July 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

3 3

Job Announcement, Louisiana Tech University
by ebell＠pdrib.com 22 Jul '21

22 Jul '21

Job Announcement Outreach Specialist The Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) at Louisiana Tech University is seeking a full-time Outreach Specialist to join our nationally-recognized organization. The PDRIB fulfills two primary missions: to prepare professionals to work in the field of rehabilitation and education with innovative knowledge about blindness; and to conduct research which clarifies and deepens the 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. The Outreach Specialist reports directly to the Director of PDRIB and is an integral part of our dynamic team. No experience in work with the blind is required as we will provide necessary training preparation for national certification and readiness to provide instruction in the area of cane travel and other blindness skills. Specific job responsibilities include: * Provide direct Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) instruction and other blindness skills to youth and adults on an itinerate basis across Northern Louisiana. * Develop and teach curriculum /training programs to Louisiana Tech students in person and as online courses. * Lead and manage training sessions, conferences, workshops, and other training events. * Write academic/professional manuscripts, including policies, training curriculum, grant proposals, research articles, and marketing materials. * Maintain an active recruitment campaign to attract and educate interested persons across the country in the programs offered at PDRIB. Requirements * B.A. required, (M.A. preferred) * Credentialed with National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB) (One year may be granted for individual to obtain the credential) * Credentialed with National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) (One year may be granted for individual to obtain the credential) * Willingness to travel extensively in-state and some out-of-state * Ability to be self-motivating and self-directing * Excellent verbal and written communication skills * Excellent attention to details * Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking * Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and web-based applications * Willingness to learn new software programs and processes Salary is commensurate with qualifications-compensation includes benefits package. Full-time employment based on a year-to-year contract, reviewed annually, and contingent upon available funding. Please send cover letter and resume to Edward Bell, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness, via electronic mail to: <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> 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 <mailto:flournoy at Jlatech.edu> flournoy at Jlatech.edu 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

1 0

Seeking Board member for OMSA
by jimorris0116＠gmail.com 19 Jul '21

19 Jul '21

Good afternoon to all my NOMC family, My name is Jimmy Morris and as you may know, OMSA was created about three years ago to create a collaboration between NOMC, COMS, and Guide dog trainers. I have been serving on the board for the last year and I honestly believe this group is committed to being inclusive. OMSA is seeking another NOMC to serve on the board. If you are interested in this opportunity, please reach out to me for more details and information. I can be reached by email: jimorris0116 at gmail.com <mailto:jimorris0116 at gmail.com> or call: 434-547-2720. Thanks for your consideration in advance, and I look forward for the opportunity to chat with you. Jimmy L. Morris, MA NOMC

2 1

AFB focus groups for O&M instructors about guide dog travel
by ebell＠pdrib.com 15 Jul '21

15 Jul '21

*** Posted on behalf of Arielle Silverman who is copied above *** She also sends a big thank you to the NOMC who participated in her last research. We are researchers at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), and we are partnering with Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) to learn more about people's experiences related to guide dog travel. We are conducting focus groups with Orientation and Mobility specialists to learn about your work with clients who are exploring guide dog travel, and how guide dog schools can work more closely with O&M specialists in the future. We would like to invite you to participate in a 90-minute focus group over Zoom with two researchers and 4-7 other O&M specialists. In appreciation of your time, you will receive a $20 gift card after the focus group. For more information and to sign up for a focus group time slot, Click this link <https://afb.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_819IeFfamQ58vD8> Do you have questions or need more information? Please email Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum, AFB's director of research, at prosenblum at afb.org <mailto:prosenblum at afb.org> .

