if you have any questions! Wooden Over-The-Braillewriter Shelves: These are perfect for placing reading material on top of while allowing full access to a Perkins braillewriter. Contact us to see what colors we currently have and let us know if you would like one with 7.5" height clearance for young children or 10" clearance for older kids and adults. Each shelf is $50. Braille Swing Cells: These demonstrate dot positions in both a full cell and the keys of a braillewriter. Each swing cell is $10. Whittle Pocket Braille Reference Books: Available in either print or interpoint braille. These are 3" x 5" and fit easily in a pocket, backpack, or purse. They contain the code for UEB literary braille. $10 for either print or braille copies. Masks: We have both adult and kid sizes. Contact us for specific color and theme options. Each mask is $10. You can order any of these items by contacting us at braille at nbpcb.org. Profits from all sales go to support blind children's literacy programs. Help us spread the word!

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O&M Job, Birmingham, Alabama
by ebell＠pdrib.com 20 May '20

20 May '20

AIDB is sensitive to the needs of Blind or Low Vision and Deaf or Hard of Hearing and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees that do not impose undue hardship and are not essential functions of the job. POSITION: Orientation and Mobility Specialist ? Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind (Based in Birmingham, AL) ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world?s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program serving individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deafblind and multiply-disabled and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 26,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services literally span a lifetime including five campuses in Talladega, eight regional centers located in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Tuscumbia with programs that range from early and senior intervention, traditional and nontraditional education services in residential and outreach settings and a manufacturing facility that is the state?s largest employer of adults who are blind and deaf. ABOUT OUR LOCATION The Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind is located in downtown Birmingham in the Avondale area ? an area that is gaining acclaim with foodies and artists while boasting a thriving farmer?s market. Visit historic landmarks like Sloss Furnace, Civil Rights Institute, 16th Street Baptist Church, Alabama Theatre and Vulcan along with newer attractions such as Pepper Place, McWane Center and Alabama Adventure. The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is less than 15-minutes from the Center with Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans an easy ride via car, bus or Amtrak. ABOUT THE ROLE The Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind is one of only eight Structured Discovery programs in the United States. Recently established, you would be part of a dynamic team committed to the philosophy that with the proper skills and training, our students can accomplish ? and exceed ? their dreams. Our employees are among the organizations? most valuable assets and resources an, collectively, we share compassion for leveling the playing field for all. Our Mission makes AIDB a unique place to work and opening the doors to opportunity is where it all begins! As the Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind O&M Specialist or Travel Instructor you will focus on students? long/short-term needs grounded in nonvisual instruction; cognitive problem solving; and concerted strategies for clarifying attitudes and raising expectations surrounding blindness. You will prepare lesson plans and instruct students in the development of skills and knowledge which will enable them to travel independently to the highest degree possible. Likewise, you will have the opportunity to share your expertise and student successes internally and externally state- and nation-wide. ABOUT YOU You will be vital to ensuring that AIDB?s culture of inclusion is reinforced and that students feel connected, recognized and proud to be a part of the organization. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS * Must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in Orientation and Mobility or closely-related field ? OR ? Must have successfully completed a Structured Discovery Program and demonstrated knowledge of the Structured Discovery philosophy and how Travel instruction is integrated into core curriculum components. * Must be certified or certifiable in Orientation and Mobility by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) who has established rigorous standards for certifying competent professionals who teach Orientation and Mobility skills using Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) methods and principles. The successful applicant will have earned the designation of National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) within the NBPCB. * Must have demonstrated knowledge of the Structured Discovery philosophy and means by which Orientation and Mobility is integrated as a core programmatic component. POSITION REQUIREMENTS * Must be able to work flexible hours. * Required extensive vicinity and occasional overnight travel. * Must demonstrate competency in BRAILLE by scoring 80% on the AIDB Braille Skills Assessment within the first twelve (12) months of employment. * Must demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff; consumers and their families; program graduates; peer Orientation and Mobility Specialists; advisory groups; and agencies such as the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services along with contemporary Structured Discovery Programs. * Demonstrated maturity, self-motivation, and the ability to exercise sound judgment. * Must possess outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. * Must possess or develop an understanding of cultures and needs of persons who are deaf, blind or deafblind, ensuring all actions and decisions demonstrate a respect for and value of persons with sensory loss. * Upon offer of employment, the ABI/FBI record check must be completed based on the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 pursuant to Act 2002-457. A non-refundable fee of $48.15 is required at the scheduled appointment. Suitable criteria must be confirmed by the Alabama State Department of Education prior to beginning to work. SALARY: $36,140 - $53,274 Scale MR Rank 5A (HS and Structured Discovery Program Completion) $39,250 - $59,530 Scale MR Rank 5B Bachelor?s Degree $41,110 - $62,307 Scale MR Rank 5M Master?s Degree Monthly Payroll (260 Days) Direct deposit is required. This is an exempt position, not subject to overtime or compensatory provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: June 3, 2020 This position is funded by a grant award, funded by revenue generated, necessary for compliance or provides direct service delivery. Apply at www.aidb.org <http://www.aidb.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 <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: Tai Tomasi <tomasi.tai at aidb.org> Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 11:43 AM To: 'Edward Bell' <ebell at pdrib.com> Cc: 'Jessica Edmiston' <edmiston.jessica at aidb.org> Subject: FW: R-3870 Orientation and Mobility Specialist- Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind Dr. Bell: Our job posting for O&M is up. Please distribute widely, and thanks!

