February 2021 - NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

Article Beyone City Sidewalks
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 20 Aug '24

20 Aug '24

Hello Everyone, I have attached several articles that may be of interest to some of you. If you have some articles that you feel may be of benefit to us, please attach it and send it out. Jeff

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Fwd: VRCBVI Virtual Trainings - March / April - 4
by becky.keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 25 Feb '21

25 Feb '21

Hey there good people!! Just passing along information regarding FREE virtual trainings for students, clients, professionals, or anyone interested from the blindness community. All are welcome! We're even starting to get people from across the pond!!? Miss you all and hope everything is going well in your neck of the woods. Take care, *Becky Keller, MA, 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* [image: VRCBVI logo (small).jpg] *VRCBVI is pleased to offer virtual training opportunities through March and April, 2021!* *Like our prior trainings, we will be using Zoom as our virtual platform. If any accommodations are needed, please contact Amy Phelps (amy.phelps at dbvi.virginia.gov <amy.phelps at dbvi.virginia.gov>) no later than fourteen days in advance of the training. And if you have any questions about the registration process or virtual training sessions, please contact Greg Chittum at 804-371-3204 or greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov <greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov>. Finally, we offer certificates of participation to individuals who need to maintain professional certification. If you would like a certificate for a training you attend, please email brooke.rogers at dbvi.virginia.gov <brooke.rogers at dbvi.virginia.gov> with the title of the presentation, the beginning and ending codes, and the certification you are maintaining. * *Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision ImpairedVirtual Trainings - March / April, 2021 Mondays and Wednesdays * *March 1 to April 28* *Please note that no trainings are scheduled for March 29 and 31* *Monday, March 1* - 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *The 2 Steps to Living a Healthy Life* A new year means new beginnings. Make 2021 the year you begin living your best life by living a healthy life. Learn how to prevent and treat chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes with a healthy lifestyle, including accessible resources that can help you on your journey. *Presenter *? Kim Ladd, Diabetes and Health Educator *Wednesday, March 3* - 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *Planning to Be Your Own Boss: What to Think About When You?re Thinking About Starting a Business* Lots of folks dream of creating a business, but many aren?t sure how to do it. We?ll explore the basics about how to get started?including how to decide what business you want to go into, how to get practical advice, and how to develop a business plan. *Presenters*? Joanne Wiggins, Adult Basic Education Instructor, and Kris Foley, VRCBVI Case Manager *Monday, March 8 *? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *GPS Apps: The Icing on the Traveler?s Cake* Learn about and explore three fully accessible GPS applications: Microsoft SoundScape, Good Maps Explorer and Lazarillo. Will also discuss the pros and cons of each app and determine when GPS applications would best be used in the travel process. *Presenters *? Mike Fish, Lead Technology Instructor, and Jimmy Morris, Orientation and Mobility Instructor *Wednesday, March 10* ? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *Proper Positioning for Powerful Promotion Potential* In this session, we?ll discuss practical strategies to succeed, and even set yourself up for promotion, in a new job. Believe it or not, the process begins before you get the job and extends beyond a successful interview! *Presenter *? Greg Chittum, Coordinator for Community Engagement *Monday, March 15* ? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *Getting Started In The Kitchen/ Basic, Non-visual Techniques for Preparing Foods* What are some of the fundamental techniques that blind people use every day in their kitchens? In this session, we will demonstrate from our VRCBVI Training Kitchen some of the basic, non-visual techniques that many blind people utilize on a daily basis to safely and effectively prepare meals. How do you measure ingredients non-visually? Or pour liquids? Or use a knife? Join us, as we demonstrate and discuss some of these essential Independent Living Skills. Let's get started! *Presenter*: Dave Fuller, Personal and Home Management Instructor *Wednesday, March 17* ? 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *Conversations About Blindness - The Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired: Who We Are, What We Do, and What Does That Information Mean to You?* In this session, you will hear an overview of the programs available at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired. Staff will describe the classes they teach, and former students will share their stories of how participating in a residential skills of blindness training program transformed their lives and gave them the confidence to pursue their personal and career goals. Spoiler alert: The transformations did not happen as the result of passive osmosis but through hard work, realistic self-assessment, and active participation. Find out if VRCBVI is the right fit for you or your loved one. *Facilitator*: Melody Roane, VRCBVI Director *Monday, March 22* - 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *The Power of Self-belief, Determination, and Taking Ownership* This discussion will delve into the importance behind these key factors for successful adjustment to blindness training. Whether you are learning at a Center-based facility, or in your local or home environment, we will define each area and share insights that will help one work past challenges, and towards personal independence. *Presenter *- Jimmy Morris, Orientation and Mobility Instructor *Wednesday, March 24* ? 