1 0

Training Center Manager Position Open in Seattle, WA
by deja.powell＠gmail.com 13 Jul '21

13 Jul '21

Hello NOMC's, I have recently accepted a position as the Youth Services Program Manager for the state of Washington, so my position as training center manager has become open here in Seattle. We need a good, progressive, motivated person to take over this position. Please reach out to me if you have specific questions or would like to learn more about the job. The job posting is below, or can be found at the following link: State of Washington Job Opportunities | Work that Matters (governmentjobs.com) <https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3143171/orientation-…> Application review will begin the week of July 19, 2021. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. It will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. Who we are: The goal of the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) <https://dsb.wa.gov/> is to assist in the stable employment and increased independence of Blind, Deaf Blind and Low Vision participants, many of whom have other disabilities in addition to visual impairment. DSB provides training, counseling, and support to help Washington residents of all ages, who are blind or visually impaired, pursue employment, education, and independent living. What you will be doing: You will be responsible for managing the programs and all participant activity performed by the agency in the Orientation and Training Center (OTC) for residential and commuting students, located in the Seattle area. This position is responsible a multi-disciplinary team of 7 staff; an annual budget of over $1 million. The OTC annually provides assessment, adjustment to blindness, self-advocacy and adaptive skills of living and vocational training services to 60-100 Washington State residents who are blind, low vision or deaf blind in order to fulfill the agency mission of "Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Vitality for individuals with visual disabilities. Duties *Some of what you'll enjoy doing in your job:* *As leadership for the Orientation and Training Center (OTC):* - Manage, grow, and streamline residential program services to promote highest quality adaptive skills training and adjustment to blindness activities which provide agency participants a strong foundation for their job-readiness and vocational goals - Educate and incorporate the agency cultural values within teams - Emphasize and encourage vocational context for all multidisciplinary team staff roles - Establish, review, and revise agency and program procedure - Work to ensure staff continuously review and refine understanding of the subtle contexts of working in field of rehabilitation services for people with disabilities - Fill all staff vacancies in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement, state HR requirements, needs of agency and local team, and agency values for diversity/disability representation among the workforce - Communicate staff performance expectations and conduct performance reviews and evaluations - Resolve and mediate conflict situations *Align agency activities with mission, values and regulations:* - Act within agency mission and values in all interactions - Educate and incorporate the agency cultural values and blindness expertise - Ensure that training program supports needs of adult learners with range of disabilities - Emphasize and encourage vocational context for all multidisciplinary team staff roles *Recruit, recommend for hire, and develop staff:* - Fill all vacancies - Communicate performance expectations and conduct performance reviews and evaluations - Develop clear and feasible performance expectations through PDF and PDP process by providing clear, valid, and data-driven performance measurements and feedback to staff - Develop staff into promotional opportunities and increased skill sets where feasible - Manage change process for teams (communicate, and implement change, addressing staff needs within change process) - Utilize data management reports to monitor and support staff work - Identify performance gaps, and collaborate/communicate with staff to develop a plan to bridge gaps and assess progress and best fit for position - Evaluate and monitor participant service delivery processes by conducting and analyzing case record reviews regularly to assure best practices are utilized, and federal and state regulations are followed - Give individualized recognition and appreciation for exceptional and/or consistently high quality work performance *Manage, grow and streamline program/service provision:* - Provide supports for student scheduling. comprehensive trainings and career experience for approximately 60-100 students annually (residential, commuter, virtual) - Identify and address residential facility needs - Analyze data and reorganize work to manage agency resources - Consider workflow and training student population trends, geography and distance from Center; coordinate available staff in team makeup and organization of work - Analyze spending trends and outcomes to assist teams in best stewardship of state resources - Develop and implement internal outreach strategies within teams to increase student capacity and target awareness in underserved communities - Maintain accurate data for program evaluation and reporting - Assess the effectiveness of the program through on-going surveys and other methods and modify the program as appropriate *Strategic planning and program implementation:* - Implement, track, and revise agency's strategic initiatives ongoing among staff - Utilization of data management reports to understand historical performance trends and identify anomalies and/or changes - Establish and/or revise agency and program policy and procedure - Initiate, manage and guide agency program improvement projects - Communicate agency performance and outcomes with teams, and strategize with teams for continuous performance improvements - Identify resource needs and strategize means for resolving needs - Solicit and integrate participant feedback into improvement processes - Develop systems to promote strong case documentation among staff - Initiate, manage and guide agency program and process improvement projects - Develop systems for internal controls for program processes, to review and analyze data that processes are followed and results are as expected *Documentation and Communications* - Communicate program updates within the teams, and communicate staff needs to management group - Communicate program successes and story of OTC - Document staff performance issues - Maintain supervisory case documentation *Act as mediator for resolution of staff-to-staff or client-to-staff disputes* - Work to resolve all issues at lowest level - Use collaboration and mediation techniques for win-win resolution where possible *Project & Contract Management* - As manager of OTC budget, manage contracts and procurement *Continuous Learning and Skills Refreshment* - Identify new resources and tools that may assist clients in their DSB process - Keep current with trends, events, and laws that affect the VR programs *Develop Agency Resources* - Identify & secure new or alternate resources for customers & services Qualifications *REQUIRED:* Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling, Public or Business Administration, Adult Education, or related field AND Two (2) years of supervisory experience AND Expert knowledge of current adaptive skills of blindness rehabilitation teaching practices *OR* Six (6) years of experience in public administration and/or developing and managing adult educational training programs AND Expert knowledge of current adaptive skills of blindness rehabilitation teaching practices AND Two (2) years of supervisory experience *OR* Any combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years AND Expert knowledge of current adaptive skills of blindness rehabilitation teaching practices AND Two (2) years of supervisory experience **Special Requirement:* - Must pass Criminal Justice Records Check *PREFERRED* - Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Teaching, Public or Business Administration, Adult Education, or related field - Understanding of the culture and expectations of the blind community - Work experience with a range of people with disabilities - Experience in: - Job readiness/vocational training - Adaptive skills and technologies of blindness and low vision - Work within a public Vocational Rehabilitation program - English as a Second Language (ESL) training - Managing distance learning programs - Curriculum development and course scheduling Supplemental Information Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position: - A *letter of interes*t, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting; - A *current resume*, detailing experience, and education; and - A current list of at least *three (3) professional references* with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview) Background Check Notice: Prior to your new appointment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Opportunity for All: The Department of Services for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization. Contact Information: Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs at des.wa.gov. -- *Deja M. Powell, MA, NOMC* Wa. Dept. of Services for the Blind OTC, DIrector Phone: 801.891.3430 Twitter: @slateandstylish Instagram: @SlateandStylishDeja *"Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot." -Breakfast at Tiffany's*