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Cane Travel Meeting Thank You!
by becky.keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 20 May '20

20 May '20

Good morning all, I just wanted to send out a huge thank you to everyone on the call last night. We at VRCBVI are incredibly grateful for all of the thoughts, ideas, and suggestions given. I wanted to follow up and find out from you all, who might be willing to serve as a potential informational interview volunteer / role-model, for the teens in our program. I'm thinking that it would be a one or two phone call commitment with the students, at most. Just as a heads up , we are not yet certain of the exact number of participants, so everyone who is able to volunteer may not necessarily be called upon. Please let me know if you can help out though. Also, I've pasted the link below for the "Home Bound for Adventure" Podcast that I believe Denise shared with us last night. If it wasn't Denise, I apologize in advance. I was typing as fast as I could...which apparently wasn't fast enough (smile). Thanks also to Merry-Noel for the additional information that was sent out earlier today. Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, and take care. Thanks again, https://homeboundforadventure.podbean.com/ *Becky Keller, NOMC, COMS* *Lead Orientation and Mobility Instructor* Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired 401 Azalea Avenue <https://maps.google.com/?q=401+Azalea+Avenue+Richmond,+VA+23227+(804&entry=…> Richmond, VA 23227 <https://maps.google.com/?q=401+Azalea+Avenue+Richmond,+VA+23227+(804&entry=…> (804) 371-3093 <(804)%20371-3093> becky.keller at dbvi.virginia.gov Facebook: VDBVI <https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI> Worldwide Web: Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired <http://www.vrcbvi.org/> YouTube: VRCBVI <http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwsqnBw28gUNgMMSkH_eYci37g9XY6Qzd> "Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome." *-Arthur Ashe* **CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE** This message (including any attachments) contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorized to receive for the intended recipient), you may not read, print, retain, use, copy, distribute, or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail, and destroy all copies of the original message (including any attachments).