1:00 to 2:00 (1 hour) *Braille for Beginners 1 * Have you ever wanted to learn Braille but weren?t quite sure where to start? Do those little dots on a page seem incomprehensible? VRCBVI?s Braille Instructor, Domonique Lawless will introduce you to the letters of the Braille alphabet and teach you your first Braille contractions. What if you don?t have any Braille at your house? No problem! Grab a muffin tin or an egg carton cut in half. Use tennis balls, ping pong balls, or crumpled up paper to make Braille dots. This is a great hands on way to begin learning Braille. *Presenter *? Domonique Lawless, Braille Instructor *Monday, April 5* - 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *Medical Care When You Have Low/No Vision* Do you feel that you are treated differently than a sighted person when receiving medical care? Are you given non-accessible education materials from doctors and hospitals? Are you defined as a "fall-risk" just because you are blind? Join this discussion to share stories and develop strategies to advocate for yourself to receive the medical care that you deserve. *Presenter *? Kim Ladd, Diabetes and Health Educator *Wednesday, April 7* - 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *No Fear Job Descriptions: Make Them Work for You* Job descriptions can be daunting, especially for those of us who can?t walk on water or juggle flaming swords. But they are also treasure troves of information. We?ll explore how to approach them, how to figure them out, and how to use them to help you move forward in your job hunt and career. *Presenter *? Joanne Wiggins, Adult Basic Education Instructor *Monday, April 12* ? 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *JAWS Basics Workshop* Back by popular demand, with a twist! If you are looking for an interactive JAWS training, then this workshop is for you! Prior to the session, on Friday, April 9, a resource containing JAWS commands and a practice activity will be sent to all registered participants. This way, participants will be able to try the practice activity ahead of time and bring their questions, problems and successes to the workshop for Mike to address. Don?t miss this opportunity to improve your JAWS skills! *Presenter *? Mike Villafane, Technology Instructor *Wednesday, April 14 *? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *Using Job Descriptions to Prepare for Interview Questions* As indicated in Joanne Wiggins? description for her presentation April 7, No Fear Job Descriptions: Make Them Work for You, job descriptions are indeed ?treasure troves of information.? In this session, we will pick up where Joanne left off, discussing why and how job descriptions can, and should, be used to prepare for the questions you will likely encounter in interviews. *Presenter *? Greg Chittum, Coordinator for Community Engagement *Monday, April 19* ? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *The Basics of Oven Safety for the Blind and Vision Impaired* In this session, we will be demonstrating and discussing the basic fundamentals of safely operating an oven. Topics will include how to properly set temperatures, how to safely place foods into and take out of a hot oven, how to center dishes onto the oven racks, types of oven gloves, and non-visual techniques for determining when oven foods are properly cooked. *Presenter *- Michael Triplett, Personal and Home Management Instructor *Wednesday, April 21* ? 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *Conversations About Blindness - Do These Pants Make Me Look Fat, What Color Should I Paint the Walls In the Guest Room, and Other Questions Requiring Visual Feedback * Have you ever wondered if someone would tell you whether an outfit looks better on you or on the hanger or if you are getting good, tasteful advice on home decorating ideas? Tune into this session for practical strategies to help you get the visual information you need to present yourself and your home in a positive, attractive light. *Facilitator *? Melody Roane, VRCBVI Director *Monday, April 26 *? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *Inside the Head and Heart of a Travel Instructor* This will be a spirited panel discussion which will include a small group of seasoned veterans from the orientation and mobility field. While hearing about triumphant experiences, rocky challenges, and tough learning opportunities, we hope to discover from our panel what it takes to become a competent, confident, and successful blind or vision impaired traveler. *Presenter *- Becky Keller, Lead Orientation and Mobility Instructor *Wednesday, April 28* ? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *Braille for Beginners 2 * Grab your muffin tins or egg cartons and log on for part two of Braille for Beginners, an interactive intro to the Braille code. We will continue learning the letters of the Braille alphabet and introduce some more contractions. Let?s see if you can make your first sentence in Braille! *Presenter *? Domonique Lawless, Braille Instructor *Use this link to register! <https://www.formrouter.net/forms at VRCB/VirtualTrainingsMarApr2021.html>* -- Greg Chittum Coordinator for Community Engagement Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired 401 Azalea Ave. Richmond, VA 23227 804-371-3204 vrcbvi.org