1 0

OMSA Mobility Monday Opportunity
by jimmy.morris＠dbvi.virginia.gov 06 Jul '21

06 Jul '21

Good afternoon to one and all, I would like to cordially invite you all to register to participate in our upcoming OMSA Mobility Monday for July 12, 2021 at 3PM ET or 7PM ET. OMSA will be having a guest speaker From Tappy guide. This technology is going to be very similar to the Ira platform. John Petrous, the owner of the company, wants to introduce his new technology to the O&M field. I would love for some of you to take the time to participate and join in on our conversation. The link to register for the event is below. FYI- It is required to register prior to the event, since this activity is limited to only O&M instructors. There is no fee to join, and you do not need to be a member of OMSA in order to take part in the discussion. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thanks! *OMSA Mobility Monday* Mobility Mondays are scheduled once a month on the second Monday at 3:00PM and 7:00PM Eastern. Join us for Mobility Monday on July 12th. The meeting will last approximately 1 ? hours. Featuring John Petrous John Petrous is the founder and creator of Tappy Guide. Tappy Guide is a smart city technology that helps cities, its transportation systems and businesses become smarter for people with disabilities. Tappy Guide has recently partnered up with Ford Motor Company and the City of Austin, TX to launch a pilot of Tappy Guide <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> . Austin Announces Winners Of City: One Challenge <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> Khan Austin: ?Tappy? app aims to help those with disabilities, needs virtual assistants <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> The seeds for Tappy Guide were planted in 2017 after his sister Ann, who was born blind, had a bad experience while traveling with a ride-sharing service. Tappy Guide allows for people with disabilities to contact a call center where a representative will use the caller?s real-time location and satellite location to safely navigate them to their destination. Tappy Guide is designed to make sure that people with disabilities will always have a solution when navigating unfamiliar surroundings to ensure that both the caller and their loved ones feel safe and comfortable knowing someone is always there to help. Please come learn about how individuals with visual impairments can use Tappy Guide and discuss how this can impact orientation and mobility. The meetings are not limited to OMSA members. The link will be sent after registration closes at noon Eastern on the day of the meeting. Mobility Monday 7/12/21 Registration <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> *Agenda All Times Eastern* *3:00 / 7:00PM *Introductions*3:15 / 7:15PM *John Petrous*4:00 / 8:00PM *Wrap upEmails may not be able to be checked once the meeting begins. If you have registered, but did not receive the link, please check your spam or junk folder. *Jimmy Morris, MA, NOMC * 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) 371-3372 Jimmy.morris 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> -- Commonwealth of Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired Established 1922 ?Celebrating our past and empowering our future?www.vdbvi.org? <http://www.vdbvi.org/> **Notice:**?This email is for the exclusive use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain privileged and confidential information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or duplication of this email is expressly prohibited. If you are not an intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately, delete the email from your computer, and do not copy or disclose it to anyone else. Your receipt of this message is not intended to waive any applicable legal privilege and does not constitute an electronic signature or provide consent to contract electronically. Also, given the nature of electronic mail and its potential to carry computer viruses, the Department of the Blind and Vision Impaired and the sender in no way warrant a virus free transmission. You and your organization should use appropriate means to check this email and any attachments for potential viruses and to prevent their execution.