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Article discussed at tonight’s Zoom
by owinm＠yahoo.com 19 May '20

19 May '20

Hello,Here is the article I mentioned at tonight?s Zoom: Teaching Orientation & Mobility to Students with Visual Impairments and Additional Disabilities by Merry-Noel Chamberlain and Denise Mackenstadt https://www.nfb.org/sites/www.nfb.org/files/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr37… Merry-Noel Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Monday, May 18, 2020, 11:44 AM, Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com> wrote:  Zoom- Session 6 Cane Travel and O&M Specialists Tuesday, May 19 at 4:00?6:00 p.m. CDT ? Moderator: Jeff Altman ? Time:? 4:00pm ? 6:00pm (CDT) Pasted below is the zoom participation information for your meeting which begins at 4:00 CDT. After the zoom information I have pasted the list of everyone who is invited to this meeting. ? Ground Rules:? If you are not speaking, please mute yourself for better call quality (Mute button, Star 6, Alt - A on the keyboard, or the bottom left corner of your iPhone). If you wish to speak, please unmute yourself and state your name.? After completing your comments, please re-mute yourself.? It is very difficult to hear everyone clearly if many lines are open at once. Lastly, try your best not to talk over others; brief pauses and silence are OK. ? Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86297509917 Meeting ID: 862 9750 9917 One tap mobile +13017158592,,86297509917# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,86297509917# US (Chicago) Dial by your location ??????? +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) Meeting ID: 862 9750 9917 List of Scheduled Participants Roland???? Allen Jeff?????????? Altman Suzanne? Barfield Martin???? Becerra-Miranda Charles??? Bennett Lawerence ???????? Bowens Ron?????????? Brown Shellford Cantan Merry-Noel??????? Chamberlain Kelly???????? Coleman Caroline Rivera Coon Mark??????? Erickson Aaron ????? Fallon Joanne???? Gabias Michell ?? Gip Quinn????? Haberl Winford? Haynes viktor?????? ivanov Becky?????? Keller Jennifer?? Kennedy Melanie?? Kondziolka Jane????????? Lansaw Duncan?? Larsen Robin?????? Loen Ernesto??? Lucca Denise???? Mackenstadt Wayne???? Marshall John???????? McNabb Monique Melton Jedi?????????? Moerke Jimmy????? Morris Connor??? Mullin Joseph???? Nguyen David?????? Nietfeld Nikki???????? Pearl Justin?????? Salisbury Kellee?????? Sanchez Ben?????????? Schuler Kristen???? Sims Yolanda ? Smith Yadiel ????? Sotomayor Georgie?? Sydnor Scott-Michael??? Tokunaga Benjamin Vercellone Susan?????? Wiggins Antonio?? Wiliams Robert???? Wilkerson Tarik???????? Williams Colin???????? Wong ? ? ? 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? 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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Preparing for our Tuesday afternoon Zoom call
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 18 May '20

18 May '20

Hello Everyone, This is a reminder to please send your suggestions for discussion topics for Tuesday afternoon. One thought I've had to to ask folks where they are obtaining their protective equipment, masks and the like. Also, I want to remind all of you that haven't yet signed on for the 2020 Cane Walk, but want to participate, please let me know that you want to be a part of this event. I look forward to talking with all of you Tuesday. Jeff

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Technology Specialist Job Posting
by ebell＠pdrib.com 18 May '20