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Exciting Opportunity: Graduate Programs at Louisiana Tech University
by ebell＠pdrib.com 24 Feb '21

24 Feb '21

New Opportunities for Careers in Rehabilitation of the Blind Scholarships are now available! *** Please note: Louisiana Tech University is waiving the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) requirement for these programs during this calendar year. *** Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) and Structured Discovery Rehabilitation have been demonstrated to be among the most innovative and effective forms of rehabilitation training for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Louisiana Tech University has operated its Orientation and Mobility program on this model successfully for 21 years, with upwards of 95% successful employment and employer satisfaction rates. Scholarships are now available for qualified individuals seeking one of the following degree paths: * Master of Arts in Counseling/Guidance with Concentration in Orientation and Mobility. * Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance with Concentration in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind Why me? * The field of educating and rehabilitating children and adults who are blind is deeply rewarding and life-changing. * The job market is wide open; currently, we receive four times the number of employer requests than we have graduates to provide. * Training occurs on campus in Ruston, Louisiana, and can be completed in as little as one year. * No prior background or experience in blindness is necessary-we'll teach you everything you need to know. * Scholarships are provided on a competitive basis to qualified persons and can cover costs for attending the university. * Scholarships also support travel to conferences, trainings, and field-based experiences at Structured Discovery training programs. Who can Apply? Individuals must already possess a Bachelor's (B.A.) degree from an accredited university, have a grade point average of 2.5 and obtain a minimum of 287 (Verbal and Quantitative) on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE)*. Individuals must also be willing to attend courses on campus in Ruston, Louisiana on a full-time basis. *Note: During the 2021 academic year, the GRE is being waived for otherwise eligible applicants. What's the Catch? * Payback through service is required. Agreement to receive scholarship funding requires commitment for you to work in the field of rehabilitation for two years for each year of scholarship support you obtain. * Scholarships cover at least tuition and fees but may cover living and travel costs as well. * You have to move to Ruston, work hard, study harder, and have the heart to be an O&M or Rehabilitation Teacher of blind persons. Where do I get started? * For program details, visit: <http://www.pdrib.com> www.pdrib.com * Send an email for more information to: <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu or call Edward Bell to discuss your application: 318-257-4554 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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NOMC Call
by ebell＠pdrib.com 24 Feb '21

24 Feb '21

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NOMC call
by ebell＠pdrib.com 24 Feb '21

24 Feb '21

Tuesday, March 2 7:00 p.m Central time. Join Zoom Meeting <https://latech.zoom.us/j/95956071232> https://latech.zoom.us/j/95956071232 Meeting ID: 959 5607 1232 One tap mobile +19294362866,,95956071232# US (New York) +13017158592,,95956071232# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 959 5607 1232 Find your local number: <https://latech.zoom.us/u/acyGE2FxkI> https://latech.zoom.us/u/acyGE2FxkI 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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FW: Vacancy Notice - Orientation Counselor II
by jeff.altman＠nebraska.gov 24 Feb '21

