January 2026 - NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

FW: Last call to apply for OMSA’s 2026 Pay it Forward Funds!
by jackson.dezman＠gmail.com 27 Jan '26

27 Jan '26

Good morning, I serve on the board of OMSA along with Kristen and Jimmy. Would love to see some applications from NOMC’s come through for these funds this year. The deadline is fast approaching, so please consider applying with your creative ideas! Thanks, Dezman From: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association <oandmassociation(a)136995985.mailchimpapp.com> Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 9:00 AM To: jackson.dezman(a)gmail.com Subject: Last call to apply for OMSA’s 2026 Pay it Forward Funds! <https://mailchi.mp/ac2bbeff2a67/upcoming-ceu-event-essentials-of-being-an-i…> View this email in your browser 2026 OMSA Pay It Forward Funds Supporting special projects to promote O&M For our third year, OMSA is upping the ante and giving away more cash! We have two awards, up to $1000 each, to give away, and we're looking for any individuals or groups who could benefit! Know of a group or individual who is doing something cool in the field and could use a little extra cash to grow their idea? Or, do you yourself have a project in mind you'd like to get off the ground? The more innovative the better! Let OMSA Help! Nominate that co-worker, friend, parent, organization, or even yourself to receive OMSA's Pay It Forward Funds! For example, know someone who'd love to attend a conference but needs help with the registration fees? Or are you a teacher who would love some funding for a cool O&M field trip or activity? Is there someone in your life who's not currently an O&M Instructor or GDMI but would like to learn more about the profession and has a chance to attend an O&M event? Is there a parent who'd love some additional funding to help their kiddo be involved in more community activities? The list is not exhaustive--all are great examples of how OMSA funds can make a difference! <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> Check out OMSA's YouTube page to learn about past winners! Nominate that person or group by submitting a short video clip describing what your nominee would do with a little extra cash! Winners will be selected by the OMSA Membership Committee. How to apply: -Eligible activities are those that promote and support the field of O&M -Upload a video clip (no longer than 2 minutes) describing how the funds will be spent, along with a short application here: <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> OMSA Pay it Forward 2026 Nomination Form -An <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> OMSA Media Consent form for everyone who appears in your video must also be submitted Who can apply/be nominated: -Any OMSA member may submit a nomination (however current OMSA Board or Committee Members will not be eligible to nominate or be nominated for this award) -The recipient does NOT need to be a current OMSA member, or even an O&M Instructor Important Dates: -Applications will be accepted until 5 pm Eastern 1/31/2026. Only full applications will be considered (video, application, and media consent forms). No applications submitted after this deadline will be considered -The applicant will be notified by 4/1/26 with an OMSA invoice for funds to be appropriately dispersed to the winner -Winner will be asked to submit a subsequent video by the following April (4/1/27), demonstrating the results of their project, which will then be posted via email blast, YouTube, and Facebook The following rubric will be utilized by each member of the committee to score each submission: OMSA Pay it Forward Scoring Rubric 1. How well does the application meet the goals and intent of the Pay it Forward Fund? Score 1-7 2. How innovative is the proposed activity? Score 1-7 3. How much does this project benefit the actual recipient(s) of the funds? Score 1-7 4. How impactful will this be to enhance, promote, and encourage professionals in the O&M field? Score 1-7 5. How impactful might this project be regarding the perceptions of the general public towards people who are blind and promote knowledge of O&M? Score 1-7 6. What’s the potential of this project to promote OMSA membership? Score 1-7 7. What is the potential of this project to encourage OMSA members to actively participate in OMSA events and committees? Score 1-7 <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> Copyright © 2026 Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association 10010 Winegar Rd Laingsburg, MI 48848-9326 <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/vcard?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&id=e8f…> Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/profile?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&id=e…> update your preferences or <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> unsubscribe from this list. <https://login.mailchimp.com/signup/email-referral/?aid=9235a212875cf5792e92…>

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Now Hiring: Nonvisual Skills Instructor – Access Technology Tucson Campus Saavi Services for the Blind
by Joanne Williams 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Now Hiring: Nonvisual Skills Instructor – Access Technology Please forward to anyone you think may be a good fit for this position! Saavi Services for the Blind is seeking a knowledgeable, mission-driven professional to join our team as a Nonvisual Skills Instructor – Access Technology. This position plays a key role in empowering blind adults and youth to gain confidence, independence, and high expectations through mastery of nonvisual access technology and foundational blindness skills. Saavi Services for the Blind delivers nationally recognized training rooted in Structured Discovery and a positive philosophy of blindness. This position offers an opportunity to support life-changing instruction in a dynamic, student-centered environment. Position Overview Based in Tucson, the Nonvisual Skills Instructor – Access Technology provides one-on-one and small-group instruction in screen readers, braille displays, OCR tools, note-taking devices, and mobile access technology. The instructor also supports additional nonvisual skill areas including braille, daily living skills, cane travel reinforcement, and job readiness training. Instruction takes place both inside the training center and in the community, with an emphasis on real-world application, strong problem-solving, and high expectations for students of all ages. All work is grounded in Structured Discovery, strong nonvisual skills, and a positive philosophy of blindness. Key Responsibilities * Teach access technology using screen readers, braille displays, OCR, and braille note-takers on commonly used desktop and mobile operating systems. * Provide instruction using industry standard applications such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, web-based apps and email clients. * Conduct home-based training and community workshops as needed. * Recommend technology and equipment that support the student’s employment goals. * Provide instruction in additional nonvisual skill areas as assigned (Braille, O&M, ILS, job readiness, academics) * Maintain case notes, progress reports, and monthly documentation * Reinforce strong cane travel and nonvisual problem-solving skills * Assist students in community activities and encourage age-appropriate social development Qualifications * Associate’s degree in Education, Human Services, Computer-related field, or similar * Minimum five years’ experience using access technology in academic or workplace settings * Minimum two years teaching blind adults * Proficiency with JAWS, NVDA, ZoomText/Fusion, OCR, screen magnification, and braille devices * Strong ability to troubleshoot access technology and computer systems * Structured Discovery training preferred * Certification (NBPCB or ACVREP) OR a related blindness rehabilitation degree OR 3+ years teaching blind individuals using Structured Discovery Compensation & Professional Development Salary Range: $50,000–$60,000 annually, depending on experience SAAVI offers health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer match; generous vacation and flexible holidays; and ongoing professional development. Based in Tucson, Arizona — relocation support available. Apply Today If you are passionate about access technology, nonvisual skills training, and empowering blind adults and youth to achieve independence, we encourage you to apply. Submit your résumé and cover letter to: Joanne Williams – jwilliams(a)saavi.us<mailto:jwilliams@saavi.us> Joanne Williams, M.A., NOMC, NCRTB Chief Quality Officer SAAVI Services for the Blind 3350 E. Grant Road Tucson, AZ 85716 Office: 520-795-1331 ext. 333 Email: jwilliams(a)saavi.us<mailto:jgabias@saavi.us> Expect more, Achieve more, Become more! www.saavi.us<http://www.saavi.us/>