18 May '20

Iowa Department for the Blind JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Rehabilitation Technology Specialist Location: Des Moines, Iowa Salary Minimum: $53,580.80 Salary Maximum: $83,075.20 Post Close Date: May 26, 2020. Job Description: This is a courtesy posting for a non-merit position. Please follow instructions in the "To Apply" section for directions on how to apply for this position. The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for a position that will promote IDB's mission, vision and values through providing access technology services to vocational rehabilitation clients including transition age youth. Strong candidates will be adept problem-solvers who can explore to learn new technology, troubleshoot to locate and solve problems, and communicate with clients and employers about challenges and potential solutions. Duties and responsibilities to include the following: Complete worksite assessments and provide workplace support to clients, including transition-age youth during work-based learning experiences, to support the clients in successful employment. Gather data about a client's work site and the technology that the client will use on the job, and determine what is needed to integrate non visual access technology with technologies used at the work site. Research possible solutions to problems involved with integrating non visual access technology into the work site. Test and implement scripts to improve the use of screen access technology with programs used at the work site. Install, test, and configure hardware and software to facilitate operation with speech, refreshable braille, and/or screen enlargement systems. Obtain and review quotes for computers and nonvisual access technology to be used at a work site. Provide on-site training and remote assistance to employers and clients regarding non visual access technology used at the work site. Troubleshoot technical problems at client work-sites involving the integration of nonvisual access technology with other programs, determine what configuration changes, repairs, and/or upgrades may be necessary, and facilitate efforts to implement needed hardware/software acquisitions or configuration changes. Produce written reports and case notes to document the work performed. Design, validate, and implement skills assessments and training curricula to determine a client's ability to use technology and teach all necessary technology skills. Develop and/or modify technology skills assessments to ensure the most accurate results. Based on these assessments, produce written and verbal reports concerning a client's ability to use technology (with or without non visual access software/hardware), the client's need for specialized training, and the configuration of any equipment that the client might require. Develop, maintain and evaluate curricula for effectively teaching nonvisual technology skills using the structured discovery methodology. Travel statewide to provide individualized and group training to Vocational Rehabilitation clients, including transition-age youth, in the use of nonvisual access and mainstream technologies. Monitor client progress during such training, produce written reports and case notes for client files, and provide prompt notification to counselors and/or rehabilitation teachers concerning client progress and impediments to client success. Collaborate with Individualized Education Program teams across the state to provide appropriate Pre-Employment Transition Services to high school students. Assess the skill level of the students and assist in developing training plans to help students meet their immediate and long-term goals. Recommend and assist with the provision of accommodations as appropriate. Arrange for the loan of technology to students and provide training as needed. Serve as a resource to parents, teachers and paraprofessionals as requested. Provide technical assistance and product support to blind or low vision persons using mainstream software with nonvisual access technology. Maintain records and generate reports related to problems encountered or solved and inquiries received. To the maximum extent possible, direct blind or low vision persons to appropriate sources of technical assistance to foster long term independence of these individuals in the area of technology. Maintain lists of nonvisual access technology products and their vendors for blind and low vision technology users. Upon request, provide product information to consumers, family members, employers, IDB staff, and other individuals/organizations. Conduct presentations around the state on nonvisual access technology and its integration with mainstream computer programs, for example, nonvisual access to the Internet. Monitor trends and developments with regard to screen access software/hardware, refreshable Braille displays, screen enlargement software and hardware, and optical character recognition software. Monitor trends and developments in mainstream information technology. Make recommendations concerning the use of these technologies to counselors, teachers, clients, other IDB staff, and other individuals/organizations. Essential functions of this position: Communicate effectively in person, on the phone, and in writing with clients, counselors, and the public. Write clear and thorough reports on training provided or technology evaluated for employers, counselors, educators and other professionals. Communicate technical information in a manner understandable to nontechnical individuals. Travel regularly to clients' worksites, schools and homes. Utilize and teach others to use technology including smartphones, tablets and computers nonvisually without the need for any visual information. Research and teach oneself to use new and updated technology; locating training resources as appropriate. Read and write contracted braille accurately in order to provide training on the use of braille notetakers, braille displays and other braille-related technology. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of non-visual access technologies-including screen access software, screen enlargement technology, refreshable braille displays, braille embossers, tablets, smart phones, and video magnifiers-and make sound recommendations about which technologies should be used for specific situations and under what circumstances. Teach individuals and/or groups how to use specific technologies, and vary the teaching method depending on the learning style that works best for each student. Experience teaching blindness skills preferred. It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment. For further information, contact Helen Stevens, 515-829-7411 or helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us <mailto:helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us> To Apply: Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. Persons who wish to be considered for this position must submit a resume and letter of application to: Helen Stevens Education and Training Director Iowa Department for the Blind 524 4th Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 <mailto:helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us> helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us

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Hand sanitizer
by widearc2000＠gmail.com 13 May '20