24 Feb '21

This is the actual listing I received, but I wasn't able to figure out how to access the details. So, if you can get to the description, please share it with others. Jeff From: Walling, Briauna <Briauna.Walling at nebraska.gov> Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:13 AM Subject: Vacancy Notice - Orientation Counselor II Hello, The following position is being posted and available for application: Orientation Counselor II - Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Closes - 3/4/2021 For more information, click HERE <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gover…> *if the link doesn't work, copy the link into a different web browser It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess, including your current position. Information contained in a resume will not be considered in lieu of the formal application. AS Personnel will reject your application if it is not complete or if you do not provide the required materials. Please read the job posting and the requirements carefully before you submit your application. Once you submit your application for a job, you cannot modify it for that job, nor re-apply for that job, unless the job is posted again. When you have successfully applied for a job, you will receive an instant confirmation via e-mail. Thank you, Best, Briauna Walling, C.L.S.S.Y.B. HR Generalist | Human Resources Nebraska Department of Administrative Services 1526 K Street, Suite 150 I Lincoln, NE 68508 PHONE 402-405-1072 | FAX 402-742-8361 briauna.walling at nebraska.gov<mailto:briauna.walling at nebraska.gov> Treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically, and creating a culture where the customer is always the priority.

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Job Posting, Omaha Nebraska
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 23 Feb '21

23 Feb '21

Hello Everyone, The Nebraska Commission for the Blind is seeking an Orientation Counselor in our Omaha office. This position is as a "Home Teacher," providing training to agency clients throughout the Omaha District. Please see the listing on the Nebraska State Personnel website. Unfortunately, the posting I received earlier today offered only a link to a relatively inaccessible listing, so you may need to contact our agency's main switch board at (402) 471-2891, and ask for additional information Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB

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Job Posting at Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Manager of Education and Enrichment Programs
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 23 Feb '21

23 Feb '21

Manager of Education and Enrichment Programs Job Title: Manager of Education and Enrichment Programs Supervisor: Chief Program Officer FLSA (Exempt/Nonexempt): Exempt Department: Department of Education and Enrichment Programs Date of Posting: February 2021 Job Summary: The Manager of Education and Enrichment Programs, reporting to the Chief Program Officer, manages all activities and functions associated with the Education and Enrichment Programs at ASB. The Manager is responsible for the operational and administrative work in the planning, development, coordination, implementation, and monitoring and continuous improvement of the programs and ensures that program goals and objectives are accomplished in accordance with established priorities and in alignment with the mission of ASB. Essential Functions: Leadership/Managerial Key Functions: * Manages, supervises, trains, monitors, and evaluates activities and staff for all educational and enrichment programming including: Home Management, Braille, Access Technology, Orientation and Mobility, and Enrichment and Support Programs * Perform bi-annual and annual performance reviews with direct reports * Develops and maintains positive working relationships with service providers from other agencies and organizations * Manages metrics related to program participation, participant goal development and attainment, and additional quantitative and qualitative information as required * Maintains and provides regular reports on outcomes to ASB Leadership Programs/Services Key Functions: * Reviews all content and curriculum for programs and classes * Responsible for review, development, and continuous improvement of programs resulting from participant and student feedback and best practice implementation * Provides processes to assure continuous improvement on programs and classes based on participant and student feedback and adherence to best practices * Assures that all programming is accessible to all program participants and students * Assists in determining program priorities in alignment with strategic plan and development priorities * Oversees the preparation, coordination, and implementation of individualized plans for all ASB participants * Develops and schedules daily operations and coordinates program activities * Monitors participant eligibility and reassessment * Monitors compliance with program requirements set forth by governing agencies and funding sources Training Key Functions: * Ensures individual training and/or licensing requirements for all credential-required staff positions are complete and current * Assists and reviews all curriculum development for training programs to assure alignment with ASB mission and follows best practices * Reviews all support services content and programming * Assures that all Education and Enrichment programs are in alignment with ASB mission, meet the priorities established by ASB leadership, and are presented in the appropriate manner to be accessible to program participants and students of ASB Supervisory Responsibilities: * Yes Qualifications: * A Master's degree in Education, Nonprofit Management, or related field required * Three to five years' experience in public administration or related field preferred * Non-profit experience preferred * Minimum of five (5) - 10 years in proven supervisory and leadership capacity * The ability to work independently with little supervision * Proven experience in provision of excellent customer service concepts * Experience in working in the disability community, healthcare setting, or related field ASB's Person-Centered Focus: We believe all individuals participating in ASB programming should take part in the development of personal goals tailored to how they wish to live and function with the level of vision they possess. Participants should be supported to learn new skills to help achieve their goals based on the best practices instituted and approved by ASB. ASB is an Equal Opportunity Employer: ASB is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring and professional development practices that embrace the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusion in order to build a diverse staff and support a diverse community. How to Apply: To apply to this role, please email your resume and cover letter to Beth Deering, Chief Program Officer, at bdeering at asb.org<mailto:bdeering at asb.org> by March 15, 2021.