1 0

Breakout Session Passcode for Cane Travel
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 05 Jul '21

05 Jul '21

Hi everyone, I'm trying to get into the breakout session for cane travel, and it appears to be asking me for a password that I don't have. Can someone please send it to me? Mahalo! Justin Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury he/him/his Phone: 808.797.8606 Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President at Alumni.ECU.edu> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury "Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore." Cesar Chavez

3 2

Zoom links for tomorrow
by widearc2000＠gmail.com 04 Jul '21

04 Jul '21

Are the zoom links for tomorrow out yet? I don?t always get every email sent to the listserv. Can?t figure out why because they don?t go to my junk filter. Since I totally missed dare to be remarkable 2020, I feel like I need to pop in and check every so often to make sure I?m not missing something important. Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 23, 2021, at 7:09 PM, Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com> wrote: > > ? > Registration is now open! > > National Blindness Professionals Certification Board presents: > Contemporary Issues in Rehabilitation and Education > For the Blind > > TWENTIETH ANNUAL REHABILITATION > AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY CONFERENCE > > Held Via Zoom Attendance > > Monday and Tuesday, July 5 & 6 2021 > 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time > > Come and join us! Once again, this year?s conference will be action packed with a variety of new speakers, topics, and hands-on events will be held online via the zoom video conferencing platform. > To maximize the quality of conference participation we are asking that all participants have access to either the desktop Zoom application or the Zoom iPhone app. You do not need an account, but you are encouraged to have at least the free account. > > Presentations and breakouts including: > ? Morning General Sessions filled with thought provoking and inspirational speakers > ? Hear from employed blindness professionals on how they implement Structured Discovery in different teaching areas > ? Learn about teaching to consumers with different backgrounds, characteristics, and intersectionality?s. > ? Learn where to find new material and secrets to running a dynamic philosophy discussion. > ? Share ideas and network in multiple rehabilitation disciplines, including Braille, home management, cane travel, and access technology. > ? Topical workgroup follow up from the 2020 Dare to be Remarkable conference > ? Bring Structured Discovery alive when Face-to-Face is not an option > Schedule: > (Note: all times are Eastern Daylight Time) > 10:00 ?Conference Begins each day > 1:00 - 5:00? Interactive Breakout Sessions > *Including 3:30 - 5:00 pm?Happy Hour Mix and Mingle on July 5th > > > The registration fee for this online conference is $50 for professionals and free for students /consumers and entitles you to all general and breakout sessions, continuing education points, and access to the recorded conference sessions. > Register Here > https://nbpcb.org/members/er.php?eid=434 > > Visit the National Blindness Professionals Certification Board website to learn more about a career in changing lives: > http://www.nbpcb.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 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > NOMC mailing list > NOMC at lists.nbpcb.org > http://lists.nbpcb.org/listinfo.cgi/nomc-nbpcb.org

2 1