13 May '20

Hi folks, Last night on the phone everybody wanted to know where my agency was getting hand sanitizer. I?m not sure that the source is willing to sell out of state but I did promise to get the information and it never hurts to ask. It is with trepidation that I report that my agency is getting hand sanitizer from the sheltered workshops here in Oklahoma. I am as surprised as you are. Anyway, for those of you who really need to hold your nose and call them anyway, here is the contact information. They are charging $50 for a case of 12. Carla Beaves Accounting Clerk NewView Oklahoma cbeaves at newviewoklahoma.org (405)232-4644 ext. 243 Sent from my iPhone

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Richard Hoover
by jackson.dezman＠gmail.com 12 May '20

12 May '20

Hello all, Just thought I might share an interesting interaction I had recently. A few days ago, I went to a new eye doctor. During the course of the appointment, we got to talking about the type of work I do and he mentioned that his mentor had trained under Richard Hoover who of course we know is the father of the long cane technique as we know it today. Hoover of course later went on to become an ophthalmologist and was well known here in the Baltimore area though it being more from the standpoint of the medical model. There is also a clinic here that bears his name called Richard E. Hoover Low Vision Services. The doctor I was seeing also said that every year he attends a Richard Hoover lecture. In any case, just wanted to share this in that this was some common ground the clinician and I found though our interests in Dr. Hoover come from 2 different standpoints. Regards, Dezman

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This Week's Cane Travel Zoom Meeting
by becky.keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 11 May '20

11 May '20

Afternoon everyone, I'm gathering thoughts and suggestions for this week's upcoming cane travel gathering and was hoping for your help. Here's what I have left on our list of topics, please correct me if I am wrong or missing something: 1. What are some helpful and inexpensive GPS apps folks are using along with instruction? 2. Can we help solve some travel concerns that were sparked from the last Presidential release? **I'm a little foggy on the details for this one, does anyone remember the specifics? 3. Jane wishes to discuss a new Federationist / potential Center student from southern Oklahoma 4. Jane would also like to discuss concerns regarding Tulsa's public transportation rule changes, and the differing opinions on flagging down buses along their routes, versus having to stand at the bus stops. If there are any further questions that you wish to be addressed for our list, please let me know ASAP. Also, Jeff if you're up for it, maybe during the roll call each instructor can share one new positive or inovative thing that has come about specifically due to the coronavirus shut down. Thanks in advance everyone for your time. Take care, *Becky Keller, NOMC, COMS* *Lead Orientation and Mobility Instructor* Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired 401 Azalea Avenue <https://maps.google.com/?q=401+Azalea+Avenue+Richmond,+VA+23227+(804&entry=…> Richmond, VA 23227 <https://maps.google.com/?q=401+Azalea+Avenue+Richmond,+VA+23227+(804&entry=…> (804) 371-3093 <(804)%20371-3093> becky.keller at dbvi.virginia.gov Facebook: VDBVI <https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI> Worldwide Web: Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired <http://www.vrcbvi.org/> YouTube: VRCBVI <http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwsqnBw28gUNgMMSkH_eYci37g9XY6Qzd> "Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome." *-Arthur Ashe* **CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE** This message (including any attachments) contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorized to receive for the intended recipient), you may not read, print, retain, use, copy, distribute, or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail, and destroy all copies of the original message (including any attachments).

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Continuing Education Opportunity for an NOMC
by ebell＠pdrib.com 11 May '20

11 May '20

Hello, If one of you or several of you wanted to earn some continuing education points and make a contribution to the body of knowledge, I have a job for you. It was brought to my attention that Wikipedia has a page for Orientation and Mobility. Although it was lasted edited this April, there is no mention of Structured Discovery, NOMC, or any of the history. As I understand Wikipedia, you can go in and edit the page so long as you are putting in factual data. In fact, here is the link to go in order to edit the page. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orientation_and_Mobility <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orientation_and_Mobility&action= edit> &action=edit I am glad to provide you with background information which would make it easier to cut and paste, but this is a pretty good project I don't have time for right now. Let me know if you are interested 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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