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Saavi is HIRING! Statewide Children and Youth Services Manager
by Joanne Williams 06 Jan '26

06 Jan '26

Hello everyone, Please forward to anyone you think may be a good fit for this position! Saavi Services for the Blind is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve as our Statewide Children and Youth Services Manager. This role provides statewide leadership for children and youth programming while also coordinating national programs that serve blind students from across the country. Through a strong partnership with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), Saavi Services for the Blind delivers nationally recognized programs that welcome students and families from across the United States. This position offers a rare opportunity to combine local leadership, statewide coordination, and national program delivery. Position Overview Based in Phoenix, the Children and Youth Services Manager oversees after-school, weekend, summer, and transition programming; supervises staff including the Tucson Children and Youth Coordinator; and coordinates Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). The role also supports seasonal and grant-funded programs such as Extended School Year Program (ESY), GENIUS Camp, Ready Set Go (RSG) Transition Summer Camp and serves as a primary point of contact for families, VR counselors, and partners across states. All work is grounded in structured discovery, strong nonvisual skills, and a positive philosophy of blindness. Key Responsibilities * Provide statewide leadership for children and youth services * Supervise and mentor children and youth staff * Lead Phoenix-based youth programming * Oversee Pre-ETS and transition services * Facilitate national programs in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind * Serve as a primary contact for families, partners, and VR counselors * Model strong nonvisual skills, problem-solving, and inclusion * Represent Saavi in professional development and national initiatives Qualifications * Associate's degree in Education or related field, or equivalent experience * Minimum two years' experience in blindness education or rehabilitation * Experience with youth programming and program development preferred * Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development * Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills * Demonstrated positive philosophy of blindness Compensation & Professional Development Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000 annually, depending on experience SAAVI offers health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer match; generous vacation and flexible holidays; and robust professional development, including paid attendance at the National Federation of the Blind National Convention each year. Based in Phoenix, Arizona - relocation stipend available. Apply Today If you are passionate about empowering blind children, leading impactful programs, and working at both a statewide and national level, we encourage you to apply. Submit your résumé and cover letter to: Joanne Williams, jwilliams(a)saavi.us<mailto:jwilliams@saavi.us> All the best, Joanne Williams, M.A., NOMC, NCRTB Chief Quality Officer SAAVI Services for the Blind 3350 E. Grant Road Tucson, AZ 85716 Office: 520-795-1331 ext. 333 Email: jwilliams(a)saavi.us<mailto:jgabias@saavi.us> Expect more, Achieve more, Become more! www.saavi.us<http://www.saavi.us/>

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NOMCT Committee Announces Name Change and Rebrand
by jimorris0116＠gmail.com 02 Jan '26

02 Jan '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share an important update. The National Orientation & Mobility Trainers Committee (NOMCT) has officially changed its name to the Trainers Committee for Structured Discovery (TCSD). This new name reflects the growth and evolution of our committee over the past several years. Our work has expanded to support all the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) certifications-including National Orientation Mobility Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB), and National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind (NCATB). The updated name better represents the unified mission we serve across all certification areas. The Trainers Committee for Structured Discovery (TCSD) is a committee tasked by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) to develop projects, strategic initiatives, and training best practices that support both new and current structured discovery professionals. Our goal is to strengthen professional excellence while promoting the philosophy that blindness is not a barrier to success. In the coming months, we will be announcing new initiatives focused on expanding professional development opportunities, increasing member engagement, and supporting leadership growth across the NBPCB community. We remain committed to providing tools and guidance that help you empower students to live the lives they want. If you have questions, suggestions, or thoughts including ideas for future professional development opportunities please feel free to contact Jimmy Morris, Trainers Committee for Structured Discovery Chair, at <mailto:jimorris0116@gmail.com> jimorris0116(a)gmail.com or 434-547-2720. We look forward to continuing this work together and making a meaningful impact. Warm regards, Trainers Committee for Structured Discovery (TCSD)

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