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Job Posting at Associated Services for the Blind and V I: Development Coordinator
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 23 Feb '21

23 Feb '21

Development Coordinator Job Title: Development Coordinator Supervisor: Director of Development FLSA (Exempt/Nonexempt): Non-exempt Department: Administration Date of Posting: February 2021 Job Summary: The Development Coordinator is responsible for providing administrative support to Director of Development, who reports to the President/CEO. Essential Functions: * Handle tasks related to donors, such as creating profiles on prospective donors and current contributors * Track philanthropic requests, pledges and contributions and assist with compiling reports on current and prospective donors to be used by the Director of Development * Assist the Director of Development with scheduling meetings either virtual or in-person * Coordinate with Chief Program Officer and other Directors to provide content for the ASB website and ASB social media * Manage and update donor database, respond to queries and assist in acknowledging donor gifts, by phone and in writing * Assist with fundraising events * Prepare mailing materials, such as annual appeals, invitations and newsletters * Protect agency's values by keeping information confidential * Other duties as assigned by the Director of Development Supervisory Responsibilities: * N/A Qualifications: * A Bachelor's Degree, preferably in fundraising, public relations, project management, or related field or three to five years relevant experience * Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills * High energy, outgoing, team player and a passion for ASB's mission is essential * Working mastery of computer programs including: Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel and Sales Force * Documented experience with nonprofit marketing and social media. ASB's Person-Centered Focus: We believe all individuals participating in ASB programming should take part in the development of personal goals tailored to how they wish to live and function with the level of vision they possess. Participants should be supported to learn new skills to help achieve their goals based on the best practices instituted and approved by ASB. ASB is an Equal Opportunity Employer: ASB is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring and professional development practices that embrace the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusion in order to build a diverse staff and support a diverse community. How to Apply: To apply to this role, please email your resume and cover letter to Tara Quinn, Director of Development, at tquinn at asb.org<mailto:tquinn at asb.org>.

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Next NOMC Conference call
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 21 Feb '21

21 Feb '21

Hello Everyone, The next conferencecall is scheduled for March 2nd at 7:00 pm Centeral time. I will be providing the Zoom link for this call in the near future. Adelmo Vigil, President of the NBPCB, and Dr. Bell are planning to join us to discuss some of the changes that will be made to our Code Of Ethics in the near future. They will also be available to answer questions, and also provide some general information regarding the planning of our next O&M Conference at National Convention, which will be remote once again this year. Beyond these things, as always I am looking forward to hearing from each of you regarding the subjects you would like to discuss during our conference call. So, please send me a note regarding anything you would like to discuss. Sincerely, Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB

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